Scottpouri
PPE
Proof is in the Pesticide Pudding
By the Book
Inspector Discretion
100

This state is where Scott worked as a landscaper and certified pesticide applicator as well as leading a plant health team where he designed a custom spray vehicle.

Colorado

100

A type of footwear that would be acceptable during pesticide applications.

Any footwear that provides protection from exposure to the pesticide being used.

100

You observe winds at the time of application and use this tool to record the wind speed.

Anemometer

100

A lawn care firm needs this to be applying pesticides for hire to customers.

A PABL (in the proper categories)

100

You pull over to conduct a road check on a busy street and use the following safety items to keep yourself safe and visible while working...

Safety Vest and Car Light

200

Scott owns 3 of this breed of dog, which are known for their short legs, long bodies and were originally bred for hunting burrow animals like badgers, foxes, and rabbits.

Dachshund

200

The most common route of exposure to pesticides.

Dermal exposure

200

When making a broadcast, foliar, or space application of a pesticide to a turf or ornamental site, the applicator must do this (immediately following the application) at the primary point(s) of entry to the treated area.

Post compliant lawn marker(s).

200

An applicator should be able to present this to you at the time of inspection in the field.

The applicator’s certification credential.

200

What should you do if the applicator has not finished the application when you pull up to an area?

Wait until they appear to be finished before exiting the vehicle and approaching.

300

The area of study is what Scott obtained his baccalaureate degree in, which is described as the science and practice of managing, conserving, using, repairing, and creating woodland areas.

Forestry

300

The applicator says they mix and load while on the road. What are two PPE items might they be required to have on hand when doing so?

Eye protection, a chemical resistant apron, gloves.

300

A PABL firm’s vehicle must have what identification information affixed to it when transporting a pesticide?

Firm Name and Address or Telephone or USDOT

300

The first thing an inspector should do when interviewing an applicator.

Introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the inspection.

300

A situation comes up where you are considering entering the application area, or even taking samples. What information do you need before doing either?

Get information from the applicator on when it is safe to enter the application area - REI?

(Ask for permission to enter the property and take samples.)

400

This flavor of an iconic 1960’s corn chip snack was introduced by Frito-Lay in the 1980’s and is one of Scott’s favorites. It combines two flavors for a zesty, bold experience.

Chili-cheese Fritos

400

You see an applicator with only short sleeves. Is this automatically a violation? (Why/why not?)

No – depends on the label requirements and if they have soap and water on hand.

400

An applicator deposits granules of (only) fertilizer on the sidewalk and road. What must they do?

Before leaving the site, ensure the granules are removed from the impervious surface.

400

When must the firm provide customer information?

Either at the time of application or within 48 hours of the application with prior written approval.

400

A compliant spill kit might contain what items? (name three)

Varies depending on the formulation and amount of pesticide on hand.

  • Broom and dustpan, blower, absorbent snakes, kitty litter, plastic bags, shovel.
500

During his undergraduate days, Scott measured white pine trees in this plantation, which is one of the oldest experimental forest plantations in the State of Michigan.

The Beal or William Beal Pinetum

500

Name all state minimum required PPE.

Long pants, footwear that protects the applicator, long sleeves (short sleeves acceptable under certain conditions), gloves when the individual’s hands are likely to come into contact with a pesticide.

500

The firm denies applying a pesticide, but you suspect they did. Describe your next steps...

  • Inform the applicator of your ability to take samples. 
  • If they maintain they did not apply a pesticide you can discuss with a lead/Lynn about whether to pursue the issue further. 
  • Take samples from the equipment (and maybe the yard). 
  • Seal in front of the applicator.
500

The applicator you speak to in the field claims to be commercially certified but doesn’t have their card. What documents do they need to provide the inspector?

A copy of their passing exam scores, copy of their application, proof of payment.

500

Name three situations in which you might issue a field SPCO.

  • The firm is unlicensed and found to be applying pesticides for hire.
  • The applicator is uncertified/unregistered and found to be applying pesticides in the course of their employment and/or in a category for which they do not hold a credential.
  • The applicator did not use PPE required by state minimum requirements and/or the pesticide label.
  • The applicator does not have a spill kit that is appropriate for the type (liquid and/or granular) and/or volume of pesticide being carried.
  • The applicator does not have lawn caution markers and such markers are required for the applications they are performing.
  • Leaking equipment or containers are present.
  • The wind is too strong for the application.