Building Capacities to Conduct Respirator Fit Testing for Pesticide Applicators

Authors

Michael R. Wierda, Utah State University Extension, KaysvilleFollow
Janet R. Hygnstrom, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Natalie Hoidal, University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesFollow
Thia Walker, Colorado State University Extension, Fort CollinsFollow
Jessica Wilburn, NC Agromedicine InstituteFollow
Robin Tutor Marcom, NC Agromedicine InstituteFollow
Dean Herzfeld, University of Minnesota, St PaulFollow
Kay Sargent, University of Minnesota, MinneapolisFollow
Kerry Richards, National Pesticide Safety Education CenterFollow
Rachel Maccini, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, GoffstownFollow
Candace Bartholomew, UConn ExtensionFollow

Volume

59

Issue

3

DOI

10.34068/joe.59.03.14

Abstract

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.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Wierda, M. R., Hygnstrom, J. R., Hoidal, N., Walker, T., Wilburn, J., Tutor Marcom, R., Herzfeld, D., Sargent, K., Richards, K., Maccini, R., & Bartholomew, C. (2021). Building Capacities to Conduct Respirator Fit Testing for Pesticide Applicators. The Journal of Extension, 59(3), Article 14. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.59.03.14