What Are the EPA Age and Training Rules for Pesticide Handlers?

Pesticide handlers and early entry workers must be at least 18 years old, and handler employers must train handlers within the last 12 months before any handler activity under the EPA Worker Protection Standard (40 CFR 170.309(c), 170.313(c) and 170.501(a)).

Age rule. Agricultural employers must make sure any handler and any early entry worker is at least 18 (40 CFR 170.309(c)). Commercial pesticide handler employers must make sure any handler they employ is at least 18 (40 CFR 170.313(c)).

Handler training. Before a handler performs any handler activity, the handler employer must make sure the handler was trained within the last 12 months. Training must use EPA-approved materials, be presented in a way handlers can understand and be led by a qualified trainer who stays for the full session (40 CFR 170.501(a) and (c)). Certified applicators of restricted use pesticides and qualifying crop advisors are exempt (40 CFR 170.501(b)).

Equipment. Commercial pesticide handler employers must instruct each handler in the safe operation of mixing, loading, transferring or application equipment before use. Before each day of use, the equipment must be inspected for leaks, obstructions and worn or damaged parts, and damaged equipment must be repaired or replaced (40 CFR 170.313(f) and (g)).

Emergency assistance. If a worker or handler may have been exposed to pesticides and needs emergency medical treatment, the agricultural employer must promptly make transportation available to a medical facility. The employer must also give treating staff the safety data sheets, product names, EPA registration numbers and active ingredients, and describe how the pesticide was used (40 CFR 170.309(f)).

Respirators. Handler training topics include the handler employer's duty to make sure handlers who must wear a respirator under the product labeling have received respirator fit testing, training and medical evaluation (40 CFR 170.501(c)(3)). The FAQ on NIOSH-approved respirator requirements explains how respirators are approved. Recent EPA pesticide actions are covered in the news post on EPA's cancellation order for pesticide registrations under FIFRA.

Workers. Farmworker training rules are covered in the FAQ on EPA Worker Protection Standard worker training.