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Floriculture
Importance of IPM: Heavy use of chemicals
can carry high economic, environmental, health and social costs, so IPM
is less reliant on chemical pesticides. However, it is important that
an IPM strategy also take into consideration the economic viability of
the business, the quality and affordability of the crop, and the health
of the people and environment of Massachusetts. The Worker Protection Standard: In 1992, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expanded the farmworker pesticide protection regulations, the Worker Protection Standards (WPS). The WPS contains requirements for training, decontamination, notification, and emergency assistance. It also contains specific information about personal protective equipment and REIs. Horticultural employers who use pesticides and who have one or more employees must comply with all of the provisions of the WPS. Owners of agricultural establishments and members of their immediate family are exempt from some WPS requirements. However, they must observe the appropriate REIs and must use the proper personal protective equipment listed on the pesticide label. Every greenhouse manager should have a copy of the following publications to explain responsibilities and comply with WPS, including the training of employees. See EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/htc.html or contact: Gempler's 1-800-382-8473, www.gemplers.com WPS Reference Guide For Workers: "Protect Yourself from Pesticides Guide for Agricultural Workers." Bilingual (English/Spanish). Also available in seven other foreign language translations For Handlers: "Protect Yourself from Pesticides Guide for Pesticide Handlers." Available in both English and Spanish. Questions pertaining to WPS can be answered by contacting one of the
following individuals: Pesticide Use: It is important for anyone applying pesticides to stay current with laws that govern the use of pesticides and to apply pesticides according to label directions. The following links provide information on worker protection standards (WPS), pesticides, labels, MSDS, applicator licensing, regulations, trainings and use. 2007
- 2008 New England Greenhouse Floriculture Guide General
Pesticide Information:Storage,
Shelf Life, Disposal, Safety Equipment, Respirator, Cholinesterase, Effect
of pH, Licensing, OSHA, Recordkeeping, Formulations/Equipment, Calculations,
Spray Adjuvants, Groundwater Protection, Worker Protection Standard, Cleaning
and Maintaining PPE, Pesticide Safety Training, Notification of Workers,
Greenhouse Entry Restrictions |
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