New WPS Glove Requirements for Workers, Handlers, and Pilots

http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/twor.html

"EPA posted the final rule amending the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for glove requirements. The final rule amended the WPS for agricultural pesticides in the following two ways: (1) All agricultural pesticide handlers and early-entry workers covered by the Worker Protection Standard are now permitted to wear separate glove liners beneath chemical-resistant gloves and (2) Agricultural pilots do not have to wear chemical-resistant gloves when entering or exiting aircraft. Handlers and early entry workers may choose whether to wear the liners. The liners may not be longer than the chemical-resistant glove, and they may not extend outside the glove. The liners must be disposed of after 10 hours of use, or whenever the liners become contaminated. Lined or flocked gloves, where the lining is attached to the inside of the chemical-resistant outer glove, remain unacceptable. Regulatory action was taken to reduce the discomfort of unlined chemical resistant gloves, especially during hot or cold periods. Additionally, chemically resistant gloves do not add any appreciable protection against minimal pesticide residues found around the cockpit of an aircraft." To view the final rule, go to the Federal Register website: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2004/September/Day-01/p19923.htm