"EPA Proposes Changing Standards on Pesticides And Farm Workers"

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed stricter requirements to avoid exposure to pesticides on farms, leaving farmers and officials divided about whether they go too far or provide needed protection.

The EPA has proposed to change the Worker Protection Standards related to pesticide handlers and field workers who may be exposed to chemicals. Major provisions include:

-- Requiring handlers and field workers to be trained about pesticides annually instead of every five years.

-- Adding new qualifications to consider a certified trainer.

-- Requiring farmers to keep records of training provided and chemicals sprayed for two years.

-- Requiring posted warning signs if entry to an area needs to be restricted for more than 48 hours after it is applied.

-- Setting a minimum age of 16 to handle pesticides or work in fields where they recently were applied, except on family farms.

-- Requiring employers to provide information and transportation to an emergency facility within 30 minutes of exposure. The rule specifies they don’t have to arrive within 30 minutes."

Megan Hart reports for the Topeka Capital-Journal September 20, 2014.