Michigan Commercial Core 8 Credit Bundle
This course bundle will fulfill the Commercial Core credit requirement for Michigan Commercial Applicators. This course bundle may be paired with any category bundle to fulfill recertification requirements. This course bundle does NOT contain any category specific training. Commercial core training topics include an in depth look at reading the pesticide label, a review of balancing pest management while protecting pollinator health, a brief review of integrated pest management steps, a review of how fungicides work, and a review of personal protective equipment.
BUNDLE CONTENTS:
- Reading the Pesticide Label: Beyond the Basics – 2 credits
- Balancing Pest Management and Pollinator Health – 2 credits
- Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Response – 1 credit
- Pesticide Hazards and First Aid – 1 credit
- Respiratory Protection – 1 credit
- Pesticides in the Environment – 1 credit
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.
Balancing Pest Management and Pollinator Health
Course Description
Balancing the need to manage agricultural pests with pollinator health is dependent on cooperation between beekeepers, farmers, and pesticide applicators. This course outlines the importance of honey bees honey bee decline and discusses some pollinator myths. Finally, the strategies required to coordinate the efforts of farmers, beekeepers, and applicators are discussed.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Gain an understanding of the issues surrounding pollinator importance, decline, and health.
- Tailor a management strategy that addresses the cooperation between farmers, beekeepers, and applicators.
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 Hazards and First Aid
Course Description
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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Identify common exposure routes for various pesticides and application methods.
- Discuss the appropriate first aid response to oral, ocular, dermal, and inhalation exposures to pesticides.
- Explain the hazard level classification system for pesticides, including the corresponding signal words.
Respiratory Protection
Course Description
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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Discuss the different types of respirators and when to use each type
- Describe the steps of a successful fit test
- Outline the necessary care and maintenance required for each type of respirator
Pesticides in the Environment
Course Description
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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Describe how pesticide applications can affect the environment.
- Explain how to prevent pesticide drift, runoff, and movement to nontarget areas.
- Discuss how to prevent pesticide residue accumulation associated with mixing, loading, and equipment washing.