Pesticide warning signs: portable traffic cones

Image of orange cones in field posted to warn against pesticide exposure
Place highly visible signs on traffi c cones to alert workers from entering restricted areas. Signs on poles are harder for workers to see.
Photos by Kit Galvin

idea icon Idea...

The nursery manager learned about putting warning signs on traffic cones during a class on Reentry Intervals (REI).

 

A pole stand on the back of the tank trailer holds cones for drop-off and pickup.
A pole stand mounted on the back of the tank trailer holds cones for convenient
drop-off and pickup.
"The REI cones are very visible, easy to carry around, and everyone knows that when they see orange cones with a sign they should stay out of the field…There isn't anything to dislike on the REI orange cones.”
Nursery Manager

 

 

alert iconAlert

Remember, pick up the cones when the REI is over. Workers may start to ignore warning signs if they are left out.

 

 

setup iconSetup & use

  • Attach adhesive warning signs to orange traffic cones.
  • Place cones along the edge of treated areas before applying pesticides. Locations include: entry corners points; roads & pathways; edges within 100 feet of worker housing.
  • Ensure that at least two cones are visible at any point along the edge of the treated area.
  • Pick up cones promptly after the REI is over.

supplies icon Supplies

  • Orange traffic cones (28”H)
  • Lime traffic cones (28”H)
  • Adhesive vinyl WPS warning signs that comply with EPA regulations (16”H x 14”W)

 

Stacked cones stored in shop
Stacked cones stored in shop.
Orange cones for pesticide treated areas, and lime green cones for other hazards.
Right: orange cones for pesticide treated areas
Left: lime green cones for other hazards

 

tips icon Tips

  • Select traffic cones for the durability and stability. Sport cones are too lightweight.
  • Use lime green cones for other temporary hazards like potholes and broken irrigation pipes.
  • Use pole stands and hand carts for moving and storing stacked cones.
  • Attach a pole stand to application equipment or a farm vehicle to transport stacked cones to the field.

 

PERC Worker Protection Standard Guide

Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC) 

Worker Protection Standard

Federal

Washington State (Washington Administrative Code)

Oregon State (Oregon Administrative Rules)

  • OARs 437-004-6000, 170.1 - 170.260 Subdivision W, Worker Protection Standard

  • OAR 170.405 Entry restrictions associated with pesticide application

  • OAR 170.407  Worker entry restrictions after pesticide applications

  • OAR 170.409 Oral and posted notification of worker entry restrictions

Last updated

We hope that you are inspired to use these solutions in your workplace. Did you try one of the practical solutions or develop a new one? We would appreciate hearing about your ideas and experiences.

Thank you and safe pesticide handling,
PNASH

Contact your state agency for more information on WPS regulations. The content of this website is for informational purposes only. It may need modification to fit your needs or it may not be appropriate for your workplace. Safe use of these solutions is your responsibility. The University of Washington and the Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety & Health Center is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the use of the information provided on this website.

PNASH Project 2016-2021 (CDC/NIOSH Cooperative Agreement # U54 OH007544)

Contact us

Project Email:
PractSLN2@uw.edu

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Email: mitchong@uw.edu
206 685.6728