What safety protocol should be followed if individuals enter the treated area?

When individuals enter a treated area, the most responsible and safe action is to stop the operation until it is deemed safe again. Halting operations ensures the safety of all individuals involved and prevents potential exposure to pesticide residues, which could pose health risks. It is crucial to prioritize safety over continuing with the application process.

While other options may seem plausible, they do not adequately recognize the potential dangers involved. Ignoring individuals could result in serious health consequences, and signaling them to leave may not ensure that they exit the hazard zone quickly enough. Reducing the application rate also does not address the immediate concern of safety in the area where people may be present. Therefore, pausing the operation allows for careful assessment of the situation and helps protect both applicators and bystanders from any risk associated with pesticide exposure.