Some of the most highly toxic pesticides are marked with a skull-and- crossbones symbol on the front label. It is required for products classified “highly toxic” for short-term exposures by mouth, skin, or lungs. It is also required when unlisted ingredients like methanol are present, which is known to cause blindness.
Anytime a handler is performing handler activities with a pesticide marked with a skull-and-crossbones symbol on the front label, the handler employer must monitor the employee every two hours, or more frequently. This can be done either through visual monitoring or by voice communication. Text messages do not suffice. Contact must be visual or by voice.
This requirement applies to handlers working with a pesticide marked with a skull-and-crossbones symbol on the front label and performing any of the following activities:
A handler employer may be an agricultural employer or a commercial pesticide handler employer.
What are my responsibilities as an agricultural employer?
What are my responsibilities as a commercial pesticide handler employer?