Under Washington's Worker Protection Standard (WPS), which of the
following scenarios most accurately reflects the requirement for posting a
warning sign at a treated area?
A. Warning signs must be posted if the label requires them and the REI is
greater than 4 hours.
B. Warning signs are required for all applications regardless of label
language.
C. Warning signs are only required for greenhouse applications.
D. Warning signs must be posted if the pesticide is classified as restricted
use.
Correct Answer: A - Warning signs must be posted if the label
requires them and the REI is greater than 4 hours.
RATIONALE
Washington WPS aligns with federal WPS: warning signs are required
if the label mandates them and the restricted-entry interval (REI)
exceeds 4 hours. Options B and C are overly broad or incorrect, and D
confuses restricted-use status with posting requirements.
Question 2
A licensed applicator in Washington discovers that a pesticide they are using
has a label statement prohibiting application when wind speeds exceed 10 mph.
The applicator observes wind speeds of 12 mph but decides to proceed because
the target pest is highly susceptible. Which legal principle is most directly
violated?
A. The applicator is protected by the 'customary practice' defense if other
applicators also apply under similar conditions.
B. The applicator has committed a misdemeanor under the Washington
Pesticide Control Act.
C. The applicator's action is permissible because the label is only
Page 2
, advisory.
D. The applicator can avoid liability by documenting the pest
susceptibility.
Correct Answer: B - The applicator has committed a
misdemeanor under the Washington Pesticide Control Act.
RATIONALE
Label directions are legally binding; violating them constitutes a
misdemeanor under Washington law. Options A and D are not valid
defenses, and C is false because labels are not merely advisory.
Question 3
When interpreting a pesticide label's signal word and precautionary statements,
which combination correctly matches the signal word with the corresponding
acute toxicity category and required PPE?
A. DANGER - Category I - minimal PPE required
B. WARNING - Category II - full body protective suit
C. CAUTION - Category III - chemical-resistant gloves and eyewear
D. DANGER - Category I - chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and respirator
as specified
Correct Answer: D - DANGER - Category I - chemical-resistant
suit, gloves, and respirator as specified
RATIONALE
DANGER indicates Category I (highest toxicity) and typically
requires extensive PPE including chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and
often a respirator. Options A, B, and C misrepresent the PPE
requirements for their respective categories.
Question 4
In Washington, which of the following is a key requirement for the proper
disposal of pesticide containers that have been designated as hazardous waste?
Page 3
, A. Triple-rinsing and puncturing containers allows disposal in regular
trash.
B. Containers must be disposed of according to federal, state, and local
regulations, often requiring a licensed hazardous waste facility.
C. Burning containers is acceptable if done in a certified incinerator.
D. Containers can be recycled at any recycling center after rinsing.
Correct Answer: B - Containers must be disposed of according to
federal, state, and local regulations, often requiring a licensed
hazardous waste facility.
RATIONALE
Hazardous waste containers must be disposed of through licensed
facilities per regulations. Triple-rinsed containers may be disposed of
in sanitary landfills if allowed, but hazardous waste requires special
handling. Burning and recycling are generally not acceptable unless
specifically permitted.
Question 5
An applicator is planning to apply a soil fumigant in a field adjacent to a
school. Which of the following buffer zone requirements under Washington
law is most accurate?
A. Buffer zones are only required for aerial applications.
B. Buffer zones must be established based on label directions and may be
increased by WSDA if sensitive sites are nearby.
C. Buffer zones are not required if the application is made on a weekend.
D. Buffer zones are only advisory and can be waived by the applicator.
Correct Answer: B - Buffer zones must be established based on
label directions and may be increased by WSDA if sensitive sites
are nearby.
Page 4