While the EPA proposed changes to the Worker Protection Standards (WPS) Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) requirements were placed on hold in 2020, we still operate under the original 2015 requirements. The AEZ requirement, as part of the WPS, is intended to safeguard agricultural works and persons from pesticide exposure. The AEZ is the area surrounding the pesticide application equipment during a pesticide application, which must be free of all persons other than appropriately trained and equipped handlers.
Think of the AEZ as a bubble that moves with the application equipment. It may have either a 25-ft or 100-ft radius, depending on application type and droplet size produced. A 100-foot AEZ radius in all directions around application equipment is required when making applications aerially, using air blast equipment, applications using as a fumigant, fog smoke or mist, or as a spray when the droplet size is smaller than medium (294 microns). Typically, droplet size will depend on nozzle type and spray pressure. A 25-foot AEZ that extends in all directions is required when the application is not using one of the methods mentioned above, is applied at a height of greater than 12 inches from the planting medium, and has a droplet size of medium or larger. An application that does not fall into either of these categories does not require an AEZ.
The AEZ requirement is NOT limited to the boundaries of the farm or establishment. This applies to any area on or off the agricultural establishment within the AEZ while the application is ongoing. Pesticide applicators must temporarily suspend the application if workers or other people are within the AEZ, whether those people are on- or off-establishment. Agricultural applicators must not allow any person (other than trained and equipped handlers involved in the application) in an AEZ during application regardless of whether the AEZ extends past the boundaries of the agricultural establishment.
Ric Bessin, Extension Entomologist
Kentucky Pest News 