Tennessee All Categories Bundle - General Safety

This course bundle is designed for all Tennessee Commercial Applicators. The course bundle contains 9 points of training approved by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. These courses are approved as external training and must be completed between the hours of 8am and 8pm Eastern. Click on course details for a list of specific courses. The courses in this package must be completed by 6/30/24.

BUNDLE CONTENTS:

  • Reading the Pesticide Label: Beyond the Basics – 2 points
  • Pesticide Labels and Safety Data Sheets – 1 point
  • Environmental Fate and Transport of Pesticides – 1 point
  • Respiratory Protection – 1 point
  • Pesticide Hazards and First Aid – 1 point
  • Federal Pesticide Laws – 1 point
  • Pesticide Formulations – 1 point
  • Transportation, Storage, Security, and Professional Conduct – 1 point

 


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.

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

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

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

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 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.

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.