Indiana Category 6 - Industrial Weed Management Bundle

This course bundle is designed for the Indiana Commercial Industrial Weed Management Applicator. The course bundle contains 15 continuing certification hours (CCHs) of training approved by the Indiana Office of the State Chemist. Please click on course details for a list of specific courses.

BUNDLE CONTENTS:

  • Right-of-Way: Pest Management Overview – 3 CCHs
  • Pesticide Application Procedures – 1 CCH
  • Reading the Pesticide Label: Beyond the Basics – 2 CCHs
  • Environmental Fate and Transport of Pesticides – 1 CCH
  • Pesticide Emergency Management and Environmental Protection – 1 CCH
  • Review of Pesticide Use Hazards – 1 CCH
  • Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Response – 1 CCH
  • Pesticide Formulations – 1 CCH
  • Pest Management – 1 CCH
  • Planning the Pesticide Application – 1 CCH
  • Pesticide Labels and Safety Data Sheets – 1 CCH
  • Pesticide Labeling – 1 CCH

Right-of-Way: Pest Management Overview

Course Description

Pest management in right-of-way situations can be a challenge. The economic thresholds are different in right-of-way situations compared to either a landscape setting or an agricultural setting. The treatment areas can be more readily viewed by the public or may be too rough to reach using traditional equipment. While broadleaf and woody plant material is usually the major pests in right-of-way situations there can be insect and vertebrate pests that need management. This course provides an overview of pests common to rights-of-way, management solutions, a look at the equipment commonly used to treat rights-of-way, and a review of calibration steps for that equipment.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Outline the principles of an IPM program in right-of-way situations
  • Identify weeds and other pests commonly found in rights-of-way
  • Identify and calibrate equipment commonly used in right-of-way applications
  • Demonstrate an understanding of professional conduct and how to interact with the public

Pesticide Application Procedures

Course Description

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.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Identify the factors (e.g., nozzles, volumes, pressures, and speeds) that affect calibration.
  • Demonstrate how to determine the amount of pesticide concentrate and diluent to use.
  • Explain how to choose appropriate drift reduction practices.

Reading the Pesticide Label: Beyond the Basics

Course Description

This training will cover many sections of a pesticide label and safety data sheets. Labels are increasing in complexity and depth of information. It is never suggested that anyone try to memorize a pesticide label. By reviewing parts of a label and recognizing label language and use, we hope that you feel more comfortable with the information on pesticide labels and feel confident in understanding the information the present. Many examples of labels are used in this training that cover a variety of types of pesticides and also represent a variety of sites. It’s essential that we look at REAL label language and not simply make generic statements to evaluate.

There is no endorsement for any company or product by representation of information in this training. All material presented is for educational purposes only and is not intended to purposefully include or exclude any company, tradename, product, use, proprietary, or any other information. Whenever you have questions about interpretations of label language, we encourage you to contact your local extension, land-grant university, department of agriculture, product dealer, or the manufacturer for more information.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Discuss different types of pesticide registrations.
  • Identify where to find specific information on the pesticide label.
  • Identify pests and site usage according to the label, and recognize information on safety data sheets.

Environmental Fate and Transport of Pesticides

Course Description

Pesticides are a key factor in pest management but it is important to understand what happens to those pesticides after the application. This course will review some key characteristics of environmental factors that can affect how pesticides move and degrade in the environment.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Describe the elements of the environment that can play a role in chemical processing such as soil composition and moisture
  • Describe the role of microbes and the factors that change populations
  • Identify the factors that affect pesticide drift
  • Explain the ways that pesticides can be decomposed
  • Identify the connections between pesticide properties and potential for groundwater contamination
  • Explain application techniques that can minimize impacts

Pesticide Emergency Management and Environmental Protection

Course Description

Protect people and the environment from dangerous hazards through careful use of pesticides. This one-credit course is approved by the Indiana Office of the State Chemist to teach the essentials of safe, legal pesticide application.

Pesticide alternatives, when used properly, reduce the need to use pesticides at all. When pesticides are called for, always use a management plan for best results. Notifications and warning signs alert the public to possible dangers.

Service containers permit the safe storage, mixing and transportation of pesticides. Chemical selection, equipment use, application techniques, cleanup, disposal, recordkeeping and liability all offer opportunities to increase safety and minimize risk.

If unsafe conditions arise through misapplications, leaks or spills, this course covers effective emergency response. Misapplications, leaks or spills require immediate and appropriate action. Learn how to provide first aid for exposure to skin, clothing, eyes and the respiratory system.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

– Identify pesticide safety measures to protect people and the environment from pesticide exposure.
– Discuss effective equipment selection, safe application techniques and proper practices for cleanup and disposal.
– Describe appropriate ways to handle and apply pesticides.
– Explain how to handle pesticide emergencies such as leaks, spills and misapplications.
– Recognize different types of pesticide emergencies and corresponding first aid measures.


Review of Pesticide Use Hazards

Course Description

This one-credit course, approved by the Indiana Office of the State Chemist, contains important training for the understanding and use of toxic pesticides. Safeguard wildlife, including pets and humans, while protecting plants, soil and water in the environment.

Pest managers must be aware of the potential damage to the environment when applying pesticides. Dangerous outcomes range from human exposure to phytotoxicity in plants. Surface and groundwater contamination, negative effects on non-target organisms and other unintended consequences may result from pesticide use.

Learn more about pesticide classification and designations based on targeted pests, the categories of pesticide toxicity and various toxicity factors. This course is designed to help you prevent hazardous pesticide exposure at all levels.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the characteristics of various pesticide formulations.
  • State appropriate measures to take in case of pesticide accidents.
  • Explain pesticide toxicity and the different hazards of human pesticide exposure.
  • Recognize strategies to minimize excessive pesticide exposure risk to pets, plants and the environment.

Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Response

Course Description

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.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Identify where on the label to find the minimum clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) required to handle a given pesticide product.
  • State the criteria to properly select skin, eye, and respiratory protection required by the pesticide label based upon your expected use and exposure.
  • Discuss how pesticide releases from spills and fires can endanger humans and the environment.
  • Explain how to execute an emergency response plan.

Pesticide Formulations

Course Description

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.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Explain why pesticides are formulated for end use.
  • List the factors to consider when choosing a formulation for a specific site or situation.
  • Discuss the properties of common formulations.

Pest Management

Course Description

Civilization has been combating insects and other pests throughout history. A pest is an undesirable organism that injures
humans, desirable plants and animals, manufactured products, or natural substances. Many insects, pathogens (disease-causing organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi), plants (known as weeds), mollusks (slugs and snails), fish, birds, and a variety of mammals (from mice to deer) compete for our crops and livestock. As the battle between humans
and pests continues over time, so will innovative methods of control.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Discuss the importance of pest identification in pest control.
  • Describe how pest population levels trigger control procedures.
  • Give several reasons why pesticide applications may fail.

Planning the Pesticide Application 

Course Description

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.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Explain how to select appropriate pesticides and additives (if needed).
  • Follow the label for safe mixing and loading.
  • State some basic procedures that ensure the correct application of pesticides.

Pesticide Labels and Safety Data Sheets

Course Description

Pesticide labels and safety data sheets (SDS) appear to contain much of the same information. While the label is the law, an SDS is not considered the law. As an applicator, it is important to understand the difference between a pesticide label and a safety data sheet and know what information can be found in each document. This course will review the various parts of pesticide labels and safety data sheets to identify the similarities and differences.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Identify the content and sections of a pesticide label
  • Identify the content and sections of a safety data sheet (SDS)
  • Outline the differences between information such as signal words and PPE on pesticide labels and safety data sheets
  • Explain how to use pesticide labels and safety data sheets to prepare applications

 


Pesticide Labeling

Course Description

The pesticide label is the main method of communication between a pesticide manufacturer and pesticide users. The information printed on and attached to the pesticide container is the label. By law, pesticide users are required to comply with all instructions and use directions found on the pesticide product label. Labeling includes the label itself plus all other
information about the product referenced on the label and given when you buy the product. Pesticide labeling includes instructions on how to use the product safely and correctly.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Interpret the meaning of label signal words, symbols, and their relative hazard levels.
  • Accurately identify the common, chemical, and brand or trade name of a pesticide.
  • Describe how to interpret other documents and online resources referenced on the label.