If a worker or material handler requests a copy of their FPS training credentials, this must be done in writing. There is no standard form or EPA training card. Ask your state if there is official proof of training/model in your state. Agricultural workers and pesticide traders need annual training on women, peace and security if they work in treated areas of a farm and their activities are directly related to agricultural production. This applies to areas where a WPS-labelled pesticide has been used on a farm in the last 30 days or where a prohibition interval (DELAY) has been in place. Currently, certified pesticide applicators and factory-certified consultants are exempt from training WPS workers and handlers. Not every worker trained as a material handler needs to be trained as a worker. The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation for the protection of agricultural workers. It includes requirements for protective equipment, limited entry times after pesticide application, safety training and other elements to prevent pesticide poisoning and injury. Training on Worker Protection Standards (WPS) can be provided by: Employers are responsible for ensuring that untrained workers are trained before entering an area where an entry restriction interval (SSR) has been in place for 30 days. Dog handlers must be trained before performing any handling activity.
There is no grace period for training workers or handlers. The new WPS added training topics on the risk of pesticide exposure for children and pregnant women. Trained workers and thugs know more about how to avoid taking pesticide residues home and how to establish a routine that reduces their own exposure. Employers should consider the following when providing training: Effective January 2, 2017, California regulations were updated with new pesticide safety requirements for employers and workers engaged in the production of agricultural plant raw materials to comply with the recently revised federal WPS. In addition, updates will come into effect on March 1, 2018, expanding pesticide safety training topics for field workers and pesticide distributors and clarifying employer responsibilities. All requirements of the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) are in effect. Agricultural employers must ensure that workers and thugs receive annual pesticide safety training and post pesticide safety information so that it is accessible to workers and thugs during their working hours. EPA-approved pesticide safety training materials are available on the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative website.
Requirements for Submitting Women, Peace and Security Training Presentations (a downloadable PDF document) In California, the California Food and Agricultural Code and Code of Regulations must be followed for the training of field workers and pesticide traders. Additional requirements for early adopters can be found in Chapter 3 of the Compliance Guide. The training must be completed every 12 months, with the clock being at the end of the month in which the training was conducted. EPA-approved WPS training materials bear an EPA approval number and an EPO statement of approval for WPS training. This approval or publication number must appear on the training protocol. Also in June 2020, the EPA issued guidance on annual pesticide safety training requirements, set out in the Agricultural Workers Protection Standard (WPS), which provide flexibility during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Read it here. The following are exceptions to the WPS requirements Individuals who currently hold a valid private applicator certification or who are certified as commercial applicators in Category 1, 3 or 10, or individuals who have met EPA-approved “train-the-trainer” requirements, may train thugs and/or workers. NOTE: It is recommended that trainers review training materials annually. Regardless of pesticide safety training, employers must direct workers and handlers where to find: EPA WPS safety signs (or equivalent), application information, safety data sheets (SDSs) and decontamination accessories.
