The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is intended to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from the risks of prolonged pesticide exposure. It was recently updated, and many new standards go into effect on January 2, 2017. This collection will help the agricultural community comply with one of those new rules.
Agricultural workers and pesticide handlers must receive training before they begin work and every 12 months. That training includes information about pesticide residue, the potential health effects of pesticide exposure, and how to avoid bringing pesticide residues home. Trainers must be qualified.*
*What makes a WPS trainer “qualified?” They must meet one of these criteria:
- Hold a current pesticide applicator license
- Complete an EPA-approved Train-the-Trainer (TTT) course
- Become designated as a trainer by the state’s lead agency for regulating pesticides
This collection is a resource for trainers throughout the United States. State-specific rules are not included.
Web-based Training for Trainers of Agricultural Workers and Pesticide Handlers
This web-based course provides the information required to train those who will train agricultural workers and pesticide handlers under the U.S. EPA Worker Protection Standard (WPS). It is self-paced with 12 modules, quizzes and a final exam. The course costs $35.00, and requires 2-3 hours to complete. You must check with your state or tribal pesticide regulatory agency for possible additional requirements (Approval # EPA WPS TTT W/H 00030). This course is also available in Spanish.
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Curriculum for In-Person Delivery of a Train-the-Trainer Course
These are PowerPoint presentations with approximately 166 slides and 12 sections, available in both English and Spanish. When delivered in their entirety, they are each an EPA-approved Train-the-Trainer course for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers (Approval # EPA WPS TTT W/H 00026).
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A Manual for Trainers of Agricultural Workers and Pesticide Handlers
This is a manual with 262 pages. It includes basic principles of the Worker Protection Standard, essential training elements, sample exercises, and a glossary of terms. This manual is also available in Spanish. Purchase printed copies of the manual from NSPEC.
Requirements related to WPS training delivery for workers and handlers:
- Trainers must be qualified*
- Trainers must remain present and answer questions
- Training materials must be EPA-approved
- Training must be delivered in a manner that trainees can understand
- Training must be delivered in a place that’s conducive to learning, and relatively free of distractions
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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.