[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/corn-banner-2.jpg” background_blend=”darken” custom_padding=”||0px|||” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||22%|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/33100_CEPEP-Logo-HC2.png” alt=”CEPEP logo in white” title_text=”33100_CEPEP-Logo-HC(2)” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-17px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Sidebar Nav\/Intro” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”659.6px” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” top_divider_color=”#F15625″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”||24px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_sidebar area=”et_pb_widget_area_12″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_widget=”%91divi_library_shortcode id=%2220159%22%93″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_sidebar][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”squiggle-left” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”3%||22px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_module=”23371″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||11px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Worker Protection Standard<\/a> (WPS) is a federal regulation issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and enforced\u00a0in Colorado by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. WPS applies whenever a pesticide is used in the production of agricultural plants that has an \u201cAgricultural Use Requirements\u201d section on the product label.\u00a0The\u00a0Quick Reference Guide<\/a> to the 2015 WPS offers information on the important changes as well as references to the published regulation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/cepep\/2-regulations\/wps-how-to-comply\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”2015 Quick Reference Guide” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_icon=”1||divi||400″ button_icon_color=”#F15625″ custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.federalregister.gov\/documents\/2015\/11\/02\/2015-25970\/pesticides-agricultural-worker-protection-standard-revisions” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”2015 Complete WPS Rule” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Agricultural Use Requirements” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/wps\/#ag-use” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”64px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”WPS Compliance” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/wps\/#ag-use” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”64px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”How to Comply” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/wps\/#ag-use” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”64px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”WPS Training Requirements” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/wps\/#ag-use” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”64px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#414141″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle – Aligned Left” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_id=”ag-use” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_color_top=”#cecece” border_color_bottom=”#cecece” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”5%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#F15625″ header_2_font_size=”36px” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) provides specific protections for:<\/p>\n If you employ agricultural workers or handlers, own or manage an agricultural establishment, operate a commercial (for-hire) pesticide handling establishment, or work as a crop advisor, review the following guidelines to ensure compliance with the following:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/02\/WPS-Box-e1708916051349.jpg” alt=”Example Agricultural Use Box found in pesticide labels, as is required by WPS regulations” title_text=”WPS Agriculture Use Box” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||12px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” border_width_top=”5px” border_color_top=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Figure 1.<\/strong> Example of an “Agricultural Use” box, commonly found on pesticide labels.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row module_id=”compliance” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle – Aligned Left” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The WPS requires employers to protect two main types of agricultural employees: workers and handlers. Additionally, the WPS includes provisions to safeguard other individuals present during pesticide applications, such as non-worker\/handler employees, family members, customers, government officials, and bystanders.<\/p>\n Most employers who hire individuals for agricultural work must comply with the WPS. However, there are exemptions for owners of agricultural establishments and their immediate family members from certain requirements (see below).<\/span><\/p>\n Non-compliance with the WPS can lead to significant penalties under FIFRA. While specific fines and penalties can vary, it’s crucial to understand that both civil and criminal penalties are possible, especially for knowing violations. For detailed information on potential penalties, refer to the EPA’s enforcement guidelines. <\/span><\/p>\n For comprehensive guidance<\/strong> on complying with the WPS, please consult the EPA’s How to Comply<\/a> manual and WPS website<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n If you have further questions, contact Neal Kittleson at CDA (303-869-9059 or email<\/a>) or CEPEP (970-491-6027 or email<\/a>).<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#1E4D2B” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#1E4D2B” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#1E4D2B” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_level=”h2″ body_ul_item_indent=”30px” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” db_closeable=”on” db_initial_state=”all_closed” border_width_all=”0px” border_color_all=”#1E4D2B” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#cecece” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Agricultural Employers” open=”on” icon_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_icon_color=”#1E4D2B” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_level=”h2″]<\/p>\n If you own, or are responsible for the management or condition any of the following types of businesses\u00a0which use pesticides for the production of agricultural plants, and employ workers or handlers, you must comply with the WPS:<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> If an agricultural establishment hires or contracts agricultural workers through a labor contractor, the establishment is responsible for WPS compliance, not the labor contractor.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Excemptions for Agricultural Owners and Immediate Family Members” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Certain requirements from the WPS are exempted from owners of agricultural establishments and members of their immediate family, including:<\/p>\n Important Considerations:<\/strong><\/p>\n More information on these exemptions can be found in Chapter 6 of the How to Comply<\/a> manual.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Labor Contractors” icon_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_icon_color=”#1E4D2B” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Under the WPS, a labor contractor is a person, other than a commercial pesticide handler, who employs workers or handlers to perform tasks on an agricultural establishment on behalf of an agricultural employer or a commercial pesticide handler employer.<\/p>\n While a labor contractor may be assigned certain WPS responsibilities, such as providing pesticide safety training, the ultimate responsibility for WPS compliance rests with the agricultural employer or commercial pesticide handler employer\u2014not the labor contractor.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Commercial Establishments” icon_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_icon_color=”#1E4D2B” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n If you operate a business where you or your employees apply pesticides used in the production of agricultural plants on any of the establishments listed above, you must comply with the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). For more details on your responsibilities, refer to Chapter 5 of the How to Comply<\/a> manual.<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> If your employees are licensed commercial pesticide applicators, you are not required to provide WPS handler pesticide safety training. However, you must still comply with all other WPS requirements for Commercial Pesticide Handling Establishments.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Crop Advisors” icon_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_icon_color=”#1E4D2B” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#cecece” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n If you operate a business where you or your employees act as crop consultants or crop scouts\u2014assessing pest numbers or damage, pesticide distribution, or the status, condition, or requirements of agricultural plants\u2014you must comply with the WPS.<\/p>\n The WPS does not require a “crop advisor” to have specific certification or training to be recognized as a crop advisor. However, certain WPS exemptions apply only to certified<\/em> crop advisors.<\/p>\n Non-certified crop advisors<\/strong> must be provided with the same WPS protections required for workers or handlers, depending on the tasks they perform. The crop advisor employer\u2014including self-employed crop advisors\u2014is responsible for ensuring compliance with all WPS protections for non-certified crop advisors.<\/p>\n For more information on exemptions and exceptions for crop advisors, refer to\u00a0Chapter 6 of the How to Compl<\/a> manual.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#1E4D2B” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row module_id=”practice” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle – Aligned Left” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”5%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#F15625″ background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To comply with the Federal Worker Protection Standard (WPS), employers must implement specific measures to safeguard agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from pesticide exposure. Key compliance requirements include:<\/p>\n Provide annual pesticide safety training<\/strong> to workers and handlers before they engage in tasks that could expose them to pesticides. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Display pesticide safety information at a central locatio<\/strong>n accessible during work hours. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Supply personal protective equipment (PPE) <\/strong>to handlers and ensure its proper use and maintenance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Provide decontamination supplies<\/strong>, such as water, soap, and towels, for routine washing and emergency decontamination. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Enforce restricted-entry intervals (REIs)<\/strong> by preventing workers from entering treated areas until the specified time has elapsed after pesticide application.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Establish application exclusion zones (AEZs)<\/strong> during pesticide applications to protect workers and others from exposure.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Compliance with these regulations is not only a legal obligation but also essential for protecting the health and safety of agricultural workers and handlers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/03\/Gemplers-keep-out-sign.jpg” alt=”Gempler’s Danger Pesticides Keep Out Sign” title_text=”Gemplers-keep-out-sign” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” border_width_top=”4px” border_color_top=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Figure 2. Gempler’s Danger Pesticide Keep Out<\/em> sign<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#F1F1F1″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F1F1F1″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#F1F1F1″ toggle_level=”h2″ body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_ul_item_indent=”5%” body_ol_item_indent=”5%” body_ul_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_ol_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” db_closeable=”on” db_initial_state=”all_closed” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Information” open=”on” icon_color=”#F1F1F1″ use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_color=”#F1F1F1″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ensuring that your workers are well-informed about pesticide safety is crucial for their protection and to minimize your liability as an employer. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Worker Protection Standard (WPS) mandates several key requirements to safeguard agricultural workers and pesticide handlers:<\/p>\n By adhering to these WPS requirements, you not only comply with federal regulations but also play a vital role in protecting the health and safety of your workers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Protection” icon_color=”#F1F1F1″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_color=”#F1F1F1″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n To ensure the safety of agricultural workers and compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Worker Protection Standard (WPS), employers are required to implement the following measures:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Mitigation” icon_color=”#F1F1F1″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_color=”#F1F1F1″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n To minimize the risk of pesticide exposure and comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Worker Protection Standard (WPS), employers are required to implement the following measures:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row module_id=”training” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle – Aligned Left” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”5%” ol_item_indent=”3%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Under the 2015 revisions to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS), the following requirements were implemented:<\/p>\n The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) training course satisfies the training requirements outlined in the Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act<\/a>, specifically sections 35-10-109 (2)(a) and (2)(b) of the Colorado Revised Statutes, for limited commercial and public applicators who do not possess a Colorado Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license. Non-licensed limited commercial and public applicators are mandated to complete this training within three years prior to any pesticide application. <\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Additional details on this requirement are available in Part 16 of the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Pesticide Applicators’ Act.<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Furthermore, this training program can be utilized to fulfill 2.5 hours of commercial applicator technician training, as stipulated in Part 5 of 8 CCR 1203-2, in theRules and Regulations Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Pesticide Applicators’ Act.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#1E4D2B” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#1E4D2B” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_level=”h2″ body_ul_item_indent=”30px” body_ol_item_indent=”30px” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” db_closeable=”on” db_initial_state=”all_closed” border_width_all=”0px” border_color_all=”#1E4D2B” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#cecece” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Training Protects Employees!” open=”on” icon_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_icon_color=”#1E4D2B” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While training for workers and handlers is the law, it is also the best way to ensure that your workers are not exposed to pesticides. Protect yourself by protecting them.<\/p>\n This web site cannot give you all the information you need to comply with the WPS. Please consult EPA\u2019s <\/strong>How to Comply with WPS<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>WPS website<\/strong><\/a> for full details.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC) is a cooperative agreement between EPA\u2019s Office of Pesticide Program and University of California \u2013 Davis Extension, collaborating with Oregon State University. This site maintains a list of resources for use in training Workers and Handlers. PERC Training Resources.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”When Training is Required” icon_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_icon_color=”#1E4D2B” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n All workers must be trained before working in any field where a WPS-labeled pesticide has been applied within the last 30 days of the REI expiring. Handlers must be trained before any handling tasks. You are not <\/strong>required to conduct pesticide safety training if the worker or handler:<\/p>\n There is no grace period for WPS training!<\/strong><\/p>\n The agricultural employer must ensure that WPS training is completed within the last 12 months before:<\/p>\n Training must be conducted every 12 months, with the \u2018clock ticking\u2019 at the end of the month in which training was provided.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Information for Trainers and Employers” icon_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_icon_color=”#1E4D2B” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The person who conducts worker or handler training must:<\/p>\n Trainers<\/strong> of workers or handlers must<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Employers<\/strong> must comply with the following when providing training:<\/p>\n Training for agricultural workers is required before they enter into treated areas where a WPS-labeled pesticide has been applied in the last 30 days or a REI for such pesticide has been in effect.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Training for All Workers” icon_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_icon_color=”#1E4D2B” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Training for workers must include the following information:<\/p>\n Additional requirements<\/strong> for early-entry workers are found in Chapter 3 of the How To Comply<\/a> Manual.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Training for Pesticide Handlers” icon_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_icon_color=”#1E4D2B” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Handlers must be trained before they do any type of handling work. The following is a review of the key requirements of WPS training for handlers:<\/p>\n In addition to providing the WPS handler training and protections covered in Chapter 2 of the How to Comply Manual, the handler employer must also provide handlers with the information below, in a manner they can understand, before they perform any handler activity.<\/p>\n If the pesticide label requires the handler to wear a respirator, WPS requires:<\/p>\nAgricultural Use Requirements<\/h2>\n
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WPS Compliance<\/h2>\n
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How to Comply with WPS<\/h2>\n
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WPS Training Requirements<\/h2>\n
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