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PA EPA PROPOSES CHANGES TO WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD FOR AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES
Release Date: 09/19/97
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1997
EPA PROPOSES CHANGES TO WORKER PROTECTION
STANDARD FOR AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES
STANDARD FOR AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES
Responding to requests from workers and growers, EPA is proposing two changes to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for agricultural pesticides: to allow pesticide handlers and field workers entering pesticide-treated areas to wear separable, disposable, glove liners made from absorbent materials under their chemical-resistant gloves; and to delete the requirement that pilots wear chemical-resistant gloves when entering or exiting aircraft used to apply pesticides. EPA has been made aware that in hot and cold weather, unlined chemical-resistant gloves are causing severe discomfort and dermal health problems for agricultural workers. As a result, workers are not always wearing the required chemical-resistant gloves. EPA believes that the risk to workers from not wearing protective gloves is greater than wearing protective gloves with disposable absorbent liners that are regularly replaced. Based on new data from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the Agency also believes that chemical-resistant gloves do not add any appreciable protection against the minimal pesticide residues that pilots encounter around the cockpit of an aircraft. The data show that pesticide residues around the cockpit do not exist or are minimal. All other provisions of the WPS regarding glove liners and chemical-resistant gloves are unaffected by this proposal. The proposed actions are the result of EPA’s continuing commitment to identify and address practical concerns raised by agricultural employers and agricultural workers and handlers. The WPS apply to workers performing hand labor activities in fields treated with pesticides, workers in or on farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses where pesticides are used, and pesticide handlers who mix, load, apply or otherwise handle pesticides. EPA’s proposed actions were published in the Federal Register on Sept. 9. Comments on the proposals must be received by Oct. 9 and should be sent to: Public Response Section, Office of Pesticide Programs (7506C), U.S. EPA, 40l M St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460. Comments may also be submitted electronically: opp-docket@epamail.epa.gov.
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