Read the label carefully before beginning any application of pesticides. Federal law states that it is unlawful for anyone to use any pesticide inconsistent with its label. Violation of labeled pesticide use subjects the user to legal prosecution and possible fine. Labels list the crop or animal for which pesticide use is registered, the pests to be controlled and the dosage rates for application. Any unauthorized deviation from such use is considered inconsistent with the label, misuse, and consequently unlawful. It is unlawful to use or permit the use of any "Restricted Use" pesticide if the applicator is non-certified or not working under the supervision of a certified applicator. It is unlawful to detach, alter, deface, or destroy any labeling required by the Federal law; to use a pesticide after such registration has been canceled by final order or suspended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); to use any pesticide not properly registered with the EPA; or to use any pesticide in such manner as to create unwarranted hazards to mankind, wildlife, fish, birds, or other aspects of the environment.
Follow established safe practices in applying pesticides. Make sure the equipment is calibrated correctly and in satisfactory operating condition. Avoid contamination by applying only at the authorized rates and under conditions that minimize any drifting to nontarget areas or organisms. Observe personal safety hygiene and practices. Observe precisely the time limitations and/or provisions for re-entry into treated areas and the harvesting of produce (See Table 4). Keep a complete and accurate record of your pesticide use.
Pesticide applicators are not only responsible for their own protection but also for the protection of other people, domestic animals, adjoining crops and the environment.
| Table 4. Worker Protection Requirements for Pesticides | |
|---|---|
| General Standard | Requirement |
| Application | No owner or lessee shall permit the application of a pesticide in such a manner as to directly or through drift expose workers or other persons except those knowingly involved in the application. The area being treated must be vacated by unprotected persons. |
| Re-entry time | No owner or lessee shall permit any worker not wearing protective clothing (under 170.2 (d) ) to enter a field treated with pesticides until sprays have dried or dusts have settled, unless exempted from such requirements, or a longer reentry time has been assigned to that pesticide. |
| Time intervals: Pesticides containing the following active ingredients have a reentry time of at least the interval indicated: | |
| Pesticide* | Hours |
| Ethyl parathion | 48 |
| Methyl parathion | 48 |
| Guthion | 24 |
| Demeton | 48 |
| Azodrin | 48 |
| Phosalone | 24 |
| Carbophenothion | 48 |
| Metasystox-R | 48 |
| EPN | 24 |
| Bidrin | 48 |
| Endrin | 48 |
| Ethion | 24 |
| Additional pesticides with time intervals may be added as circumstances warrant such. Check the pesticide label to determine specific instructions on re-entry and other limitations. | |
| Other precautions | |
| Workers should not be permitted to enter treated fields if special circumstances exist which would lead a reasonable man to conclude that such entry would be unsafe. | |
| Timely and appropriate oral and/or posted warnings must be given to workers expected to be working in a field treated or expected to be treated with a pesticide. | |