Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2022 - 141

GENERAL INFORMATION
LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Be sure to check current state and federal laws and regulations
regarding the proper use, storage, and disposal of pesticides
before applying any chemicals. For restricted-use pesticides,
an applicator is required to be certified or to work under
the direct supervision of a certified individual. Additional information
on Worker Protection Standards (WPS) can be found at
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/agricultural-worker-protection-standard-wps.
CERTIFICATION-PESTICIDE
APPLICATORS
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of
1972 (FIFRA) requires each state to certify individuals who use
restricted use pesticides. Pesticide applicators are required to
demonstrate competency by completing training and examinations
certified by their state. Certified applicators are classified
as private or commercial. The certification process is somewhat
different for each group. The definitions of private and commercial
applicators are as follows:
Private Applicator: Any person who uses, or supervises the use
of a restricted-use pesticide for the purpose of raising some type
of agricultural commod ity. The application can be done on land
owned or rented by the applicator or the applicator's employer.
However, any applications done on a " for-hire " basis are considered
commercial applications. Examples of private applicators
are dairy farmers, vegetable or fruit growers, greenhouse growers,
and ranchers.
Commercial Applicator: Any person who uses, or supervises
the use of, pesticides on a " for-hire " basis; any person who applies
pesticides as a part of his or her job with any governmental
agency (public operator). Examples of commercial applicators
are: pest control operators, ornamental and turf operators, and
anyone that has a " fee " based service.
For detailed information on certification of pesticide applicators,
call your state's Department of Agriculture or your local
Extension office for information.
HANDLING PESTICIDES
Before opening a pesticide container, all applicators should
carefully read the label, and accurately follow all directions and
precautions specified on the labeling. In order to handle and apply
pesticides safely, it is essential to use proper personal protective
equipment (PPE). Always follow the label for the minimum
PPE required.
Your physician should be advised of the types of pesticides
used in your work. Before the start of the spray season, each applicator
should have a baseline blood cholinesterase level determined
if you will be applying any organophosphate or carbamate
insecticides.
When applying pesticides, be sure to have a decontamination
site as required by the EPA's Worker Protection Standards
(WPS) and a supply of clean water and liquid detergent available
for drenching and washing in case of an accident. A single drop
2022 Vegetable Crop Handbook for Southeastern United States
of certain pesticides in the eye is extremely hazardous. Be prepared
to wash a con taminated eye with clean water for 15 minutes.
Only
an experienced applicator wearing the protective clothing
and safety equipment required by the manufac turer should
handle highly toxic pesticides, such as Guthion, Lannate, and Temik.
APPLYING
PESTICIDES
Before using a pesticide, read and obey all labeling instructions.
Always have the most up-to-date label available when applying
a pesticide.
Do not handle or apply pesticides if you have a headache or
do not feel well. Never smoke, eat or drink while using pesticides.
Avoid inhaling pesticide sprays, dusts, and vapors.
If hands, skin, or other body parts become contaminated
or exposed, wash the area immediately with clean water and a
liquid detergent. If clothing becomes contaminated, remove it
immediately. Wash contaminated clothing separately. After each
spraying or dusting, bathe and change clothing; always begin the
day with clean clothing.
Always have someone present or in close contact when using
highly toxic pesticides -those with the signal word DANGER
plus the skull and crossbones symbol.
APPLY THE CORRECT DOSAGE
* To avoid excessive residues on crops for feed and food
* To achieve optimum pest control and minimum danger to
desirable organisms
* To avoid chemical damage to the crops
* To obtain the most economical control of pests.
Use pesticides for only those crops specified on the label,
and use only those that have state and federal registration. Avoid
drift to nontarget areas. Dusts drift more than sprays; airblast
sprays drift more than boom sprays. When cleaning or filling
application equipment, do not contaminate streams, ponds, or
other water supplies. Keep a record of all pesticides used.
TREATED AREAS
Be sure all treated areas are posted so as to keep out unauthorized
personnel. This should be a regular procedure for greenhouse
operators .
REENTRY PERIOD
Persons must not be allowed to enter the treated area until
after sprays have dried or dusts have settled and until suffi cient
time has passed to ensure that there is no danger of excessive
exposure. This time period is listed on the pesticide label as the
Restricted Entry Interval (REI). In no case during the reentry period
are farm workers allowed to enter the treated area to engage
in activity requiring substantial contact with the treated crop.
PPE is required for any early entry into the treated area and is
only allowed for trained applicators.
141
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/agricultural-work
Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2022

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