California Technical Branch 2 and 3 Complete 20 Credit Bundle
This package expires on December 31 at 11:59 PM Eastern, 10:59 PM Central, 9:59 PM Mountain, 8:59 PM Pacific. You must complete the courses and download your certificate(s) before the expiration date to receive credit. After 12/31, you will no longer have access to this package, so please complete the course(s) and download your certificate(s) by then.
This course bundle is designed for the Technical Branch 2 and 3 Field Representative or Operator in California. All courses are approved by the SPCB. Credits include 8.5 credits of rules and regulations, 4 credits of Technical Branch 2 training, 5.5 credits of Technical Branch 3 credits, and 2 credits of IPM training. Please click on course details for a detailed list of courses.
BUNDLED CONTENTS
Rules and Regulations Training
- Reading the Pesticide Label: Beyond the Basics – 2 hours
- Respiratory Protection – 1 hour
- Pesticide Formulations – 1 hour
- Pesticide Hazards and First Aid – 1 hour
- Pesticide Labels and Safety Data Sheets – 1 hour
- Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Response – 1 hour
- Transportation, Storage, Security, and Professional Development – 1 hour
Technical Branch 2 Training
- Bed Bugs: Overview and Management – 1 hour (and 1 hour of IPM)
- Cage Trapping Techniques – 3 hours
Technical Branch 3 Training
- Wood-Destroying Pest Management – 5.5 hours (and .5 hour of Rules and Regs)
IPM Training
- IPM for Termite Prevention – 1 hour
- Bed Bugs: Overview and Management – 1 hour (and 1 hour of Tech Branch 2)
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.
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 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 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
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.
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.
Bed Bugs: Overview and Management
Course Description
Most people visibly cringe when they hear the words “bed bugs”. Structural applicators know that managing a bed bug infestation is difficult on many levels. This course looks at the history of bed bugs, current integrated pest management approaches to preventing and managing an infestation, and several of the chemical options available when your non-chemical controls and methods have failed.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Speak confidently to clients and residents concerning chemical and non-chemical controls.
- Accurately differentiate between bed bugs and bat bugs.
- Positively identify the signs of a bed bug infestation.
Cage Trapping Techniques
Course Description
Cage and box traps play an important role in the management of vertebrate pests in urban and suburban environments. These devices capture animals by imprisoning them in a wire cage or box with solid walls. Their simple construction and perceived humaneness lead many to mistakenly believe that these devices require little training to master. This course will review the differences between cage and box traps and how to use those differences to achieve control goals. Likewise, students will learn the three main trapping sets, effective baits, safe and humane use of the traps, and how to reduce non-target captures. After this class, you will never see cage/box trapping in the same way again.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Identify the parts of cage and box traps.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different features in cage/box traps and how retail traps differ from commercial traps.
- Know foundational ways to use cage/box traps to improve capture efficacy and improve humaneness.
- Understand the importance of disease safety for both the wildlife control operator and the client.
Wood-Destroying Pest Management
Course Description
Termites are just one of the many wood-destroying pests found throughout the United States. Carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and wood-damaging fungi can also cause severe structural damage if not properly managed. Often times the initial cause of any pest problem is the presence of excess moisture in the structural wood. The source of the excess moisture must be addressed for a permanent solution to the pest problem to be effective. This course will cover the primary wood-destroying pests found through the country, the recommended treatments for each of those pests, and the primary sources of excess structural moisture.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Explain the different laws that govern pesticide applications
- Describe termite biology, caste system, and physical characteristics
- Identify other wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and carpenter bees
- Explain the different types of termite treatments
- Describe the different types of wood-damaging fungi and outline standard treatment procedures
- Identify common sources of excess moisture within a structure
IPM for Termite Prevention
Course Description
Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the United States. They are responsible for more than 2 million dollars in damage each year. In many states, building codes require the use of liquid termiticide when constructing new structures. But there are several common-sense IPM practices that can be implemented to make a structure less inviting to termites from the start. This course will provide a review of IPM principles, termite biology, and several solid IPM practices to make any structure less attractive to termites.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Explain the principles of Integrated Pest Management and how they apply to termite prevention.
- Describe the life cycle of a termite and be familiar with termite behavior.
- Recommend several IPM practices that can reduce the risk of a structure being invaded by termites.