Missouri Code of State Regulations › Title 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE › Division 70 - Plant Industries › Chapter 25 - Pesticides › Section 2 CSR 70-25.110 - Standards of Competence for the Certification of Commercial Applicators, Noncommercial Applicators and Public Operators

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 14, July 15, 2024
PURPOSE: This rule contains the general standards of
				  competence for applicators and operators on which the contents of examinations
				  will be based. It also contains the category specific standards of competence
				  on which the category examinations will be based. This rule is necessary in
				  order to convey to the applicant a knowledge of the standards for which s/he
				  will be required to demonstrate an acceptable level of
				  competence.
(1) Commercial
				applicators, noncommercial applicators and public operators shall pass an
				examination to demonstrate competence in the use of pesticides based on the
				general standards of competence and shall pass an examination based on the
				specific standards of competence for at least one (1) of the certification
				categories listed in
				2
				CSR 70-25.100.
(2) General Standards of Competence for All
				Certification Categories.
(A) The applicant
				shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the format and terminology of
				pesticide labels and labeling, and an understanding of instructions, warnings,
				terms, symbols and other information commonly appearing on pesticide labels.
				The applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the classification of
				pesticides as to general or restricted use and must understand the necessity
				for the use of a pesticide in a manner consistent with its labeling.
(B) The applicant shall demonstrate a
				practical knowledge of the factors of pesticide safety including pesticide
				toxicity, hazard to man, and common exposure routes. The applicator must
				demonstrate a practical knowledge of the types and causes of pesticide
				accidents, a practical knowledge of the precautions necessary to guard against
				injury to applicators and other individuals in or near treated areas; a
				practical knowledge of the need for, and the use of, protective clothing and
				equipment; a practical knowledge of symptoms of pesticide poisoning; and a
				practical knowledge of first aid and other procedures to be followed in case of
				pesticide accidents. The applicator shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of
				proper identification, storage, transport, handling, mixing procedures and
				disposal methods for pesticides and used pesticide containers including
				precautions to be taken to prevent children from having access to pesticides
				and pesticide containers.
(C) The
				applicant shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the environment, including
				potential environmental consequences of the use, and the misuse, of pesticides
				as may be influenced by such factors as weather and other climatic conditions;
				as may be influenced by types of terrain, soil and other substrate; as may be
				influenced by the presence of fish, wildlife and other nontarget organisms; and
				as may be influenced by drainage patterns.
(D) The applicant shall demonstrate a
				practical knowledge of pests and pest recognition, including the common
				features of pest organisms and the characteristics of pest damage as a means of
				pest recognition; and a practical knowledge of pest development, including the
				biology and habits of pests as may be relevant to problem identification in
				pest control.
(E) The applicant
				shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of pesticides, including types of
				pesticides, types of pesticide formulations, compatibility, synergism,
				persistence and the toxicity of various pesticides and pesticide formulations
				to animals and plants; a practical knowledge of the hazards and residues
				associated with pesticide use; a practical knowledge of factors which influence
				pesticide effectiveness or lead to such problems as resistance to pesticides;
				and a practical knowledge of dilution procedures.
(F) The applicant shall demonstrate a
				practical knowledge of pesticide equipment, including the types of equipment
				and the advantages and limitations of each type, and a practical knowledge of
				the use, maintenance and calibration of pesticide equipment.
(G) The applicant shall demonstrate a
				practical knowledge of pesticide application techniques, including methods and
				procedures used to apply various formulations of pesticide solutions and gases,
				together with a knowledge of which application technique to use in a given
				situation; a practical knowledge of the relationship of discharge and placement
				of a pesticide to the proper use of the pesticide as well as to the unnecessary
				use of the pesticides; and a practical knowledge of the prevention of pesticide
				drift and of pesticide loss into the environment.
(H) The applicant shall demonstrate a
				practical knowledge of the applicable state and federal laws and
				regulations.