By Blake Jackson
Pesticide applicators and handlers who use respirators must meet specific safety and testing requirements to protect their health and comply with federal regulations, according to Shane Williams, an Extension Educator at Penn State Extension.
The organization is encouraging pesticide professionals to take advantage of its 2027 Respirator Fit Test Program, which offers fit testing, medical evaluations, and training at locations throughout Pennsylvania.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) incorporates Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) respirator regulations into the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). Anyone handling, assisting with, or applying pesticides must wear a respirator when required by the product label.
Williams noted that knowing when and why to wear a respirator is only part of the process. Users must also complete a medical evaluation, undergo an annual fit test for each type of respirator they use, and receive annual training on proper use and maintenance.
Additional evaluations or testing may be necessary following changes in health, workplace conditions, respirator type, size, or facial characteristics.
Employers and applicators must maintain records documenting these requirements for two years.
The Penn State Extension Respirator Fit Test Program is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Penn State Extension Pesticide Education Program.
A third-party partner administers the fit tests and medical evaluations at scheduled events across the state.
Each event includes a scheduled 30-minute training session to meet the annual training requirements and provide one core pesticide education credit. Fit testing is free, although some host events may charge registration fees or require advance registration.
Participants must arrive in clean-shaven and bring their own respirators and cartridges to qualify for testing. Appointments and walk-ins are generally handled on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to individual event registration requirements.
The 2027 schedule begins February 2, 2027, at the Penn State Crops Conference at Lebanon Valley Expo Center in Lebanon.
Additional opportunities include the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Hershey on February 3–4, 2027, winter tree fruit meetings in Biglerville, Leesport, Northeast, and Wexford, and the Wine & Grape Conference in State College on February 17, 2027.
A final scheduled opportunity will take place March 4, 2027, at the Penn State Produce Grower meeting at Soergel Orchards in Wexford. Respirator training will not be offered at that event.
Event schedules and locations may change. For details about testing opportunities or program requirements, contact Penn State Extension at stw5035@psu.edu or 814-863-9606.
Photo Credit: penn-state-extension
Categories: Pennsylvania, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety