North Carolina General Safety 5 Credit Bundle Part I
This course bundle is designed for North Carolina Agricultural Commercial Pesticide Applicators. The course bundle contains 10 credits of training approved by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Click on course details for a list of specific courses.
BUNDLE CONTENTS
- Pesticide Formulations – 1 credit
- Environmental Fate and Transport of Pesticides – 1 credit
- Pesticide Hazards and First Aid – 1 credit
- Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Response – 1 credit
- Pesticide Application Procedures – 1 credit
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.
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
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.
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 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.