WPS Respirator Resources
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Under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) as revised in 2015, there are new requirements for pesticide handlers when product labels require the use of a respirator.
Before handlers can use a respirator, they must receive:
- A medical evaluation by a physician or other licensed health care professional,
- Fit testing with a taste/smell/irritating indicator, or with quantitative measurements, and
- Training about the use, care, and maintenance of the respirator.
WPS Respiratory Protection Guide
Requirements for Employers of Pesticide Handlers
This guide from PERC includes:
- Guidance on selecting respirators based on new/old label language
- Medical evaluation options
- Step-by-step respirator fit-testing procedures
- Respirator cleaning/maintenance guidance
- Frequently asked questions such as, "Can I perform my own fit-test?" and "Are web-based medical evaluations allowed?"
Purchase printed copies of the guide from NPSEC. If you would like to print or download the guide, click here for a high quality version (48 pp, 3.5MB).
This publication is also available in Spanish. For a high quality print version (48 pp, 3.5MB) click here.
This version was revised in October 2017. Click here for a summary of changes.
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Many thanks to the English and Spanish development teams!
The following resources will provide guidance to handler employers, pesticide handlers, and medical professionals.
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- Medical Evaluations Prior to Using a Respirator: What medical professionals need to know - PERC-med (coming soon)
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- Respiratory Protection for Occupational Users of Pesticides - Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension
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- Respirators - Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program
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- Respiratory Protection Infographics - Centers for Disease Control
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- To Beard or not to Beard? That’s a good Question! - Centers for Disease Control
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- Facial Hairstyles and Filtering Facepiece Respirators - Centers for Disease Control
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- Respirator Medical Evaluation - AgriSafe Network
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- Respiratory Health - AgriSafe Network
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- Respirator Fit Testing - AgriSafe Network
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- Respirator Fit Testing Demonstration - North Carolina Agromedicine Institute
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Regulatory Guidance
Browse brief guides about protections for workers and handlers, the AEZ, posting, PPE, exemptions, training, respirators, and more, in English and Spanish.