Pesticide Emergency Management and Environmental Protection | Maryland Approval #MDAInt739

Instructor: Sarah Racine

This one-credit course, approved by the Maryland Department of Agriculture Pesticide Regulation Section, teaches the essentials of safe, legal pesticide application. Safe pesticide use protects the environment and people alike.

Safe use begins with chemical selection. Pesticides may not even be needed. This course explores safer alternatives to chemical pesticides. When pesticides are needed, it’s important to take crucial advance steps like creating a management plan and posting adequate warning signs to protect the public.

Hazard minimization continues with careful equipment use, application techniques, cleanup and disposal. Choose service containers for mixing, storing and transporting chemicals. After the work is done, be mindful of safety and liability in cleanup, disposal and recordkeeping.

Even when being careful, accidents can happen. This course covers effective emergency response. Leaks, spills and misapplications may require treatments for exposure to skin, clothing, 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.
• Discuss effective equipment selection, safe application techniques and proper practices for cleanup and disposal.
• Recognize different types of pesticide emergencies and corresponding first aid measures.
• Describe appropriate ways to handle and apply pesticides.
• Explain how to handle pesticide emergencies such as leaks, spills and misapplications.