WPS Respirator Resources

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:

1. A medical evaluation by a physician or other licensed health care professional,
2. Fit testing with a taste/smell/irritating indicator, or with quantitative measurements, and
3. 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.

Many thanks to the English and Spanish development teams!

The following resources will provide guidance to handler employers, pesticide handlers, and medical professionals.

• • Pesticide Application in Enclosed Spaces: What to know before you go - PERC

• • Medical Evaluations Prior to Using a Respirator: What medical professionals need to know - PERC-med (coming soon)

• • How to Comply Manual: Handler Employer Requirements - PERC

• • Respiratory Protection for Occupational Users of Pesticides - Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension

• • Respirators - Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program

• • Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Respiratory Protection Standard - OSHA

• • Major Requirements of OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard - OSHA

• • Respiratory Protection Training Videos - OSHA

• • Respiratory Protection Infographics - Centers for Disease Control

• • To Beard or not to Beard? That’s a good Question! - Centers for Disease Control

• • Facial Hairstyles and Filtering Facepiece Respirators - Centers for Disease Control

• • Respirator Medical Evaluation - AgriSafe Network

• • Respiratory Health - AgriSafe Network

• • Respirator Fit Testing - AgriSafe Network

• • Respirator Fit Testing Demonstration - North Carolina Agromedicine Institute

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