S.D. Admin. R. 12:56:05:04.17

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

Section 12:56:05:04.17 - General standards for certification in aerial pesticide applications

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 aerial applicators must address all the following areas of competency:

(1) Labeling. Labeling requirements and restrictions specific to aerial application of pesticides including:

(a) Spray volumes.

(b) Buffers and no-spray zones.

(c) Weather conditions specific to wind and inversions.

(2) Application equipment. Understand how to choose and maintain aerial application equipment, including all the following:

(a) The importance of inspecting application equipment to ensure it is in proper operating condition prior to beginning an application.

(b) Selecting proper nozzles to ensure appropriate pesticide dispersal and to minimize drift.

(c) Knowledge of the components of an aerial pesticide application system, including pesticide hoppers, tanks, pumps, and types of nozzles.

(d) Interpreting a nozzle flow rate chart.

(e) Determining the number of nozzles for intended pesticide output using nozzle flow rate chart, aircraft speed, and swath width.

(g) How to ensure nozzles are placed to compensate for uneven dispersal due to uneven airflow from wingtip vortices, helicopter rotor turbulence, and aircraft propeller turbulence.

(g) Where to place nozzles to produce the appropriate droplet size.

(h) How to maintain the application system in good repair, including pressure gauge accuracy, filter cleaning according to schedule, and checking nozzles for excessive wear.

(i) How to calculate required and actual flow rates.

(j) How to verify flow rate using fixed timing, open timing, known distance, or a flow meter.

(k) When to adjust and calibrate application equipment.

(3) Application considerations. The applicator must demonstrate knowledge of factors to consider before and during application, including all the following:

(a) Weather conditions that could impact application by affecting aircraft engine power, take-off distance, and climb rate, or by promoting spray droplet evaporation.

(b) How to determine wind velocity, direction, and air density at the application site.

(c) The potential impact of thermals and temperature inversions on aerial pesticide application.

(4) Minimizing drift. The applicator must demonstrate knowledge of methods to minimize off-target pesticide movement, including all the following:

(a) How to determine drift potential of a product using a smoke generator.

(b) How to evaluate vertical and horizontal smoke plumes to assess wind direction, speed, and concentration.

(c) (Selecting techniques that minimize pesticide movement out of the area to be treated.

(d) Documenting special equipment configurations or flight patterns used to reduce off-target pesticide drift.

(5) Performing aerial application. The applicator must demonstrate competency in performing an aerial pesticide application, including all the following:

(a) Selecting a flight altitude that minimizes streaking and off-target pesticide drift.

(b) Choosing a flight pattern that ensures applicator and bystander safety and proper application.

(c) The importance of engaging and disengaging spray precisely when entering and exiting a predetermined swath pattern.

(d) Tools available to mark swaths, such as global positioning systems and flags.

(e) Recordkeeping requirements for aerial pesticide applications including application conditions if applicable.

S.D. Admin. R. 12:56:05:04.17

44 SDR 151, effective 4/30/2018; 49 SDR 124, effective 7/3/2023

General Authority: SDCL 38-21-51.

Law Implemented: SDCL 38-21-18.