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Pesticide Worker Safety

Exemption for Crop Advisors under the Worker Protection Standard

Certified or licensed crop advisors are exempt from certain worker protection standard (WPS) provisions including pesticide safety training.

Certified or licensed crop advisors do not have to get WPS pesticide handler training if they have received equivalent information for their certification or license.

When a certified or licensed crop advisor conducts only crop advising tasks (no other handler activities) during the restricted-entry interval, the certified or licensed crop advisor can determine the appropriate PPE to wear instead of wearing the handler PPE required by the label. In addition, the employer of the certified or licensed crop advisor does not have to provide decontamination supplies, emergency assistance or access to the label.

As handlers under the WPS, non-certified crop advisors may enter treated areas during the restricted-entry interval without time limitations if they wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) required on the pesticide labeling and the other protections required for handlers, including decontamination supplies, emergency assistance, monitoring and special instructions for handlers.

Employees of agricultural establishments who perform crop advisor tasks in a treated area within 30 days of the expiration of the restricted-entry interval must receive the same protections as workers under the WPS.

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