Resources and Best Practices

All pesticide applicators, regardless of type, should follow a basic set of management practices and be in compliance with the law. On this page, find information for pesticide applicators on resources and best practices, including pesticide law in the state, EPA worker protection standards, storage, security, and safe disposal of pesticides. You’ll also find tips on spill kits, transporting pesticides, and calibrating sprayers.

Pesticide Law and Regulations: EPA and FIFRA

There are many state and federal laws and regulations that pertain to the application of pesticides. One of the main statutes that governs the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides across the whole of the United States is the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

Laws and regulations are also in place to cover any workers such as those employed on farms, forests, nurseries, and enclosed-space productions. The EPA Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides requires that employers and workers take steps to reduce the risk of pesticide-related illness and injury. A WPS checklist is available to pesticide applicators.

While you must strictly adhere to pesticide laws and regulations, there are occasions when a state or federal agency can request emergency exemptions. For example, an exception could be made if a severe pest problem is jeopardizing public health or agricultural goods production.

Safe Use of Pesticides

Pesticides are toxic to both pests and humans. There are less harmful pesticides, many people consider glyphosate to be one of them, but most pesticides will cause adverse effects if intentionally or accidentally ingested or if they are in contact with the skin for a long time.

You may inhale pesticide particles with the air while they are being sprayed. There is also an additional risk of contaminating drinking water, soil, or food.

However, if you take suitable precautions, they need not be hazardous to humans and non-target animal species. Responding immediately and appropriately will minimize the effects of pesticide exposure.

The Pesticide Hypersensitivity Registry ensures that individuals hypersensitive to pesticides are notified if a pesticide application business is planning to make an application to a structure or outdoor above-ground pesticide application within 500 feet of any listed location.

You must wear protective clothing when you apply pesticides, and cover your mouth and nose with a simple device. If you have to wear a respirator, a free respirator fit test is available from Penn State Extension. Extensive training resources are also available in accordance with the EPA New Worker Protection Standard Training Materials. Rules and regulations are also in place with regard to safe pesticide storage.

Pesticide Application Best Practices

A pesticide is only effective when delivered safely and precisely. When you use an approved pesticide, the aim is to apply the correct dose to a defined target with the minimum wastage due to drift using the most appropriate spraying equipment. pH and water modifications can also affect pesticide performance.

Poor spraying may not be apparent for some time, so it’s essential that licensed pesticide applicators are fully aware of their responsibilities and obligations and properly trained in pesticide use and application.

Following pesticide labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) is critical and further information is available online from the National Pesticide Information Retrieval System (NPIRS) website. Pesticide labels contain vital information with regard to storage, correct usage, and specific disposal.

You should store pesticides safely in a secure area that is only accessible to those trained in the product’s application. When you store pesticides securely, it helps prevent spills or leaks into the groundwater, and flammable liquids from catching fire.

Safety is also important when you transport pesticides. There is the potential to cause harm to humans and animals, pollute the environment, incur financial losses, and be subject to legal actions if you do not follow best transportation practices.

In the event of a spill, whether it’s during transportation or on-site, being adequately prepared to handle a pesticide spill or accidental release of a hazardous chemical can avert a contamination crisis.

There are lots of challenges a pesticide applicator has to face, but many of them can be made much easier with the help of a smartphone and tablet application.

Pesticide applicators always have to be aware of drift-related damage. When it occurs, it can be very costly, especially if the crops damaged are commercial grapevines. Pesticides can also affect pollinators such as honey bees, but it is possible to reduce the damage caused to pollinator health by following best practices.

Accurate record-keeping plays a vital role in best pesticide application practices. It’s also a requirement if you want to be in compliance with the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act of 1973. An essential aspect of applying pesticides you must record is calibration information.

You can calibrate your rotary sprayer yourself. However, you can get Penn State to calibrate your sprayer equipment for you. Before it happens, there are several pre-calibration tasks you have to complete, such as triple rinsing the tank and piping, cleaning nozzles, and flushing out the line to the pressure gauges.

Last task of the year for a pesticide applicator is to winterize the spraying equipment. Once again, best practices such as wearing PPE and cleaning the sprayer regularly will increase the longevity and efficiency of the equipment.