Pesticide Emergency Management and Environmental Protection | Delaware DoA Approved

Instructor: Sarah Racine

Pesticides can be dangerous to people and the environment. Safe use practices help pest managers stay on top of potential hazards. This one-credit course is approved by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, covering emergency management and environmental protection for pesticide use.

Pest managers should always utilize a management plan when using pesticides, along with warning measures like signs and public notices. Of course, the safest way to use pesticides is not to use them at all — which is why this course discusses pesticide alternatives.

Safety begins with planning and ends long after cleanup. Careful chemical selection, equipment use, application techniques, cleanup, disposal, recordkeeping and liability ensure hazards are minimized. Safe storage, mixing and transportation of pesticides are possible with the help of service containers.

In case of an emergency, you need to know how to respond. Spills, leaks and even misapplications may occur. First aid techniques in this course will prepare you to treat exposure to clothing, skin, eyes and the respiratory system.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify pesticide safety measures to protect people and the environment from pesticide exposure.
• Describe appropriate ways to handle and apply pesticides.
• Recognize different types of pesticide emergencies and corresponding first aid measures.
• Explain how to handle pesticide emergencies such as leaks, spills and misapplications.
• Discuss effective equipment selection, safe application techniques and proper practices for cleanup and disposal.