Private pesticide applicator training sessions scheduled in 2013
The Dunklin County University of Missouri Extension Center will soon begin training sessions for the private pesticide applicators license.
The private pesticide applicator training is for those individuals who use ?restricted use? chemicals for the production of agricultural commodities. According to the federal pesticide laws, the chemicals are divided into two classes. Over-the?counter materials can be bought by anyone and are available at retailers such as garden centers and discount stores. The other category is for ?restricted use? materials for which a license is required. Certification as a private applicator will allow a person to buy and use, or supervise the use of "restricted use" pesticides. Certified private applicators may apply pesticides to their own land, or for a neighbor in trade for services. To get the private license, one must be at least 18 years of age and a producer of agricultural commodities. Anyone applying pesticides for hire must be certified with the Missouri Department of Agriculture as a commercial pesticide applicator.
Key provisions of the training are safety and how to comply with the EPA Worker Protection Standards. These standards require that workers must have training about mixing and handling restricted use pesticides. The private pesticide applicator training offered by University of Missouri Extension will count for this training.
The Worker Protection Standard requires employers to provide for their workers personal protective equipment, transportation in medical emergencies, and decontamination materials. Employers are also required to notify their workers of pesticide applications and assure that they stay out of the treated areas for the required interval after application. Other topics relate to the label and the law, environmental concerns, and endangered species. Drift prevention and the proper disposal of pesticide containers are discussed.
Residents from surrounding counties are encouraged to attend these sessions or they can contact their local extension offices to check for their schedules.
This year there will be four private Pesticide Applicator Training sessions offered in Dunklin County. On Thursday, January 3, at Helena Chemical in Clarkton at 9:00 am; Friday January 4 at SEMO Kennett at 1230 First Street in Kennett at 9:00 am; on Friday, January 11 at SEMO Kennett at1230 First Street in Kennett at 9:00 am and Friday, January 18 at SEMO Kennett at 1230 First Street in Kennett in Kennett at 9:00. Other training sessions will be set up as needed. For more information, call Mike Milam at the Dunklin County University of Missouri Extension Center at 888-4722.
University of Missouri Extension programs are open to all.