It is the ornamental growers’ obligation to comply with government regulations on pesticide use and WPS required by law. It may seem intimidating, but it could also be an educational opportunity for growers and their employees to learn from the inspectors about any new items. A positive attitude from the grower will make the work easier for both sides. Here are some fundamentals to help ornamental growers go through the inspection process smoothly.

Who conducts the inspection: Inspectors from the Bureau of Inspection and Incident Response (BIIR) of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

Why: Such inspections ensure consumer protection, worker safety, and protection of the environment.

When the inspectors come: Inspectors may come with or without an appointment.

What the growers do to have a smooth inspection: Have a designated contact person ready to accompany the inspector.

What the inspectors look at: Compliance with pesticide use and Worker Protection Standards (WPS).

Pesticide use compliance:

• Current pesticide applicator license present and valid
• Pesticides used are registered with EPA & FDACS, and labels are followed (rate, site, timing, PPE)
• Pesticide application records are maintained for 2 years, particularly the date, start and end times of each application on the records.
• Application equipment is clean and in good condition
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) available and used
• If respirators are use, medical evaluation, fit test and training are performed and records are maintain for 2 years
• Fieldworkers are not applying pesticides
• Drift management practices in place
• Proper storage of pesticides (locked, ventilated, labeled)
• Spill kit and emergency procedures available

WPS compliance:

• Central posting station visible and updated
• Pesticide application & safety info posted for 30 days
• Handlers receive handler-specific training
• Workers are informed of REI (Restricted Entry Intervals)
• Workers are trained before entering treated areas, and new workers are trained before the 6th day of work
• Notification oral and/or by posting are done regularly as need
• Decontamination supplies within 1/4 mile of work site
• Emergency medical info posted at worksite
• Safety training are provided within the last 12 months

The information presented here is adopted from the educational materials of FDACS and an EDIS publication #PI158 (https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-pi195-2007).

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