Open AccessBuilding Capacities to Conduct Respirator Fit Testing for Pesticide Applicators
Author(s) -
Michael R. Wierda,
Janet R. Hygnstrom,
Natalie Hoidal,
Thia Walker,
Jessica Wilburn,
Robin Tutor Marcom,
Dean Herzfeld,
Kay Sargent,
Kerry Richards,
Rachel Maccini,
Candace Bartholomew
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of extension
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1077-5315
pISSN - 0022-0140
DOI - 10.34068/joe.59.03.14
Subject(s) - respirator , personal protective equipment , aeronautics , engineering , operations management , computer science , engineering management , covid-19 , medicine , materials science , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , composite material
The 2015 revision of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) mandates requirements for medical evaluation, fit testing, and respirator training when the pesticide label requires a respirator. An ad-hoc group of Extension pesticide safety educators came together to address a lack of training and infrastructure for respirator compliance. In the ensuing years, programs of varied audiences and formats were hosted. Errors and shortcomings were realized, knowledge was gained, and lessons were learned. Those lessons are summarized here with links, resources, and suggestions for the implementation of similar efforts by Extension professionals.