Pesticide Emergency Management and Environmental Protection | Michigan DARD Approved

Instructor: Sarah Racine

Pesticides can be hazardous to the public and the environment, especially when used without a management plan. Learn how to avoid pesticide emergencies and master safe handling practices through this one-credit course. This course is approved by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Accidents like spills, leaks and misapplications harm people and the environment alike. This course will teach you how to avoid, mitigate and respond to the most common pesticide emergencies.

An emergency response begins long before accidents occur. Always make use of a management plan when working with pesticides. Notifications and warning signs are important tools. If necessary, employ critical first aid in case of respiratory, eye, skin or clothing exposure.

The safest way to use pesticides is not to use them at all, which is why pest managers should use alternatives whenever possible. If pesticides are needed, caution at every step prevents hazardous exposure. Careful planning in chemical selection, equipment use, application techniques, cleanup, disposal, recordkeeping and liability ensures hazards are minimized. Safely store, mix and transport pesticides in service containers.

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.
– Explain how to handle pesticide emergencies such as leaks, spills and misapplications.
– Describe appropriate ways to handle and apply pesticides.
– Recognize different types of pesticide emergencies and corresponding first aid measures.