S.D. Admin. R. 12:56:05:04

Current through Register Vol. 51, page 67, December 16, 2024

Section 12:56:05:04 - General standards for certification of commercial applicators

Persons seeking certification as commercial applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control and proper and effective use of pesticides by passing a written examination. Written examinations for all commercial ground applicators must address all the following areas of competency:

(1) Labels and labeling comprehension: Familiarity with pesticide labels and labeling and their functions, including all the following:

(a) The general format and terminology of pesticide labels and labeling;

(b) Understanding of instructions, warnings, terms, symbols, and other information commonly appearing on pesticide labels and labeling.

(c) Understanding that it is a violation of Federal law to use any registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.

(d) Understanding labeling requirements that a certified applicator must be physically present at the site of the application.

(e) Understanding that applicators must comply with all use restrictions and directions for use contained in pesticide labels and labeling, including being certified in the certification category appropriate to the type and site of the application.

(f) Understanding the meaning of product classification as either general or restricted use and that a product may be unclassified.

(g) Understanding and complying with product-specific notification requirements.

(h) Recognizing and understanding the difference between mandatory and advisory labeling language.

(2) Safety. Measures to avoid or minimize adverse health effects, including all the following:

(a) Understanding the different natures of the risks of acute toxicity and chronic toxicity, as well as the long-term effects of pesticides.

(b) Understanding that a pesticide's risk is a function of exposure and the pesticide's toxicity.

(c) Recognition of likely ways in which dermal, inhalation, and oral exposure may occur.

(d) Common types and causes of pesticide mishaps.

(e) Precautions to prevent injury to applicators and other individuals in or near treated areas.

(f) Need for, and proper use of, protective clothing and personal protective equipment.

(g) Symptoms of pesticide poisoning.

(h) First aid and other procedures to be followed in case of a pesticide mishap.

(i) 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.

(3) Environment. Potential environmental consequences of the use and misuse of pesticides as may be influenced by such factors as the following:

(a) Weather and other indoor and outdoor climatic conditions;

(b) Types of terrain, soil, and other substrate;

(c) Presence of fish, wildlife, and other nontarget organisms; and

(d) Drainage patterns;

(4) Pests: The proper identification and effective control of pests, including all the following:

(a) Common features of pest organisms;

(b) Characteristics of damage needed for pest recognition;

(c) Recognition of pests to be controlled; and

(d) Pest development and biology as it may be relevant to problem identification and control.

(5) Pesticides: Characteristics of pesticides, including all of the following:

(a) Types of pesticides;

(b) Types of formulations.

(c) Compatibility, synergism, persistence, and animal and plant toxicity of the formulations of pesticides;

(d) Hazards and residues associated with use.

(e) Factors that influence effectiveness or lead to such problems as resistance to pesticides; and

(f) Dilution procedures used.

(6) Equipment. Application equipment, including all the following:

(a) Types of equipment and advantages and limitations of each type; and

(b) Uses, maintenance, and calibration of equipment.

(7) Application methods:

(a) Methods used to apply various forms and formulations of pesticides.

(b) Knowledge of which application method to use in each situation and that use of a fumigant, aerial application or sodium cyanide requires additional certification.

(c) How selection of application method and use of a pesticide may result in proper use, unnecessary or ineffective use, and misuse.

(d) Prevention of drift and pesticide loss into the environment.

(8) Laws and regulations. Knowledge of all applicable State, Tribal, and Federal laws, and regulations.

(9) Professionalism. Understanding the importance of all the following:

(a) Maintaining chemical security for restricted use pesticides.

(b) How to communicate information about pesticide exposures and risks with customers and the public.

(c) Appropriate product stewardship for certified applicators.

S.D. Admin. R. 12:56:05:04

1 SDR 65, effective 3/27/1975; 2 SDR 53, effective 1/18/1976; 4 SDR 23, effective 10/20/1977; 12 SDR 96, effective 12/8/1985; 12 SDR 128, 12 SDR 154, effective 7/1/1986; 49 SDR 124, effective 7/3/2023

General Authority: SDCL 38-21-51.

Law Implemented: SDCL 38-21-18.