Florida Administrative Code › 5 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES › 5E - Division of Agricultural Environmental Services › Chapter 5E-9 - LICENSED PESTICIDE APPLICATORS AND DEALERS › Section 5E-9.024 - Category Certification Standards

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1)
				Primary categories.
(a) Category 1A1 -
				Agricultural Row Crop Pest Control. Applicators seeking licensure in this
				category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of agricultural row crops and
				associated pests, the chemical control measures that pertain to the prevention
				or control of such pests, the equipment or methodologies used to safely and
				effectively implement such measures, the potential for pesticide residues on
				such crops, preharvest application intervals, post-application reentry interval
				restrictions, phytotoxicity, pesticide-related soil or water problems,
				potential for pesticide-induced environmental contamination, and non-target
				injury and community problems that may result from the improper use of
				pesticides in agricultural row crop production. Applicators in this category
				shall also demonstrate practical knowledge of the procedures and equipment used
				to apply pesticides with irrigation water through an irrigation system. This
				knowledge shall include equipment calibration; proper design, use, and
				maintenance of anti-siphon devices and check valves to prevent pesticide
				contamination of water supplies; proper interpretation of pesticide label or
				labeling requirements for products registered for chemigation; and appropriate
				use of personal protective equipment associated with this type of
				application.
(b) Category 1A2 -
				Agricultural Tree Crop Pest Control. Applicators seeking licensure in this
				category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the agricultural tree crops
				and associated pests, the chemical control measures that pertain to the
				prevention or control of such pests, the equipment or methodologies required to
				safely and effectively implement such measures, the potential for pesticide
				residues on food crops, preharvest application intervals, post-application
				reentry interval restrictions, phytotoxicity, pesticide-related soil or water
				problems, potential for pesticide-induced environmental contamination, and
				non-target injury or community problems that may result from the improper use
				of pesticides in agricultural tree crop production. Applicators in this
				category shall also demonstrate practical knowledge of the procedures and
				equipment used to apply pesticides with irrigation water through an irrigation
				system. This knowledge shall include equipment calibration; proper design, use,
				and maintenance of anti-siphon devices and check valves to prevent pesticide
				contamination of water supplies; proper interpretation of pesticide label or
				labeling requirements for products registered for chemigation; and appropriate
				use of personal protective equipment associated with this type of
				application.
(c) Category 1B -
				Agricultural Animal Pest Control. Applicators seeking licensure in this
				category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of agricultural animal
				production and associated pests, the chemical control measures that pertain to
				the prevention or control of such pests, the equipment or methodologies
				required to safely and effectively implement such measures, the specific
				toxicity of such pesticides and associated residue potential, and the potential
				for animal injury associated with pesticide formulation, application
				techniques, animal age or stress, and extent of treatment.
(d) Category 1C - Private Applicator
				Agricultural Pest Control. Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall
				demonstrate practical knowledge of agricultural plant and animal production,
				associated pests, the chemical control measures that pertain to the prevention
				or control of such pests, the equipment or methodologies required to safely and
				effectively implement such measures, preharvest application intervals,
				post-application reentry interval restrictions, specific pesticide toxicity,
				and the potential for: pesticide residues in agricultural commodities;
				phytotoxicity; pesticide-related soil or water impacts; pesticide-induced
				environmental contamination; non-target injury; off-site problems that may
				result from the improper use of pesticides in agricultural production; and
				animal injury associated with pesticide formulation, application techniques,
				animal age or stress, or extent of treatment. Applicators in this category
				shall also demonstrate practical knowledge of the procedures and equipment used
				to apply pesticides with irrigation water through an irrigation system. This
				knowledge shall include equipment calibration; proper design, use, and
				maintenance of anti-siphon devices and check valves to prevent pesticide
				contamination of water supplies; proper interpretation of pesticide label or
				labeling requirements for products registered for chemigation; and appropriate
				use of personal protective equipment associated with this type of application.
				Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall also demonstrate practical
				knowledge of soil-inhabiting pests and pests of stored raw agricultural
				commodities, the fumigant pesticides that may be used to control such pests,
				and the equipment or methodologies required to safely implement fumigation
				measures to control such pests. This knowledge shall include the basics of
				fumigant pesticide toxicology; application methodologies for applying soil and
				commodity fumigants; techniques and procedures for monitoring the concentration
				of a fumigant pesticide in soil, storage facilities, air or water; use and
				maintenance of personal protective equipment and clothing; and specific safety
				procedures for handling pressurized chemicals and for avoiding non-target
				exposure to a fumigant pesticide.
(e) Category 1D - Soil and Greenhouse
				Fumigation. Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall demonstrate
				practical knowledge of soil-inhabiting pests and pests of agricultural crops
				grown inside structures such as greenhouses, the fumigant pesticides that may
				be used to control such pests, and the equipment or methodologies required to
				safely implement fumigation measures to control such pests. This knowledge
				shall include the basics of fumigant pesticide toxicology; application
				methodologies for applying soil and structural fumigants; techniques and
				procedures for monitoring the concentration of a fumigant pesticide in soil,
				air or water; use and maintenance of personal protective equipment and
				clothing; and specific safety procedures for handling pressurized chemicals and
				for avoiding non-target exposure to a fumigant pesticide.
(f) Category 1E - Raw Agricultural Commodity
				Fumigation. Applicants seeking licensure in this category shall demonstrate
				practical knowledge of pests of stored raw agricultural commodities, the
				fumigant pesticides that may be used to control such pests, and the equipment
				or methodologies required to safely implement fumigation measures to control
				such pests. This knowledge shall include the basics of fumigant pesticide
				toxicology; application methodology for fumigating stored agricultural
				commodities; techniques and procedures for monitoring the concentration of a
				fumigant pesticide in a storage facility or in air or water; use and
				maintenance of personal protective equipment and clothing; and specific safety
				procedures for handling pressurized chemicals and for avoiding non-target
				exposure to a fumigant pesticide.
(g) Category 2 - Forest Pest Control.
				Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall demonstrate practical
				knowledge of the types of forests, forest nurseries and seed orchards in
				Florida and associated pests, forest population dynamics, relative biotic
				agents and vulnerability to pesticides, the chemical control measures that
				pertain to the prevention or control of forest pests, and the equipment or
				methodologies required to safely and effectively implement such measures while
				avoiding adverse effects on wildlife, ground or surface water, and recreational
				areas visited by the general public.
(h) Category 3 - Ornamental and Turf Pest
				Control. Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall demonstrate
				practical knowledge and recognition of pesticide problems associated with the
				production and maintenance of ornamental plants and turfgrasses, the chemical
				control measures that pertain to the prevention or control of such pests and
				the equipment or methodologies required to safely and effectively implement
				such measures. This knowledge shall encompass an understanding of potential
				non-target injury due to drift and implementation of application methods to
				minimize exposure to humans, pets, or other domestic animals.
(i) Category 4 - Seed Treatment. Applicators
				seeking licensure in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the
				types of seeds that require chemical protection against pests, the chemical
				control measures that pertain to the control of such pests, and the equipment
				or methodologies required to safely and effectively implement such pest control
				measures. This knowledge shall include understanding the significance of
				coloring treated seed; the effects of carriers and surface active agents which
				influence pesticide binding and may affect germination; the hazards associated
				with handling, sorting and mixing, packaging and labeling treated seed; misuse
				of treated seed, such as introduction of treated seed into food and feed
				channels; and proper disposal of unused treated seeds.
(j) Category 5A - Aquatic Pest Control.
				Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall demonstrate practical
				knowledge of pest organisms in aquatic environments, the chemical control
				measures that pertain to the control of such pests, and the equipment or
				methodologies required to safely and effectively implement such pest control
				measures. This knowledge shall include understanding calculation of volume of
				water to be treated; application rates; pH; potential secondary effects;
				various water use situations and the potential of downstream effects; potential
				pesticide effects on non-target organisms; and the principles of limited area
				application.
(k) Category 5B -
				Organotin Antifouling Paint Pest Control. Applicators seeking licensure in this
				category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices
				of using antifouling paints, including toxicity to humans and non-target
				organisms via common exposure routes; proper cleaning, disposal and containment
				techniques; climatic factors that may influence environmental hazards; common
				types and features of target and non-target aquatic/marine organisms; proper
				handling, mixing and application procedures; and, the laws and regulations
				governing pesticides and antifouling paints.
(l) Category 6 - Right-of-Way Pest Control.
				Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall demonstrate practical
				knowledge of pests that occur in right-of-way areas accompanying roads,
				electric lines and substations, pipelines, railroads, and similar situations
				and measures for control. This knowledge shall include types of herbicides used
				on right-of-way areas; chemical control measures that pertain to the prevention
				and control of right-of-way pests; equipment or methodologies required to
				safely and effectively implement such measures; pesticide runoff and drift
				prevention; recognition of target organisms; actions necessary to prevent
				excessive foliage destruction; and potential effects on non-target and off-site
				organisms.
(m) Category 7A - Wood
				Treatment. Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall demonstrate
				practical knowledge in using wood preservatives, air monitoring procedures,
				personal protective clothing and equipment, hygiene, related health and safety
				measures, emergency procedures, and practices necessary to prevent
				environmental contamination.
(n)
				Category 7B - Chlorine Gas Infusion. Applicators seeking licensure in this
				category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the safe handling and
				application of liquefied chlorine gas for treatment of swimming pools, hot tubs
				and spas. This will include a knowledge of the toxicology of liquefied chlorine
				gas, the dispersion properties and other characteristics of gaseous chemicals,
				equipment types, calibration procedures, application techniques, air and water
				monitoring procedures, use and maintenance of personal protective equipment and
				clothing, and factors that may lead to a hazardous condition, including
				handling of pressurized chemicals and direct or continuous exposure to chlorine
				gas.
(o) Category 7C - Sewer Root
				Control. Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall demonstrate
				practical knowledge of the safe handling and proper application of sewer root
				control chemicals, including practical knowledge of root growth and biology;
				equipment types and calibration procedures; proper pesticide handling, mixing
				and application procedures; proper use and maintenance of personal protective
				equipment; toxicity of root control pesticides to humans and non-target
				organisms via common exposure routes; proper cleaning, disposal and containment
				techniques; effects of root control pesticides on ground water, sewage
				treatment plants, septic tanks, holding tanks, lift stations, and other sewage
				treating, conveying, or handling equipment; environmental effects; factors that
				may lead to a hazardous condition; and the laws and regulations governing
				pesticide use.
(p) Category 9 -
				Regulatory Pest Control. Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall
				demonstrate practical knowledge of regulated pests, applicable laws relating to
				quarantine and other regulatory measures, environmental impact of pesticides
				used in suppression and eradication programs, and factors that may influence
				the introduction, spread, or population dynamics of regulated pests. Such
				knowledge shall extend beyond that relevant to Florida situations because of
				the necessity to assist periodically throughout the U.S. with regulated pests.
				Applicators shall also demonstrate practical knowledge of soil-inhabiting pests
				and pests of agricultural crops grown inside structures such as greenhouses,
				the fumigant pesticides that may be used to control such pests, and the
				equipment or methodologies required to safely implement fumigation measures to
				control such pests. This knowledge shall include the basics of fumigant
				pesticide toxicology; application methodologies for applying soil and space
				fumigants; techniques and procedures for monitoring the concentration of a
				fumigant pesticide in soil, air or water; use and maintenance of personal
				protective equipment and clothing; and specific safety procedures for handling
				pressurized chemicals and for avoiding non-target exposure to a fumigant
				pesticide. Applicants seeking licensure in this category shall demonstrate
				practical knowledge of pests of stored raw agricultural commodities, the
				fumigant pesticides that may be used to control such pests, and the equipment
				or methodologies required to safely implement fumigation measures to control
				such pests. This knowledge shall include the basics of fumigant pesticide
				toxicology and application methodology for fumigating stored agricultural
				commodities.
(q) Category 11 -
				Aerial Application. Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall
				demonstrate a practical knowledge of the principles and practices of aerial
				pest control and the safe application of pesticides by aerial delivery
				means.
(r) Category 20 - Regulatory
				Inspection and Sampling. There are no specific certification standards for this
				category. The general certification standards listed in Rule
				5E-9.023, F.A.C., are all that
				is required for licensees in this category.
(s) Category 21 - Natural Areas Weed
				Management. Applicators seeking licensure in this category shall demonstrate
				practical knowledge of pest plants that invade natural communities in Florida,
				the chemical control measures that pertain to such pests, and the equipment or
				methodologies required to safely implement such pest control measures. This
				knowledge shall include special techniques and proper herbicide selection to
				effectively control target species and minimize adverse effects to the natural
				community. Knowledge of herbicide characteristics including toxicity to
				wildlife, behavior in plants, behavior in soil, persistence, and environmental
				fate, as well as methods for herbicide dilution and rate calculations will be
				demonstrated.