Quantum Units Education®

1. Every pesticide label must display a signal word that gives an indication of the relative acute health hazard. The signal words are: 'Poison' indicates the pesticide is extremely toxic, 'Moderate Warning' indicates moderate toxicity, and 'Low Caution' indicates low toxicity.

2. Regular eye glasses and sunglasses provide adequate protection for the face. They are classified as protective eye ware.

3. To transport pesticides safely you must follow these simple procedures: Do not transport pesticides in the same compartment with a person, food, or animal feed. Transport pesticides in a secure upright position. Tightly close containers to prevent spillage. All containers must be labeled. Service container labeling requires the name and address of the person responsible for the container, the common name of the pesticide and the signal word from the original label.

4. Regulations do not require employers to have a written respiratory protection program at the work place. The program must cover selection, fitting, use, inspection, maintenance and cleaning of respirators.

5. If you handle pesticides with the signal word DANGER or WARNING on the label, your employer must provide you with clean coveralls (a one- or two-piece garment with long-sleeves and long pants) every day these pesticides are used. (This does not apply to those who handle fumigants, unless the label specifically requires use of coveralls.)

6. California regulations require you to be adequately trained before you handle pesticides. Your employer must have a written training program for employees who handle pesticides.

7. Federal and State laws require that pesticides be used according to the requirements on the label. Additionally, the State establishes its own regulations. Always follow the Federal Laws, even if the State laws are more restrictive.

8. Use of engineering controls, are always preferred over the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a respirator, rainsuit, etc.

9. Pesticide labels are the primary source of information on the type of respiratory protection necessary. With this information, a safety equipment supplier will be able to provide the correct respiratory equipment.

10. You must receive training initially and every other year in the need, use, sanitary care, and limitations of the respiratory equipment you may have to use.

11. Employers are responsible for their employees to follow safety rules in regulations and on pesticide labeling.

12. Employers are required to tell employees, only in English, about the pesticides used, pesticide safety hazards, personal protective equipment required, other equipment used, work procedures, and pesticide safety regulations.

13. If you handle pesticides, you must receive adequate training in the use of the pesticides. Training must occur before you receive your first pay period to handle pesticides. Handlers must receive refresher training every other year.

14. You have the right to receive information about pesticides to which you may be exposed. You cannot be fired for exercising your rights.

15. If pesticides are transferred from their original container, the new container must be labeled with the identity of the pesticide, the signal word from the product label and the name of the person or firm responsible.

16. Before applying pesticides, the applicator must notify the person responsible for the property of the application. The notice must include: the time of the application & amount of pesticide used.

17. If you handle pesticides, your employer must post the following in a prominent place: the name, address and telephone number of the physician, clinic or emergency room able to provide care. This information can also be posted in your work vehicle if there is no fixed work site.

18. If you handle pesticides with the signal word "POISON" or "CAUTION", your employer must provide water, soap and towels for routine washing.

19. Your employer must provide a place to wash and change clothing after work, if you regularly handle pesticides that have the signal word "DANGER" or "WARNING."

20. You have the right to look at Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), if available, for each pesticide used. These documents tell you about the pesticides and their dangers.