Pesticide Certification Information

Define the term "formulation" and describe the function of inert ingredients.

- A pesticide formulation is a combination of active and inert ingredients that forms an end-use product.They are formulated to make them easier to use - Inert ingredients have no pesticidal activity by themselves. Some simply serve as diluents or carriers. In many cases, inert ingredients make the formulated product safer, easier to handle and apply, and/or more effective

Define the word pesticide and explain how the word differs from specific types of pesticides.

- A pesticide is any substance used to directly control pest populations or to prevent or reduce pest damage. - "pesticide" is a broad term that covers many substances - pesticide kills pests—a broad category because those pests could be insects, weeds, fungi, mice or other critters we consider pests

Define the terms "right-of-way" and "natural area."

- A right-of-way is an area of land used (or adjacent to) areas of access, transportation or power. This could include land used for electric power lines, pipelines, railways, public roads or similar purposes (Figure 1) - A natural area, is land being preserved or restored and managed for its natural or native features (e.g., prairies and other areas)

Explain what would trigger you to comply with the pesticide bulk storage rule (ATCP 33).

- A state law we have not yet mentioned, ATCP 33, regulates storage of bulk pesticides. Bulk pesticide is defined as liquid pesticides in containers larger than 55 gallons or solid pesticides in undivided quantities greater than 100 pounds - Anyone who commercially distributes or sells bulk pesticides is regulated by ATCP 33.

Compare and explain the difference between acute and delayed effects.

- Acute effects are symptoms that usually occur within minutes or hours after exposure to a toxic substance. These effects may be measured as acute dermal, oral, or inhalation toxicity. - Delayed effects are illnesses or injuries that do not appear soon after you are first exposed to a pesticide as we've just discussed. - Delayed effects may be caused by: A one-time exposure to a pesticide that does not cause a harmful reaction until much later, or : Chronic exposure—repeated exposures to a pesticide (or pesticide group) over a long time (usually years).

Describe how to properly rinse pesticide containers and list the benefits of doing so.

- Always triple rinse containers as soon as you empty them By fully emptying and cleaning containers you: - Save money by using all the pesticide in the container, - Protect the environment from a potential source of contamination, - Meet federal and state regulations on pesticide use and disposal - Make the container a solid waste even if it had contained a hazardous pesticide

Explain the difference between the different types of pesticide names.

- An Active ingredient: means the specific chemical that is active in controlling the pest it is aimed at (weed, insect, etc.). - Trade Names: when manufacturers generally give one or more specific names to each commercial formulation of a particular active ingredient.What appears in large letters at the top of the label - Chemical names: Each active ingredient is given a chemical name that complies with accepted guidelines established by chemists. This name is frequently long, hard to pronounce, and difficult to use. - Common names: normally appear on the label on the same line with and just before the chemical name. Any particular chemical or common name always refers to a particular active ingredient, regardless of the manufacturer or formulator

Describe the function of the adjuvants

- An adjuvant or additive is a chemical added to a pesticide or spray tank to modify the product's physical properties and/or enhance pesticide performance

Annual life cycle

- Annual weeds live less than 12 months and can produce great numbers of seeds in a single growing season - Some seeds germinate the following year, while others may not germinate for many years. - abundant and prolific seed producers and, therefore, costly to control-> they can maintain an annual weed threat long after the parent plant is gone, easiest to control when small - Summer annuals germinate from seed in the spring, flower and produce seed during the summer, and die in late summer or fall. They overwinter as seed and are most serious in spring-seeded ornamentals - Winter annuals germinate from seed in the fall, over winter as low-growing plants, flower and produce seed the next spring, and then die

Explain who must keep records of pesticide applications and for how long records must be kept.

- Any commercial applicator for-hire, or anyone using a RUP must keep a record of their pesticide applications - Complete the record on the day of the application and keep it on file for at least 2 years after the date of the date of the application (keep for 3 years if the product used contained atrazine

List the 4 ways you may legally deviate from label directions

- Applying a pesticide at a lower rate, concentration, or frequency than that specified on the label, - Applying a pesticide against any target pest not specified on the label if the application is to the site specified on the label, - Using any method of application not prohibited by the label, - Mixing two or more pesticides, or mixing a pesticide with a fertilizer when such mixture is not mentioned by the label.

Outline how to properly use PPE such as work clothes, spray suits, and eye protection.

- At a minimum, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, shoes, and socks before you work with pesticides - Wear unlined, chemical‑resistant gloves whenever you handle pesticides, containers, or pesticide-contaminated equipment - Never wear cotton, leather, or canvas gloves

Explain why mixing and loading pesticides poses a significant hazard to the environment and the people who perform these tasks

- Because of the concentrations and quantities of pesticides involved, accidental releases of pesticides at a mixing and loading site pose a high risk of ground- and surface water contamination. - when you mix and load, you handle a pesticide in its most concentrated form and experience the greatest potential for exposure to yourself

Explain the importance of fitting a respirator and how often a person should do so

- Before you use a respirator for the first time, you must perform a fit test - Such a test will ensure that the respirator makes a tight seal around your face, preventing you from breathing unfiltered air - You must perform a quick fit check every time you use an air-purifying respirator, even one that has already been tested for fit

Biennial Life cycle

- Biennial weeds live for two growing seasons - They are most serious in lawns, roadsides, and neglected areas and are best controlled with herbicides during the rosette stage - Annuals and biennials reproduce only by seed.

Describe how pesticides are assigned to toxicity categories and given signal words.

- DANGER—POISON plus the skull and crossbones symbol (Hazard Class I ): Pesticides classified as highly toxic with acute oral LD50 values from a trace to 50 mg/kg - DANGER (Hazard Class I): DANGER indicates the potential for permanent or severe damage to skin, eyes, or lungs - WARNING (Hazard Class II): A pesticide product considered moderately toxic. If the concern is due to systemic toxicity, the acute oral LD50 values range from 50 to 500 mg/ kg. This means that 1 teaspoonful to 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of this material could be fatal to a 150-pound person - CAUTION (Hazard Class III): Pesticide product s classified as slightly toxic. If systemic, the acute oral LD50 values are between 500 and 5,000 mg/ kg. Contact effects are generally irritation of eyes, skin, or respiratory tract

List the four routes that pesticides can enter your body

- Dermal exposure (when you get a pesticide on your skin) - Oral exposure (when you swallow a pesticide) - Inhalation exposure (when you breathe in pesticide vapors or dusts) - Eye exposure

Explain how heat stress can affect you.

- Even mild forms of heat stress can make people feel ill and impair their ability to do a good job. When overheated, less blood goes to your active muscles, brain, and organs. You get weaker, become tired sooner, and may be less alert, less able to use good judgment, and less able to perform your work well. - As strain from heat becomes more severe, your body temperature and heart rate can rise rapidly. You may not realize this is happening because there is no pain. With heatstroke, your body temperature may exceed 105º F. Staggering, loss of consciousness, or convulsions may result

Describe how to wash, and when to discard, PPE.

- Have clean PPE on hand at all times. To keep your PPE working well, clean it thoroughly. - If fabric clothing is saturated with a pesticide concentrate, you must discard it - Outdoors, shake pesticide dust or granules from your clothing -Pre-rinse clothing by presoaking it in a suitable container or using the prewash cycle of an automatic washer and Wash work clothing separately -The OSHA respiratory protection policy requires that you properly clean and store your respirator after each use -Wash the outside of gloves and footwear with detergent and water before removing them to avoid getting pesticide on your hands

Describe the guidelines for inducing vomiting after an oral exposure

- If a pesticide gets in your mouth, but you do not swallow it, rinse your mouth with large amounts of water - Some pesticides can cause more harm by inducing vomiting, but making the decision needs to be quick whether or not to induce vomiting - Always refer to the product's label for help in making that decision. If there are no instructions, seek professional medical help immediately General guidelines: - Make sure the person is kneeling forward or lying on their side to prevent vomit from entering their lungs and causing further damage. - Collect some of the vomitus for the doctor as it may be needed for chemical tests - Give the person at least two glasses of water to dilute the product. Do not use carbonated beverages. - Put your finger or the blunt end of a spoon at the back of the person's throat. Do not use anything sharp or pointed.

Describe the proper actions to take when a victim needs medical attention.

- If you are alone with the victim, though, you may first need to help the victim get out of the exposure situation and begin first aid. Accompany the person to the medical facility. If you are the victim, remain calm and follow the same basic response principles that we discuss for helping others. Effects of pesticide poisoning are rarely instant, so you will usually have time to respond appropriately - When you call a doctor, have the label with you. Provide as much detail as you can

Explain how a pesticide's formulation, and body part exposed, affects how much pesticide is absorbed through the skin.

- In general, your skin absorbs oil‑based formulations most easily. Those formulated or mixed in water are less easily absorbed than oil-based. Dry materials are the least likely to be absorbed. However, they can do so more readily when your skin is wet from sweat.

Describe precautions you must take to protect the water supply when mixing and loading

- It is illegal to fill pesticide equipment directly from waters of the state other than from public water supplies or private wells that are fully protected against back-siphonage either by an air gap or other equivalent protection device - You may fill a tank from a surface water provided the tank is used exclusively for water and any pesticide container carried on the same vehicle as the tank remains at least 8 feet from the surface water while you fill the tank - Avoid overflow when adding water to equipment

Outline what an herbicide needs to do to kill weeds.

- It must be absorbed into the plant, either through the leaves, stems, or roots, - If necessary, it must then be translocated to the sensitive part of the plant, and - It must block an important process in the plant (e.g., photosynthesis - The general process that a herbicide inhibits is a mode of action

Distinguish between, and give examples of, local effects and systemic effects of pesticides.

- Local effects are those that occur at the area of contact with skin, eyes, or respiratory tract. -Examples: itching, redness, rashes, blisters, and burns. Also, swelling, stinging, and burning of the eyes, nose, mouth, or throat are contact effects. - Pesticides can cause systemic, or system-wide effects if absorbed and circulated throughout your body. They may cause acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) symptoms - Examples: Cholinesterase inhibition, damage to nerves, Impairment of the blood's clotting ability, some cancers, hormonal effects

Outline the kinds of information you can find on a label.

- Mandatory and Advisory Statements: Label statements that you must follow in order to legally use the pesticide are mandatory statements. Recommendations or best management practices that the manufacturer has determined may result in better product performance or improved safety are advisory statements. - Law requires the manufacturer to list their name and address on the label. Many will also list an emergency contact phone number for cases of exposure. - the label must note a restricted- use pesticide (RUP) prominently on front of the label - The label must list what is in the product - The pesticide label must show how much product is in the container. - Precautionary statements concerning human health hazards appear on the label's front panel. They tell you the relative toxicity of the product and how you should respond if you or a co-worker is exposed to the product - Pesticide labels tell you how to respond to an exposure. - The label will state which routes of exposure may lead to toxic acute effects, and will also describe those effects. - After stating the hazards to humans, most labels list the minimum personal protective equipment - Contains directions for use (usually the longest) - Each label tells you how to store the pesticide

List precautions you should take in addition to wearing PPE to reduce your exposure to pesticides.

- Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling pesticides - Wash your hands after handling pesticides. Unwashed hands increase the risk of oral exposure as well as exposure to other parts of your body. - Take a shower at the end of each work day, paying particular attention to your hair and fingernails. Put on a complete change of clothing. - Use common sense. No recommendations cover all situations

Contrast the difference between organic and inorganic pesticides.

- Organic pesticides: organic means the compound contains the element carbon and are pesticides that come from natural sources. Most pesticides are organic. - Inorganic pesticides are typically derived from minerals that occur in nature. Common inorganic pesticides are silica aerogel, boric acid, borates, diatomaceous earth, copper, and sulfur. - Today, inorganics are used primarily for the control of plant diseases, as wood preservatives, and as algicides.

Perennial Plants

- Perennial plants live for at least 2 years, and sometimes much longer - Perennials may reproduce by seed alone (e.g., dandelion, dock, or broadleaf plantain) or may also spread vegetatively by stolon, rhizomes, spreading roots, tubers or bulbs

Explain the term "persistence," and how it relates to a pesticide's performance and potential to cause environmental harm.

- Pesticides also vary in their persistence, or how long they remain active to control pests. - Pesticides with a long residual (highly persistent) may control pests for weeks, months, or even years. However, some pesticides break down almost immediately into nontoxic by-products— these are the short-term or nonresidual pesticides - Long persistence also can lead to many problems. The longer a pesticide stays in its active form, the longer it has to move off the target site and contaminate the environment, get into the food supply, and harm nontarget organisms

Describe the two types of chemical incompatibility that can happen when mixing pesticides and explain how to avoid them

- Physical incompatibility: often easy to see. In most cases, solids settle out of the mixture or the mixture separates into layers after you agitate it - Chemical incompatibility, the activity of one or more of the products may be reduced or destroyed, or the mixture's toxicity and/or hazard to the applicator, or the environment may be greater than that of the individual components -Read the label to see if there are directions for mixing pesticides. You can also consult the manufacturer or your dealer for information about mixing beforehand.

Explain when you should assume that a pesticide exposure has occurred.

- Play it safe: assume any symptoms that appear while, or soon after, working with a pesticide are caused by the pesticide. Stop working with pesticides or in treated areas if you don't feel well—leave the treated area immediately

Outline some of the special restrictions to pesticides found under ATCP 30.

- Prohibited pesticides include any pesticide whose use has been prohibited by state statute, DATCP, or under FIFRA - It is unlawful to purchase, sell, or use the pesticides for purposes other than those specified in ATCP 30 - For certain pesticides and/or pesticide applications you need to obtain a special permit before you can use them

Discuss and describe the common types of respirators you might use.

- Respirators protect against inhalation exposure to pesticide mists, dusts, or vapors - Air-purifying respirators only filter the available contaminated air around you, they do not supply oxygen or protect you from fumigants - Dust/mist respirators remove dust, particles, and spray mists from contaminated air as it passes through the fabric of the mask- do not protect you against gases or vapors

Compare selective and nonselective herbicides

- Selective Herbicide: Selectivity refers to how broad, or narrow, a range of pests a particular chemical will kill. These are called selective herbicides because they only harm certain plants while leaving others unharmed. However, selective herbicides can damage desirable plants under stressful weather conditions, or if you misapply them. - Nonselective herbicides are toxic to most or all plants

Explain the effects of soil texture and organic matter content on applications of soil herbicides.

- Soil conditions influence the action of soil-applied herbicides - Soil organic matter and clay particles can adsorb soil-applied herbicides - Soils with high clay content (fine-textured soils) or high organic matter often require higher herbicide rates than soils with a coarser texture or low organic matter

Describe what you can and cannot store in a pesticide storage area.

- Store only pesticide containers, pesticide equipment, and a spill cleanup kit at the storage site - You must never store pesticides with food, seed, plant propagation material, fertilizers, or PPE - keep herbicide-impregnated fertilizer separate from both pesticides and fertilizers

Describe what is involved in the registration of pesticides.

- The EPA studies the data to determine if the uses will pose unreasonable risks. In the context of pesticide registration, the word "unreasonable" means the use of a pesticide will result in risks that exceed its benefits. These risks could be to pesticide handlers, the general public and/or the environment. If the benefits outweigh the risks, the EPA will register the product and its uses.

Explain why some products are classified restricted-use and who may use such product

- The EPA tags a pesticide as an RUP if the benefits of a pesticide's use will outweigh the risks only when trained persons use the pesticide. The RUP classification must be prominently stated on the label. - When a person passes a pesticide exam, they are then considered a certified applicator. Only certified applicators can purchase, mix, load, apply, or direct the use of RUPs.

Compare the types of information you can find on a pesticide label and its SDS sheet.

- The SDS contains a wealth of information about the product and you may use the SDS along with the label. However, it should never be used in place of the actual product label. - The only times that you would be legally required to follow the SDS is when the pesticide label makes reference to the SDS, or when the SDS is given to you by the manufacturer or dealer as a condition of sale when you purchased the pesticide ( labeling information)

Describe the difference between the terms "labels" and "labeling."

- The label is the information printed on or attached to the pesticide container itself - Labeling includes the label itself plus all other information about the product referenced on the label and given when you buy the product

Explain the term "mode of action" and how it relates to pesticide resistance.

- The mode of action of a pesticide is how the pesticide works to kill, or in some way harm the pest - Using chemicals with the same mode of action time after time helps to select for pesticide resistance. Over time, the resistant pests will multiply and become the dominant pests, resulting in pesticides that are no longer effective

List precautions and concerns regarding the selection and use of adjuvants.

- The need for an adjuvant and the best type to use depend on the pesticide, desirable plants, pest, and environmental conditions. Do not use adjuvants indiscriminately, because misuse (e.g., overapplication) may lead to injury of desirable plants, compatibility problems, or reduced pest control.

List some of the rules you might have to follow when transporting hazardous materials

- The safest way to transport pesticides is in the back of a truck—never carry pesticides in the passenger compartment of any vehicle

Define what a signal word is and how it relates to the relative toxicity of a pesticide.

- The signal word indicates the relative acute toxicity of the product to humans and animals - Shows how toxic it is compared to another product with a different signal word.

Explain what determines whether a given plant is a weed.

- There is no single, commonly accepted definition of a weed. - Basically, a plant is considered a weed when it interferes with what someone wants to do with the land it is growing on. We could also say that weeds are simply unwanted plants -In right-of-ways, weeds can be unwanted trees, shrubs, vines, or herbaceous plants - In natural areas, weeds can be any plant interfering with the preservation or restoration of a natural landscape

List the certification and licensing requirements for commercial applicators

- To get certified you must pass an exam demonstrating knowledge of the proper, safe, and legal use of pesticides. In most cases, certified applicators (those who have passed the exam) will also need a license. The license allows you to legally apply pesticides in Wisconsin. Your license expires every year on December 31. All commercial application businesses for-hire must obtain a pesticide business license with DATCP.

Describe how to arrange pesticides in storage to protect the products and containers

- To help prevent contamination or accidental use of the wrong product, separate pesticides by type within the storage area. Isolate volatile pesticides so their vapors will not contaminate other products.

Outline what is needed to kill annual, biennial, and perennial weeds and when it is easiest to do so.

- To kill annuals or biennials, you must kill the whole shoot. In grasses, the growing point remains near ground level and is protected within the stem during the seedling and tillering growth stages. If the shoot is cut off from the roots with tillage or killed by an herbicide, annuals or biennials will not regrow from roots - This makes tillage or herbicides generally more effective for controlling annuals and biennials than mowing because mowing may not remove all of the growing points - The most effective approach to controlling perennial weeds is to destroy the underground structures. . You can do this by repeatedly tilling the soil or by using a herbicide that translocates to and kills the complete vegetative system

Describe the relationship between a pesticide's toxicity and its LD50 and/or LC50.

- To measure a pesticide's acute toxicity, a range of doses is fed or applied to the skin of test animals. The amount of chemical that kills 50% of the test animals is called the "Lethal Dose to 50%" - The material is also mixed with air in various concentrations and the test animals breathe the mixtures. From these tests, the "Lethal Concentration to 50%" (LC50 ) is determined - Pesticides with greater acute toxicities have lower LD50 and/or LC50 values

List the precautions you should take before putting a pesticide into storage.

- To prevent deterioration, mark each container with its date of purchase. - Check to see if containers are tightly kept and there is no leakage - Keep pesticides on shelving to deter water damage

Define the terms risk, toxicity and exposure and explain how they relate to the potential for pesticides to cause harm to people.

- Toxicity is a measure of the capacity of a pesticide (or other substance) to cause injury. That injury can occur soon after the exposure (acute) or long afterwards (chronic) - Exposure (to a pesticide) happens when a pesticide comes into contact with you, either through your skin, ingesting it or breathing it in. - Risk, in terms of pesticide exposure, is a measure of the likelihood that a person will be harmed by the pesticide and is particular use. Risk= Exposure x Toxicity

Describe the types of gloves to wear when handling pesticides and how to wear them.

- Wear unlined, chemical‑resistant gloves whenever you handle pesticides, containers, or pesticide-contaminated equipment - The label may list specific glove materials to use for that particular product and formulation. Some glove materials might provide hand protection for only a few minutes as in the case for disposable, single-use gloves, or for several hours for gloves designed for repeated use - Wear your gloves in or out of your sleeves as appropriate for the work you're doing - If you've handled pesticides since last washing your hands, wash your hands before putting on gloves

Explain who is covered by the Hazard Communications Standard.

- With the exception of farms, the HCS covers all employers with one or more employees.

Explain the precautions you must take when applying pesticides near water.

- You cannot apply any pesticide to a water of the state (e.g., lakes, ponds, drainage ditches, wetlands, wells) or to emergent vegetation while certified in this category - Applying pesticides to water is strictly regulated by the Department of Natural Resources. To apply pesticides to water you would first need a DNR permit and become certified in the pest control category, Aquatic and Mosquito

Specify where you may never mix, load or clean application equipment with respect to wells or surface water

- You may never mix or load pesticides within 8 feet of a well or surface water under any circumstances. - You cannot fill pesticide application equipment adjacent to surface waters or wells where, because of the slope or other conditions, pesticides could contaminate the surface water or well, or where rising waters could reach the filling area and become contaminated

Describe the short-term storage of pesticides at a mixing and loading or application site.

- You must cover, secure and/or guard pesticides and containers that you temporarily store at a mixing and loading or application site to prevent unauthorized access or water contamination - Put empty containers in the storage area until you can properly dispose or recycle them

Outline some of the features of a proper pesticide storage facility.

- You should store pesticides on raised pallets or shelves to prevent water and condensation from damaging pesticide containers - Maintaining a constant temperature will help keep your inventory from deteriorating, storage area should be ventilated - Make sure area is well lit

List steps to take to restrict access to pesticides

- keep pesticide location locked when not in use - Smart idea to hang signs to let others know

Granules (G)

- normally made by applying a liquid formulation of the active ingredient to clay particles or other porous materials

List the two main goals of weed management.

- reduce the growth of desirable plants by directly competing for water, nutrients, and light (to minimize weed competition***) - limit the weed's reproduction so that you can still manage the weed population in future years (because to control and manage every last weed would be extremely expensive, so you usually leave some)

Explain how to keep soil herbicides from moving off target.

- some labels may prohibit product use on certain soils with a light texture, low organic matter, or high pH to guard against excessive plant damage or herbicide persistence - Others specify that the product not be used on soils with high organic matter because they are relatively ineffective under such conditions (because the herbicide may be binding, or adsorbing, to soil particles and not being taken up by the weeds) - Excessive leaching on sandy soils with shallow water tables may also result in groundwater contamination. Many herbicide labels list precautions or even prohibit their use on soils or in geographic areas that are most susceptible to groundwater contamination - Soil-applied herbicides control weeds as long as their residue remains in the soil

Explain the significance when state and federal laws differ and identify which law takes precedence.

- state laws can be more strict than federal laws, but cannot be more lenient -

Explain the terms "monocotyledon" and "dicotyledon."

- true grasses (and some grass-like plants) have one cotyledon and so are called monocots. One seed leaf, fibruous root system & parallel vein pattern. The cotyledon does not emerge above the soil surface and the first leaves you see are actually true leaves - Dicots are also known as broadleaf plants. Two seed leaves, tap roots, net-like vein pattern

Describe steps you can take to minimize your exposure to pesticides when mixing and loading

-Be sure to wear the PPE listed on the product label. - Have a supply of clean water and soap at hand - Dispose of clothing saturated with pesticide concentrate as pesticide waste

Describe some of the general symptoms of pesticide exposure.

-MILD: Fatigue • Headache • Weakness • Dizziness • Restlessness - MODERATE: Excessive saliva and/or perspiration • Stomach cramps • Unable to walk • Trembling • Muscle twitches - SEVERE: Fever • Intense thirst • Unconsciousness • Pinpoint pupils • Uncontrollable muscle twitching • Convulsions • Inability to breathe • Secretions from nose and mouth • Coma and death

List the information that must be part of a pesticide application record.

1. The first and last name of each person who applied the pesticide. 2. The name and address of the customer. 3. The specific site treated. 4. A specific description of the location of the pesticide application site. The description must contain enough detail so that the location of the pesticide application site may be readily determined. 5. The full date and approximate starting and ending times of application. 6. The product name and the EPA registration number of the pesticide(s) used. 7. Quantity of pesticide used, either: a. The concentration and total quantity of each pesticide applied, or b. The amount of each pesticide applied per unit area and the total area treated. 8. Each location where the pesticide(s) was mixed and loaded. You do not need to record mixing and loading sites if: a. you mixed and loaded at your business site and you have a current DATCP pesticide business license, or b. the pesticide is applied directly from a prepackaged retail container (ready-to-use), or c. applied with application equipment having a total capacity of not more than 5 gallons of liquid pesticide or 50 pounds dry pesticide.

List the 5 times when you should read the relevant parts of a label.

1.Before you buy the product, to make sure it is the best choice for the pest you wish to control and that the product is labeled for the site where you need to use it, 2 Before you store the product, 3 Before you mix and use the product, to be sure you apply it safely, effectively, and at the proper rate, 4. Before you clean pesticide application equipment, and 5 Before you dispose of the product and/or its container.

Describe and contrast the difference between a private applicator, a commercial applicator for hire and a commercial applicator not-for-hire.

A person qualifies as a private applicator if they meet both of the following criteria: - They use or direct the use of pesticides for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity, the applications occur on land owned or rented by that person or their employer (e.g., a farmer), or on someone else's land if for exchange of goods or services between agricultural producers. Commercial for-hire: - You are a commercial applicator for-hire if you use (or direct the use of) pesticides on a contract basis—meaning you get paid by a third-party to make pesticide applications on someone else's property Commercial not-for-hire: - You are a commercial applicator not-for-hire if you use (or direct the use of) pesticides only to sites that you or your employer controls, and do not contract out your pesticide application services

Wettable Powders (WP)

Advantages- Easy to store, transport, and handle, less likely than ECs and other petroleum-based formulations to harm treated plants, animals, and surfaces, less risk of skin and eye absorption. Disadvantages- Not easy to measure; must be weighed not easy to mix, inhalation hazard to applicator while measuring and mixing the concentrated powder, abrasive to pumps and nozzles.

Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC):

Advantages- easy to handle, little agitation needed, little residue, not abrasive. Disadvantages- High concentration of active ingredient(s) makes it easy to overdose or underdose through mixing or calibration errors, Easily absorbed through skin, splashes and spills are relatively difficult to clean up and/or decontaminate., may be corrosive to application equipment.

Flowables (F or AF)

Advantages: Easy to handle and apply. Low exposure risk, Generally not phytotoxic, Seldom clog nozzles, splashes are less likely than with other liquid formulations. Disadvantages: Need shaking before measuring and mixing, containers may be difficult to rinse, require moderate agitation, may be abrasive to application equipment, may leave a visible residue on treated surfaces

Explain what to do if state laws are more strict than label directions

As discussed in the previous chapter, the state may develop special rules that place restrictions on the use of a particular pesticide. Usually, these restrictions would not appear on the pesticide label.

Describe how both contact and systemic herbicides work and how they differ.

Contact herbicide: - Contact herbicides only damage the portion of the plant they are sprayed on Systemic herbicide: - Systemics are absorbed through leaves or roots and then translocated within the treated plant

List the signal words that you may find on a pesticide label.

DANGER-POISON plus the "skull and crossbones" symbol) DANGER WARNING CAUTION

Give examples of work habits that lead to pesticide exposure via these four routes.

Dermal Exposure - Not wearing protective clothing. - Not washing hands after handling pesticides, containers, or equipment. - Not washing hands before using the toilet. • Splashing or spilling pesticide on skin. - Being exposed to spray or dust drift. Eye Exposure - Rubbing eyes with contaminated gloves or hands. - Splashing pesticide in eyes. - Handling dry formulations without eye protection. - Applying pesticides in drafty buildings. Oral Exposure - Not washing hands before eating, smoking, chewing tobacco, or drinking. - Drinking from unlabeled containers containing pesticide - Splashing pesticide in mouth. Inhalation Exposure - Handling pesticides in confined or poorly ventilated areas. - Handling dusts or powders. - Using an inadequate or poorly fitting respirator. - Being exposed to spray or dust drift

Outline first aid procedures used in cases of dermal, inhalation, and eye exposure

Dermal exposure: - Remove contaminated clothing./ Drench skin with water/ Wash skin, hair, and fingernails thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and wash again/ Gently dry the affected area and wrap it in loose cloth/ If the skin has chemical burns, cover the area loosely with a clean, soft cloth Inhalation exposure: - Get a poisoning victim to fresh air immediately. If possible, carry (don't walk) the victim/ Have the victim lie down and loosen all tight clothing/ If breathing has stopped or is irregular, give artificial respiration/Keep the person warm and quiet. Wrap the person in a blanket—but don't let them overheat/ If the victim is convulsing, watch for breathing irregularities and protect the victim's head from striking the floor or wall Eye exposure: - Hold eyelids open and wash eyes with drips of clean water-no medications in the wash water: use pure water - Drip water across—not directly into—the eye, or use an eyewash dispenser - Continue to rinse for 15 minutes and flush under the eyelid to remove debris - Cover eye with clean piece of cloth and seek medical attention

Explain what features make for effective PPE. Also explain how those features might reduce worker acceptance of PPE.

Effective PPE: - Chemical resistant or otherwise able to keep pesticides away from your body - Resistant to punctures or tears under normal conditions of use - Well sealed at seams - Comfortable enough that people will accept it Keep in mind that the thicker the barrier, the better the protection, but also the hotter and more uncomfortable it is for users of that PPE

Outline the first aid procedures used in cases of heat stress, and describe when medical attention is necessary.

Err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if someone or yourself appears ill. Do not let a victim go alone to a doctor if at all possible. First aid procedures: - Get the victim into a shaded or cooler area - Carefully remove PPE and other clothing that may be making the victim hot - Cool the victim as rapidly as possible by sponging or splashing the skin (especially the face, neck, hands, and forearms) with cool water. If at all possible, immerse the victim in cool water (e.g., a shower) - Have the victim drink as much cool water as possible. However, as with pesticide poisoning, do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person - Keep the individual calm and quiet

Explain which directions you should follow when a product's label has changed

If you know that a label has changed, you may follow the newer label provided the change resulted in stricter requirements. - If, however, the newer label eases use restrictions, abide by the stricter requirements on the label of the product you are using

Distinguish grasses from broadleaf plants and herbaceous from woody plants

Look at above for grasses versus broadleaf - Woody plants such as vines, shrubs, and trees have a thickened layer of dense tissue (i.e., bark) on the outside of the stems—which allows them to grow tall. Herbaceous plants lack this hard, woody material and do not generally grow as large

Identify the health concerns associated with different formulations

See above

Outline when medical attention is warranted.

Seek medical attention whenever someone: - Exhibits any illness while, or soon after, working with pesticides or in a treated area, - Has swallowed a pesticide, - Has gotten a pesticide in their eyes - Exhibits symptoms of poisoning or injury following dermal or inhalation exposure to a pesticide. - In the absence of symptoms, use common sense to determine if medical attention is warranted, and you should call immediately if any of the symptoms are expressed in an individual

List some benefits of having a proper storage area for your pesticides.

Storing pesticides poses many hazards because many pesticide concentrates are kept together in a small area. However, a well-designed pesticide storage area will: - Limit access: protect people from exposure, - Allow better inventory control, - Reduce the chance of environmental contamination, - Prevent damage to pesticides from temperature extremes and excess moisture, - Safeguard pesticides from theft, vandalism, and unauthorized use, and - Allow fire departments to know the location of the pesticides

Describe some common symptoms of heat stress.

Symptoms include: - Fatigue - Dizziness and fainting - Clammy hands or hot, dry skin - headache, nausea, or chills - Severe thirst and dry mouth heavy sweating or complete lack of sweating - Altered behavior, confusion, slurred speach, irrational

Explain how to recognize and respond to shock.

Symptoms of shock: - The victim's skin will be pale, moist, cold, and clammy. Their eyes will be vacant and lackluster with dilated pupils. Their breathing will be shallow and irregular and pulse very weak, rapid, and irregular. The victim may be unconscious How to respond: - Unless the person is vomiting, keep the victim flat on their back and elevate their legs 1 to 1 ½ feet above the head. - Keep the victim warm enough to prevent shivering. Do not overheat. - Keep the victim quiet and give reassurance often - Never try to give anything by mouth to an unconscious victim

Identify the most prominent federal pesticide law and which agency oversees it.

The most prominent pesticide law is the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which regulates the production, transportation, sale, use, and disposal of pesticides. - Under FIFRA, the EPA is responsible for registering or authorizing pesticide products for sale, distribution, and use in the United States

Describe the main purpose of a pesticide label and its legal implications for an applicator.

The pesticide label is the main method of communication between pesticide manufacturers and pesticide users. It is one of the most important tools for their safe and effective use

List the types of information on labels and SDSs that can help you respond to a pesticide exposure.

The safety data sheets (SDS) on the labels include: - A list of symptoms that will help you recognize and respond to poisonings more quickly - Emergency contact numbers and information for doctors and first responders. - General and specific first aid measures to take in case of an exposure.

Explain how to know when you need to follow transportation rules.

There are a number of ways to check. Perhaps the quickest is to check the "Transport" and "Regulatory Information" section (sections 14 and 15) of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). If a hazard class is not listed and not somehow indicated to be nonregulated, such as the words "none" or "not regulated," contact the product's manufacturer or your distributor before transporting the material.

Explain how PPE reduces the hazard associated with pesticide use.

Wearing PPE greatly reduces your dermal, inhalation, and eye exposure to pesticides

Explain the restrictions on using rinsates in future mixes.

You can use rinsate as make-up water for future applications provided:: - The pesticide(s) in the rinsate is labeled for the intended application site - the amount of pesticide in the final mix does not exceed label rates for that site.

Explain when you would need to perform the above tasks over a spill containment surface (also called a mixing and loading pad)

You need to perform the mixing and loading tasks in all cases except: - Only into application equipment having a total capacity of 5 gallons or less of liquid pesticide, or 50 pounds or less of nonliquid pesticide - In or immediately adjacent to the pesticide application site, provided you do so further than 100 feet from a well or surface water