Registered
Pesticide Consultant Employee Training Criteria |
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| Pursuant
to 357 IAC 1-9-1, the Indiana State Chemist must approve training that
is required to be provided by the registered pesticide consultant to
employees to enable them to accurately convey pesticide use and safety
advice to the pesticide customers. To submit training programs for review
and approval, contact Dave Scott at 765-494-1587 or scottde@purdue.edu.
Training that meets the following criteria will be considered approved: |
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| 1. |
Importance of the
pesticide label: |
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a. |
Every
pesticide container bears a label that contains essential information
on its proper use, application and disposal; |
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b. |
Using
pesticides or making recommendations contrary to information on a pesticide
label is a violation of state and federal law. |
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| 2. |
Safety
in the handling and use of pesticies: |
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a. |
Proper
personal protective equipment (safety gear) must be worn when handling
or applying pesticides. This information is specified on the pesticide
label. |
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b. |
Customers
who encounter cases of suspected pesticide poisoning should call 911 or
a poison control center such as the Indiana Poison Center (800-382-9097). |
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| 3. |
Importance
of proper identification of the target pest organism: |
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a. |
Knowledge
of the cause of the problem is an essential prerequisite to effective
pest control. |
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b. |
Since
most pesticides are effective only against a limited group of pest organisms,
use of an inappropriate pesticide is likely to be ineffective in controlling
a pest, and may harm beneficial organisms or damage the environment. |
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c. |
Books
and other printed reference materials, the Purdue Cooperative Extension
Service (800-872-1920), and the local county extension
educator can assist employees and customers in proper identification
of pest organisms. |
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| 4. |
Pesticide
storage and disposal: |
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a. |
Customers
should buy only the amount of pesticide that they need to solve a specific
problem and, if possible, should use up the pesticide rather than store
the unused portion. |
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b. |
Since
most pesticide poisoning involves children and pets, pesticides should
be stored in original containers, in a locked area inaccessible to children
and pets. Pesticides should not be stored near food. |
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c. |
Pesticides and empty pesticide containers must be disposed
of properly; never down the drain or toilet, unless so indicated on the
label. Empty containers formerly containing liquid pesticides should be
triple rinsed before being placed in the trash. If possible, customers
should take unused pesticides to an approved recycling or household hazardous
waste collection center. |
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| 5. |
Proper application rate and timing: |
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a. |
Dosage and timing of the pesticide application must follow
the information contained in the pesticide label. |
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b. |
Applying pesticides at too high a concentration is a waste
of money and natural resources and may harm people, pets, and non-target
organisms. Under-application of a pesticide may be ineffective in controlling
pest organisms. |
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c. |
Applying pesticides at an inappropriate time may render them
ineffective for pest control. |
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d. |
Weather and wind conditions must be appropriate for a pesticide
application to be effective. For example, applying pesticides when it is
windy may result in the drift of the pesticide to non-target areas and
may result in injury to people, pets, property and the environment. Also,
rain falling on a recent pesticide application may result in the material
being washed into storm sewers. |
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| 6. |
Employee and customer safety: |
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a. |
All pesticide customers must have readable labels that are
not defaced or obscured by price stickers, stains, etc. Pesticide containers
with missing or obscured labels may not be sold to customers. |
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b. |
Damaged or leaking pesticide containers may not be repackaged
or sold to customers. |
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c. |
Pesticide spills on shelves or in display areas must be promptly
cleaned and decontaminated by employees wearing proper PPE, and then the
waste and cleaning materials disposed of in an appropriate manner. |
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d. |
The location of Material Safety Data Sheets for pesticides
sold in the store should be included in employee pesticide training. |
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e. |
Store-approved procedures for handling hazardous chemicals
should be included in employee pesticide training. |
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| Assistance with training materials or providing training
to groups of employees may be obtained by contacting Purdue Pesticide Programs
(Cooperative Extension Service) at 765-494-1284. |
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