Pesticide residues
Pesticide residues may remain on plants, soil, irrigation equipment, tools, clothing, vehicles, and other treated surfaces. Avoid contact and follow all warnings.
Open topic →2Health hazards
Pesticides can cause immediate and long-term health effects. The risk depends on the product, route of exposure, dose, and length of exposure.
Open topic →3Routes of exposure
Pesticides can enter the body through the skin, eyes, mouth, or lungs. Skin contact is a common route of occupational exposure.
Open topic →4Signs and symptoms
Possible symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, eye or skin irritation, weakness, confusion, or trouble breathing. Symptoms vary by pesticide.
Open topic →5First aid
Move away from the exposure when safe, follow label first-aid directions, remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected areas, and seek help promptly.
Open topic →6Emergency medical assistance
When pesticide poisoning or injury is suspected, get medical help quickly. Employers covered by WPS must provide emergency transportation and relevant pesticide information.
Open topic →7Routine decontamination
Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, using tobacco, chewing gum, or using the toilet. Shower after work and put on clean clothes.
Open topic →8Emergency decontamination
Use clean water immediately after exposure. Rinse eyes continuously for at least 15 minutes when pesticide gets in the eyes, unless the label directs otherwise.
Open topic →9Keep pesticides out of the body
Never eat, drink, smoke, use tobacco, or touch your face with contaminated hands. Never take pesticides home or place them in food or drink containers.
Open topic →10Treated areas, REIs, and AEZ directions
Follow directions and signs that tell you to stay out of pesticide-treated areas during restricted-entry intervals and application exclusion zones. The AEZ moves with outdoor application equipment and protects people near an application.
Open topic →11Warning signs and oral warnings
Respect posted signs and oral warnings. They identify treated areas, entry restrictions, and when it is safe to return.
Open topic →12Drift and nearby applications
Stay away from pesticide applications. If spray, mist, dust, or odor moves toward you, leave the area and alert a supervisor.
Open topic →13Work clothing and PPE
Wear clothing and any required personal protective equipment correctly. PPE must fit, be in good condition, and be used as instructed.
Open topic →14Heat illness and PPE
PPE can increase heat stress. Drink water, take required breaks, watch for symptoms, and report heat illness immediately.
Open topic →15Take-home exposure
Remove work shoes and contaminated clothing before entering living areas when possible. Wash work clothes separately from family laundry.
Open topic →16Pesticide safety information
Workers must be able to access required pesticide application and safety information at the central display location.
Open topic →17Safety Data Sheets
Safety Data Sheets provide hazard, first-aid, handling, and emergency information for pesticide products used at the establishment.
Open topic →18Application information
Required records identify the pesticide, treated area, date and time, and restricted-entry interval. Ask where this information is posted.
Open topic →19Early-entry work
Entry during an REI is allowed only under specific exceptions, with required information, time limits, PPE, and protections.
Open topic →20No cleaning application equipment
Workers who are not trained and qualified as handlers must not clean, repair, or adjust pesticide application equipment that may contain residues.
Open topic →21No retaliation
Employers must not intimidate, threaten, punish, or discriminate against a worker for exercising WPS rights or reporting unsafe conditions.
Open topic →22Right to understand
Training and safety information must be delivered in a way workers can understand, using a language and vocabulary appropriate for them.
Open topic →23Ask questions and get help
Stop and ask when instructions are unclear. Contact a qualified trainer, supervisor, health professional, or trusted worker organization when you need help.
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