South Carolina Commercial Applicator Bundle - Core/Safety
This course bundle is designed for the South Carolina Commercial Applicator. The course bundle contains 10 continuing education units (CEUs) of training approved by the South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation. Courses focus on pesticide safety related topics. Please click on course details for a list of specific courses.
BUNDLE CONTENTS
Pesticide Safety (Core)
- Federal Pesticide Laws – 1 CEU
- Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Response – 1 CEU
- Pest Management – 1 CEU
- Pesticide Application Procedures – 1 CEU
- Pesticide Formulations – 1 CEU
- Pesticide Hazards and First Aid – 1 CEU
- Pesticide Labeling – 1 CEU
- Pesticides in the Environment – 1 CEU
- Planning the Pesticide Application – 1 CEU
- Transportation, Storage, Security, and Professional Conduct – 1 CEU
Federal Pesticide Laws
Course Description
Pesticides are hazardous substances that can cause serious harm if used improperly. Pesticides are regulated to utilize their benefits while protecting public health and welfare and preventing harm to the environment. Federal and state pesticide laws and regulations control the labeling, sale and distribution, storage, transportation, use and disposal in the best public interest. This course addresses the requirements set forth by federal regulations. Pesticide applicators are responsible for learning about and complying with all regulations.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Be able to describe and integrate important regulatory requirements related to labeling, hazard management, environmental issues, and application procedures.
- Distinguish between restricted-use and general-use pesticide classifications.
- Explain the importance of maintaining accurate records of pesticide application and employee training.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Transportation, Storage, Security, and Professional Conduct
Course Description
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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- State what precautions to take before transporting pesticides.
- Summarize what the label says about legally disposing of unwanted pesticides.
- List the steps to take to restrict access to pesticides.
- Explain the basics of professionalism for pesticide applicators.