SearchWhat the rule says
The Worker Protection Standard applies when a pesticide product bearing a label requiring compliance with Part 170 is used in the production of agricultural plants on an agricultural establishment, subject to the regulation's exceptions and conditions.
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Official sources
Important conditions, exceptions, and duties
Coverage triggerSection 170.303(a) states that the regulation applies whenever a pesticide product bearing a label requiring compliance with Part 170 is used in the production of agricultural plants on an agricultural establishment, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c). 40 CFR 170.303(a)
Worker protectionsThe current Part 170 contains requirements addressing worker information, pesticide-safety information, decontamination supplies, restricted-entry intervals, and entry restrictions associated with pesticide applications. 40 CFR 170.301–170.409
Handler protectionsThe current Part 170 separately addresses handler employers, handler training, personal protective equipment, decontamination, and emergency assistance. 40 CFR 170.501–170.509
Records and exceptionsThe regulation includes exceptions and record-retention provisions; the applicable pesticide label and the exact worker or handler role remain controlling facts. 40 CFR 170.311; 170.401–170.411; 170.601–170.609
What this source does not answer
- The federal rule does not classify a particular farm or worker from the general description alone.
- The product label, crop, task, establishment, worker or handler role, and timing must be checked together.
- State, Tribal, and local pesticide requirements are outside this federal-only guide.
What to check next
- Bring the actual pesticide label, crop, application dates, and worker tasks to the responsible pesticide office; compare the coverage and exceptions in 40 CFR 170.303.
- Identify who is a worker and who is a handler before selecting training, entry, protective equipment, decontamination, and emergency-assistance provisions.
- Locate the application information, restricted-entry timing, and records for the specific work being planned.
- Ask which State or Tribal pesticide rules also apply to that establishment and activity.