Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    • Environmental Topics
    • Air
    • Bed Bugs
    • Cancer
    • Chemicals, Toxics, and Pesticide
    • Emergency Response
    • Environmental Information by Location
    • Health
    • Land, Waste, and Cleanup
    • Lead
    • Mold
    • Radon
    • Research
    • Science Topics
    • Water Topics
    • A-Z Topic Index
    • Laws & Regulations
    • By Business Sector
    • By Topic
    • Compliance
    • Enforcement
    • Laws and Executive Orders
    • Regulations
    • Report a Violation
    • Environmental Violations
    • Fraud, Waste or Abuse
    • About EPA
    • Our Mission and What We Do
    • Headquarters Offices
    • Regional Offices
    • Labs and Research Centers
    • Planning, Budget, and Results
    • Organization Chart
    • EPA History

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Pesticide Worker Safety

Requirements for Monitoring Pesticide Handlers

Related Information
  • EPA has revised the worker protection standard, learn more.Search EPA Archive

Employers must monitor pesticide handlers when they are handling certain types of pesticides.

Pesticides with Skull and Crossbones

At least once every two hours, someone must check on – by sight or by voice communication – any handler who is handling a pesticide that has a skull and crossbones symbol on its label.

Fumigants in Greenhouses

Someone must maintain constant visual or voice contact with any handler who is applying or otherwise handling a fumigant in a greenhouse. This includes handlers who enter the greenhouse during fumigation to operate ventilation systems, adjust tarps or other coverings used in the fumigation, or check air concentration levels.

The person monitoring the fumigant handler must be trained as a pesticide handler and have immediate access to the personal protective equipment required for applicators by the fumigant labeling.

Pesticide Worker Safety

  • How EPA Protects Workers from Pesticide Risk
  • Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings
  • In Case of Pesticide Poisoning
  • Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS)
  • How to Get Certified as a Pesticide Applicator
  • Pesticide Containers
  • Pesticide Containment Structures
Contact Us About Pesticide Worker Safety
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on May 15, 2025
  • Assistance
  • Spanish
  • Arabic
  • Chinese (simplified)
  • Chinese (traditional)
  • French
  • Haitian Creole
  • Korean
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Tagalog
  • Vietnamese
United States Environmental Protection Agency

Discover.

  • Accessibility Statement
  • Budget & Performance
  • Contracting
  • EPA www Web Snapshot
  • Grants
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Plain Writing
  • Privacy
  • Privacy and Security Notice

Connect.

  • Data
  • Inspector General
  • Jobs
  • Newsroom
  • Regulations.gov
  • Subscribe
  • USA.gov
  • White House

Ask.

  • Contact EPA
  • EPA Disclaimers
  • Hotlines
  • FOIA Requests
  • Frequent Questions
  • Site Feedback

Follow.