Mo. Code Regs. tit. 2 § 70-25.110
Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 24, December 16, 2024
Section 2 CSR 70-25.110 - [Effective until 1/1/2025] Standards of Competence for the Certification of Commercial Applicators, Noncommercial Applicators and Public OperatorsPURPOSE: This rule contains the general standards of competence for applicators and operators on which the contents of examinations will be based. It also contains the category specific standards of competence on which the category examinations will be based. This rule is necessary in order to convey to the applicant a knowledge of the standards for which s/he will be required to demonstrate an acceptable level of competence.
(1) Commercial applicators, noncommercial applicators and public operators shall pass an examination to demonstrate competence in the use of pesticides based on the general standards of competence and shall pass an examination based on the specific standards of competence for at least one (1) of the certification categories listed in 2 CSR 70-25.100.(2) General Standards of Competence for All Certification Categories.(A) The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the format and terminology of pesticide labels and labeling, and an understanding of instructions, warnings, terms, symbols and other information commonly appearing on pesticide labels. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the classification of pesticides as to general or restricted use and must understand the necessity for the use of a pesticide in a manner consistent with its labeling.(B) The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the factors of pesticide safety including pesticide toxicity, hazard to man, and common exposure routes. The applicator must demonstrate a practical knowledge of the types and causes of pesticide accidents, a practical knowledge of the precautions necessary to guard against injury to applicators and other individuals in or near treated areas; a practical knowledge of the need for, and the use of, protective clothing and equipment; a practical knowledge of symptoms of pesticide poisoning; and a practical knowledge of first aid and other procedures to be followed in case of pesticide accidents. The applicator shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of proper identification, storage, transport, handling, mixing procedures and disposal methods for pesticides and used pesticide containers including precautions to be taken to prevent children from having access to pesticides and pesticide containers.(C) The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the environment, including potential environmental consequences of the use, and the misuse, of pesticides as may be influenced by such factors as weather and other climatic conditions; as may be influenced by types of terrain, soil and other substrate; as may be influenced by the presence of fish, wildlife and other nontarget organisms; and as may be influenced by drainage patterns.(D) The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of pests and pest recognition, including the common features of pest organisms and the characteristics of pest damage as a means of pest recognition; and a practical knowledge of pest development, including the biology and habits of pests as may be relevant to problem identification in pest control.(E) The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of pesticides, including types of pesticides, types of pesticide formulations, compatibility, synergism, persistence and the toxicity of various pesticides and pesticide formulations to animals and plants; a practical knowledge of the hazards and residues associated with pesticide use; a practical knowledge of factors which influence pesticide effectiveness or lead to such problems as resistance to pesticides; and a practical knowledge of dilution procedures.(F) The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of pesticide equipment, including the types of equipment and the advantages and limitations of each type, and a practical knowledge of the use, maintenance and calibration of pesticide equipment.(G) The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of pesticide application techniques, including methods and procedures used to apply various formulations of pesticide solutions and gases, together with a knowledge of which application technique to use in a given situation; a practical knowledge of the relationship of discharge and placement of a pesticide to the proper use of the pesticide as well as to the unnecessary use of the pesticides; and a practical knowledge of the prevention of pesticide drift and of pesticide loss into the environment.(H) The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the applicable state and federal laws and regulations.(3) Specific Standards of Competence for Certification Categories. (A) Category 1-Agricultural Pest Control. 1. Subcategory a-Agricultural Plant Pest Control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the crops to which pesticides will be applied and a practical knowledge of the specific pests of those crops. A practical knowledge is required concerning potential soil and water problems, preharvested intervals, reentry intervals, phytotoxicity; and concerning the potential for environmental contamination, the potential for injury to nontarget plants and animals, and the potential for causing community problems resulting from the use of pesticides in agricultural areas.2. Subcategory b-Agricultural Animal Pest Control. The applicant who applies pesticides directly to animals, or to the harborages of animals, must demonstrate a practical knowledge of these animals and their associated pests. A practical knowledge also is required concerning specific pesticide toxicity to animals and concerning the potential for illegal pesticide residues when these animals are to be used for human or animal food. The applicant also must demonstrate a practical knowledge of pesticide formulations and application techniques as they apply to animals of various ages and animals under various types of stress, and a practical knowledge concerning the extent of treatment of those animals.(B) Category 2-Forest Pest Control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the types of forest, forest nurseries and seed production and a practical knowledge of the pests involved. The applicant shall possess a practical knowledge of the cyclic occurrence of certain pests, and a practical knowledge of specific population dynamics as a basis for programming pesticide applications. Applicants shall demonstrate a practical knowledge regarding non-target plants and animals and their vulnerability to pesticides. The applicator must demonstrate a practical knowledge of control methods which will minimize the possibility of secondary problems such as the unintended effects on wildlife and which will minimize problems of pollution. The applicator must demonstrate a practical knowledge of specialized equipment, especially as it relates to meteorological factors and adjacent land use.(C) Category 3-Ornamental and Turf Pest Control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of pesticide problems associated with the production and maintenance of ornamental trees, shrubs, plantings and the production and maintenance of turf. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning potential phytotoxicity (chemical burn of plant tissue) due to a wide variety of plant material involved. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning pesticide drift and a practical knowledge concerning the persistence of pesticides beyond the intended period of pest control. Because of the frequent proximity of human habitations to application activities the applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of application methods which will minimize or prevent hazards to humans, pets and other domestic animals.(D) Category 4-Seed Treatment. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the types of seeds which require chemical protection against pests and a practical knowledge of factors such as seed coloration, pesticide carriers and surface active agents which influence pesticide binding and may affect germination. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the hazards associated with the handling, sorting and mixing of treated seed. The applicant shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the problems regarding the misuse of seed treated with pesticides, such as the introduction of treated seed into food and feed channels. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning the proper disposal of unused treated seed.(E) Category 5-Aquatic Pest Control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the secondary effects which can be caused by improper application rates, incorrect formulations and the faulty application of those pesticides used in this category. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of various water use situations and the potential for downstream adverse effects. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the potential adverse effects of pesticides on nontarget plants, fish, birds, beneficial insects and other organisms which may be present in aquatic environments. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the principles of limited area applications.(F) Category 6-Right-of-Way Pest Control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning the wide variety of environments involved in right-of-way pest control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of problems of pesticide run off, pesticide drift and problems of excess foliage destruction. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning the recognition of target pest organisms involved in right-of-way pest control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of herbicides and the need for containing these pesticides within the right-of-way area. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning the impact of pesticides on adjacent areas and communities.(G) Category 7-Structural Pest Control. 1. Subcategory a-General Structural Pest Control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of a wide variety of structural pests, including the life cycle and habits of these pests. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning the types of formulations appropriate for the control of these pests. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning the application of pesticides in a manner to avoid damage to the structure, contamination of food, contamination of the structure and surrounding area and exposure of people and pets. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition, including continuous exposure in the various situations encountered in this category. The applicant must also demonstrate practical knowledge of environmental conditions relating to outdoor applications of pesticides used in this category.2. Subcategory b-Termite Pest Control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of termites, including their life cycle and habits and a practical knowledge of termite damage. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of various associated wood-destroying organisms, including, but not limited to, powder post beetles, carpenter ants and other wood destroying insects. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning undue exposure to humans, domestic pets and other non-target organisms; as well as a practical knowledge concerning potential contamination of the environment and associated problems.3. Subcategory c-Fumigation Pest Control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning a wide variety of pests associated with those structures subject to fumigation. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge regarding the use of the various fumigants, including application techniques, and the use of specialized safety equipment and specialized application techniques. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning the use of fumigants in a manner to avoid contamination of food and surrounding areas and to prevent exposure of humans and pets. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition, including continuous exposure in the various situations encountered in this category. The applicant also must demonstrate practical knowledge of environmental conditions relating to outdoor applications of pesticides used in this category.(H) Category 8-Public Health Pest Control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of vector-disease transmission as it relates to, and influences, pesticide application problems. The applicator shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning a wide variety of pests involved in public health pest control, including the life histories and habits of these pests. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning a great variety of environments which range from streams to those conditions found in buildings. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the importance of, and employment of, such non-chemical control methods as sanitation, waste disposal and drainage.(I) Category 9-Regulatory Pest Control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of regulated pests, applicable laws pertaining to pest quarantine and other forms of pest regulation and the potential impact on the environment of pesticides used in suppression and eradication programs. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge concerning factors influencing introduction, spread and population dynamics of relevant pests. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge which shall extend beyond that required by the immediate duties of the applicator since the services of the applicator frequently are required in other areas of the country where emergency measures are invoked to control regulated pests and where individual judgements must be made in new situations.(J) Category 10-Demonstration and Research Pest Control. The applicant shall meet comprehensive standards reflecting a broad spectrum of pesticide uses. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of problems, pest and population levels occurring in each demonstration or research situation required. The applicant shall demonstrate an understanding of pesticide-organism interactions and the importance of integrating pesticide use with other control methods. The applicant shall not only demonstrate competence in the category of Demonstration and Research Pest Control but also shall demonstrate the category competencies which apply to the area of expertise in which the applicant shall conduct demonstrations and research.(K) Category 11-Wood Products Pest Control. The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of wood degradation and a general knowledge of pesticides used to prevent or control the degradation. The applicant shall demonstrate an understanding of the pesticides used to preserve wood including a knowledge of solution formulations, application techniques, hazards to man, domestic animals and the environment and the safe and proper means of container storage and disposal. AUTHORITY: section 281.025, RSMo Supp. 1989.* Original rule filed May 12, 1976, effective Oct. 21, 1976. Amended: Filed Sept. 6, 1977, effective Dec. 11, 1977. Amended: Filed March 13, 1978, effective June 11, 1978. Amended: Filed Aug. 14, 1989, effective Jan. 1, 1990. *Original authority: 281.025, RSMo 1974, amended 1977, 1988, 1993, 1995.