Pennsylvania Category 00 - Core Bundle #1

The courses in this package expire on September 30 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 9/30, you will no longer have access to these courses, so please complete the course(s) and download your certificate(s) by then.

This course bundle is intended for the commercial applicator. The course bundle contains 6 credits of core training. This bundle may be paired with any commercial category bundle. All courses have been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Please click on course details for a full list of courses.

BUNDLED CONTENTS:

Core Credits:

  • Application Equipment and Calibration – 2 credits
  • Pesticide Emergency Management and Environmental Protection – 2 credits
  • Review of Pesticide Use Hazards – 2 credits

 


Application Equipment and Calibration

Course Description

When pesticide applications become necessary for good turf management, it’s important to understand how application equipment works and how to properly calibrate the equipment. Accurate measurement of the area to be treated and properly calibrated equipment are critical to applying pesticides within an acceptable range of the label requirements. This course will discuss the most common types of equipment used for pesticide applications on turf, the way to calculate the area of an irregularly shaped space, and how to properly calculate the flow rate of the equipment.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Describe the different types of equipment used in pesticide applications
  • Accurately calculate the square footage of irregular areas
  • Accurately calibrate common application equipment

Pesticide Emergency Management and Environmental Protection

Course Description

Safe pesticide use protects people and the environment from dangerous hazards. This one-credit course is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to teach the essentials of safe, legal pesticide application.

Consider pesticide alternatives whenever possible to minimize exposure hazards. When working with pesticides, develop a comprehensive management plan. Start by identifying threats, creating contingencies, and notifying the public through advance warning and on-site signs.

Work safely from start to finish. Choose your chemicals, equipment and service containers carefully. Remain vigilant during setup, application, cleanup and disposal. Don’t forget recordkeeping and liability planning.

If the worst happens and you have an emergency on your hands, act quickly to protect people and the environment. In case of human exposure through spills, leaks or misapplications, be ready to provide first aid. This course prepares you to provide basic treatment for skin, clothing, eye and respiratory exposure.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

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

Review of Pesticide Use Hazards

Course Description

Pesticides can be hazardous to more than just the pests they target. They can be toxic to humans, pets, wildlife and the environment. This course explores the hazards of pesticide use and strategies to minimize toxic exposure. This one-credit course is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Improper use of pesticides can result in human exposure, affect other native species in the area and even contaminate surface or groundwater. It is vital to prevent and remedy accidental toxicity. Understand how to evaluate toxicity in humans and animals and the designations for pesticides based on their application.

Learn the factors that govern toxicity and how they work to divide pesticides into the three categories of pesticide toxicity. You will even become familiar with classifications of pesticides and common chemical formulations.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize strategies to minimize excessive pesticide exposure risk to pets, plants and the environment.
  • Describe the characteristics of various pesticide formulations.
  • Explain pesticide toxicity and the different hazards of human pesticide exposure.
  • State appropriate measures to take in case of pesticide accidents.