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Don't get caught waiting until busy season or year end to get your credits. We have created the perfect opportunity to sneak in a few credits this February and March. The workshops are just 2 hours each, so you won't have to set aside an entire day, and they are priced right!

James Rodriguez, ACE (JT Eaton)
Rodents and Their Senses

Daniel Baldwin, BCE, CP-FS, CFPM (Yum Corporation)
Inspection and reporting integrity: The primary role of the pest prevention professional


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pesticidesafteyWashington Adopts Pesticide Safety Rules
Pesticide safety rules, modeled after federal worker-protection standards, take effect Jan. 13 in Washington
Published:December 14, 2017
By Don Jenkins
Capital Press

New rules for using pesticides, modeled after federal worker-protection standards, will take effect in Washington on Jan. 13.

Agriculture Director Derek Sandison signed the rules Wednesday. They will bring state regulations in line with rules that are being phased in by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The regulations cover such subjects as training applicators, posting safety information, decontaminating workers and providing medical care.

"The worker-protection standards cover a lot of areas," Sandison said in a written statement. "It's critical that agricultural employees learn and understand what's being required to comply and protect their workers and their communities."

The EPA adopted new standards in 2015. Most went effect last year, while more are scheduled to take effect next year. States can adopt more stringent standards, but must at least meet federal rules.
In some ways, the new EPA rules will bring the federal standards to those already followed in Washington, according to WSDA. The state and federal rules will now be essentially identical, according to the department.

WSDA says it will work with growers to understand the new rules and won't enforce them until EPA-approved training materials are available.

The EPA has issued a manual on complying with the regulations.

The new requirements include:
  • Workers must undergo annual training in handling pesticides. Previously, training was required every five years. Also, employers must keep training records for two years.
  • Information about pesticide safety and current applications must be posted for workers to see. The rules provide specific instructions on what must be posted, and when and where.
  • Employers must keep everyone expect trained workers out of the area while pesticides are applied. The areas range from 100 feet to 25 feet depending on the type of equipment used to spray the pesticide.
WSDA received three written comments on the rules. The most extensive comments were from Columbia Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm, and Community To Community Development, a Bellingham-based organization whose stated goals include ending capitalism.

WSDA rejected several proposals by both groups. Columbia Legal Services advocated barring applications within a quarter-mile of housing. Community to Community proposed prohibiting pesticide applications within 1.5 miles of a school or farmworker housing.

WSDA said the proposals were outside the purpose of the rules, which are to protect workers and pesticide applicators. WSDA noted that it investigates pesticides drifting off farms and issues fines.


easternEastern Washington Education

If you are in Eastern Washington, don't miss out on Laurel Hansen's Ant ID Lab in March! 

The Western Washington Labs have sold out, so make sure you reserve your seat today in Spokane.
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P.C.Q.® PRO with the active ingredient, Diphacinone, is a restricted use rodenticide that offers PMPs greater flexibility to control Meadow & Pine Voles, California Ground Squirrels, and Commensal Rodents.
upcomingUPCOMING WSPMA EVENTS

Saturday, January 27
Ant ID (Puyallup)

Monday, February 19
James Rodriquez (Kent)

Saturday, March 10

Monday, March 19
Washington State Pest Management Association |  (360) 709-9309 |  www.WSPMA.com