Arizona Commercial (PUC), Private/Golf (PUP), or PCA 3 Credit Bundle - General Safety #1

This course bundle is designed for all Arizona Applicators and Pest Control Advisors as certified by the Agricultural Division. The course bundle contains 3 credits of training approved the the Arizona Department of Agriculture for agricultural credit. Course topics focus on general pesticide safety. Please click on course details for a list of specific courses.

BUNDLE CONTENTS:

  • Respiratory Protection – 1 credit
  • Review of Pesticide Use Hazards – 1 credit
  • Pesticide Emergency Management and Environmental Protection – 1 credit

 


Respiratory Protection

Course Description

Respirators protect workers against insufficient oxygen environments, harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays. These hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment, diseases, or death. Some pesticide labels require the use of a respirator as part of the personal protective equipment. This course outlines the types of respirators available, proper fit, and inspection/maintenance requirements.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Discuss the different types of respirators and when to use each type
  • Describe the steps of a successful fit test
  • Outline the necessary care and maintenance required for each type of respirator

Review of Pesticide Use Hazards

Course Description

Pesticides are toxic substances that can endanger humans, non-target organisms and the environment. This one-credit course, approved by the Arizona Department of Agriculture, contains crucial training on the toxicity and hazards of pesticides.

Pest managers must be aware of the potential damage to the environment, non-target organisms and wildlife when applying pesticides. Hazards include human exposure, injury to pets, water contamination and phytotoxicity in plants.

Become familiar with factors that influence toxicity, the three categories of pesticide toxicity, classification and designations based on function/targeted pests as you learn how to prevent hazardous pesticide exposure.

After completing this course participants will be able to: 

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

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 Arizona Agricultural Division to teach the essentials of safe, legal pesticide application.

The safest way to use pesticides is to not use them at all, which is why pest managers should consider alternatives whenever possible. When pesticides are called for, it is always important to have a management plan. Notifications and warning signs are important tools for safeguarding the public.

Exercise caution at every step. Service containers allow for the safe storage, mixing and transportation of pesticides. Careful planning in chemical selection, equipment use, application techniques, cleanup, disposal, recordkeeping and liability ensures hazards are minimized.

Finally, when the worst happens, this course covers effective emergency response. Leaks, spills and misapplications may require first aid measures. Learn how to provide simple 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.
– Describe appropriate ways to handle and apply pesticides.
– 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.
– Explain how to handle pesticide emergencies such as leaks, spills and misapplications.