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California QAL and QAC 10hr Bundle #1

This 10 hour bundle contains 2hrs of law and 8hrs of general training and is designed for the Qualified Applicator License or Certificate holder (QAL or QAC) who have been certified 12-20 months.  All courses are approved by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Please click on course details for a list of specific courses.  A second 10hr bundle is coming soon to provide a complete 20hrs of training.

BUNDLE CONTENTS

Laws

  • Review of Pesticide Laws, Regulations, and Rodenticides – 2 hours

Other – General 

  • General Pesticide Use Safety – 8 hours

 

Review of Pesticide Laws, Regulations, and Rodenticides

Course Description

The source material for this course can be found in Chapter 4: Pesticide and Pest Control Laws and Regulations of Landscape Maintenance Pest Control publication 3493. This continuing education course is specific to California and will teach applicators the federal and state laws for making pesticide applications to landscape, turf, and interiorscape settings. It discusses licensing requirements for Landscape Maintenance and Maintenance Gardener Pest Control categories, as well as how to read a pesticide label.

After taking this portion of the course, learners will:

  • Differentiate between federal and state regulatory agencies and laws.
  • Explain requirements for each license category.
  • Recognize when you are allowed to deviate from a pesticide label.

This portion covers:

  • Pesticide Laws and Regulations
  • Requirements for Landscape Maintenance Pest Control QAC/QAL and Maintenance Gardener Licensing
  • Landscape Maintenance Pest Control Category
  • Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Category
  • Pesticide Labels

Understanding Rodenticides & Their Labels 

Rodenticides are becoming a widely discussed and concerning topic in the pest control field. There is a growing public concern at the risk of secondary and non-target poisonings when rodenticides are used. As a pest control operator is it your responsibility to understand how rodenticides work and how to read their labels. This course discusses the common types of rodenticides, their appropriate application, the risks involved with the use of each type of rodenticide, and takes a look at specific label language.

After taking this portion of the course, learners will:

  • Outline and describe the primary classifications of rodenticides
  • Describe the differences in toxicity and risk between first-generation and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides
  • Describe how to use appropriate baiting techniques and the importance of carcass removal

General Pesticide Use Safety

After completing this course participants will be able to:   

  • Understand the first aid responses to human exposure of pesticides, the hazard level classification system for pesticides, the value and care of PPE (personal protective equipment) for applicators
  • Demonstrate knowledge utilizing the formulations and actual procedural applications for pesticide usage, including product selection and labeling
  • Explain how pesticide applications can affect the environment generally and how to prevent pesticides from specifically entering nontarget areas and leaving accumulated residue, and the basic safety of transporting and disposing of pesticides

This course covers these topics:

Respiratory Protection

Respirators protect workers against insufficient oxygen environments, harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays. These hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment, diseases, or death. Some pesticide labels require the use of a respirator as part of the personal protective equipment. This course outlines the types of respirators available, proper fit, and inspection/maintenance requirements.

Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Response

PPE comprises the clothing and devices you wear to protect your body from contact with pesticides. Wearing PPE can reduce exposure (dermal, inhalation, ocular, or oral) and thereby lower the chances of pesticide injury, illness, or poisoning. It is important that all pesticide applicators and handlers understand the protections and limitations of PPE. Proper PPE selection, use, and care are essential.

Although pesticide accidents and emergencies are rare, they do occur. Pesticides spilled on the ground or burning in a fire can contaminate water, soil, and air; damage plants; injure livestock, wildlife, or pets; and endanger the health of the applicator and emergency responders. Pesticide spills and fires may lead to financial loss due to cleanup, liability claims, and fines assessed by government agencies. Do all that you can to prevent accidents, but be prepared in case of an emergency.

Pesticide Application Procedures

Today’s pest management practices require modern equipment to apply a variety of pesticides. Pesticides may be
applied as sprays, dusts, granules, gases (vapors), fogs, baits, rubs, or dips. The vast array of application equipment must
be matched to the pesticide as well as to the size and type of the job. To make an effective, safe, and efficient application,
read the label first. In addition, you must properly select, operate, calibrate, and maintain your equipment.

Pesticide Formulations

A pesticide formulation is a combination of active and inert ingredients that form an end-use pesticide product. Pesticides are formulated to make them safer or easier to use. There are many formulations available for various pest control sites and situations, and it is important that applicators choose the best one for the job.

Pesticide Hazards and First Aid

Pesticides are designed to be toxic to living organisms so they can control pests (e.g., plants, insects, rodents,
fungi, and bacteria). At the same time, pesticides must be used with special care to avoid harming nontarget organisms, including pesticide applicators, handlers, and anyone else exposed to the product. Pesticides can have both short-term
and long-term effects on humans. As a result, pesticide users need to be concerned with the hazards associated
with exposure to the chemical and not exclusively with the toxicity of the pesticide.

Pesticides in the Environment

Applicators and the public share concerns about how pesticides may harm the environment. Initially, hazards to humans were the primary reason the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to classify a pesticide as a restricted-use product. Now, more and more pesticide labels list environmental effects (such as contamination of groundwater or toxicity to birds or aquatic organisms) as reasons for restriction. Anyone who uses a pesticide—indoors or outdoors, in a city or on a farm—must consider how that pesticide affects the environment.

Planning the Pesticide Application

Planning is essential before beginning a pesticide application. To help plan, you should know how to select the right pesticide for the job, review the label, test for pesticide compatibility before mixing, choose what personal protective equipment to wear, transfer pesticides safely, and how to clean up after an application. Careful planning and consideration of all details is the hallmark of professionalism.

Transportation, Storage, Security, and Professional Conduct

This course discusses safety and security issues that may arise when pesticides are moved or stored. Serious accidents involving pesticides are more likely to occur while they are in transit. Securing pesticides in a vehicle or in storage is a critical step to prevent vandalism or theft of product. You can reduce pesticide transport and storage problems by being aware of the conditions that lead to increased security risks.

It is important for certified applicators to know under what conditions uncertified people can make applications of restricted use products. You also need to understand the importance of communication and how to communicate with customers about what you are doing.