CA Branch 3 flashcards
CA Branch 3 · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Branch 3 license scope
- A California Branch 3 license authorizes structural fumigation and related pest control; Branch 1 covers general pests and Branch 2 covers termite work.
- Label is legal requirement
- Fumigant labeling is enforceable under FIFRA and California law; applications must follow label directions, restrictions, PPE, and site limits.
- Restricted-use fumigant rule
- Restricted-use fumigants may be applied only by or under supervision of a licensed or certified applicator, with required permits and records.
- Notice to occupants
- California structural fumigation requires advance written notice to owners or occupants and posting of warning signs before fumigation; keep documentation.
- Methyl bromide vapor density
- Methyl bromide vapor is about three times heavier than air, so it settles in low areas and requires mixing or fans for uniform distribution.
- Sulfuryl fluoride properties
- Sulfuryl fluoride is an odorless, colorless, nonflammable gas heavier than air; it penetrates well and is common for drywood termites.
- Phosphine generation
- Metal phosphides release phosphine gas on contact with moisture in air; humidity and temperature control generation rate and require careful sealing.
- Chloropicrin warning agent
- Chloropicrin is a tear-producing warning agent added to odorless fumigants so leaks can be detected; it is also highly irritating and toxic.
- Methyl bromide toxicity
- Methyl bromide is an inhalation neurotoxin and lung irritant; odor is unreliable, and symptoms such as headache or convulsions may be delayed.
- Phosphine delayed effects
- Phosphine inhalation can cause pulmonary edema and CNS effects; symptoms may be delayed, so exposed persons need medical evaluation even if initially well.
- Signal word meaning
- The label signal word DANGER indicates high acute toxicity; WARNING and CAUTION indicate progressively lower hazard categories under pesticide labeling.
- PEL vs IDLH
- PEL is the occupational exposure limit for a normal workday; IDLH is the concentration immediately dangerous to life or health, requiring supplied-air respirator.
- Entry with SCBA
- Enter a fumigated structure only with supplied-air or SCBA when concentrations are unknown or above the respirator's protection; never use air-purifying respirators in IDLH.
- Buddy system entry
- Fumigation entries require at least two trained people with communication and retrieval capability, plus monitoring, so one can summon help.
- Warning sign posting
- Post durable warning signs at every entrance before fumigation, keep them until clearance, and secure the perimeter to prevent unauthorized entry.
- First aid fresh air
- For inhalation exposure, move the person to fresh air, call emergency medical services, and give oxygen if trained; do not re-enter without PPE.
- Volume calculation formula
- Structure volume equals length times width times height in feet; divide cubic feet by 1000 to apply label rates expressed per 1000 cubic feet.
- Dosage formula
- Total fumigant equals structure volume in cubic feet divided by 1000, multiplied by the label dosage per 1000 cubic feet.
- Temperature effect dosage
- Lower temperatures slow fumigant volatilization and pest activity, so labels often require higher dosage or longer exposure; follow the label table.
- Unit conversion facts
- One pound equals 454 grams, one ounce equals 28.35 grams, and one cubic foot equals about 0.0283 cubic meters for dosage calculations.
- Remove or seal food
- Before tenting, remove people, pets, and plants; remove or double-seal food, feed, drugs, and cosmetics unless the label allows otherwise.
- Open interior doors
- Open closet doors, cabinets, and interior doors so fumigant distributes evenly; clear attic and crawlspace access for monitoring and aeration.
- Tarp sealing perimeter
- The tent tarp must cover the structure and be sealed at the ground with sand or water snakes; inspect for tears and gaps before release.
- Clearance definition
- Clearance is confirmation by calibrated monitoring that fumigant levels are at or below the label and regulatory reentry level before occupants return.
- Aeration procedure
- Aeration opens the structure and removes the tarp with fans and vents to dilute fumigant; entry before clearance requires appropriate respiratory protection.
- Representative monitoring
- Clearance monitoring samples representative locations including attic, crawlspace, and living areas; readings are recorded with instrument calibration information.
- Drywood termite biology
- Drywood termites live entirely in wood, need no soil contact, and push out pellets; whole-structure fumigation can eliminate an existing colony.
- No residual protection
- Fumigation kills pests present at treatment but leaves no residual; reinfestation is possible, so prevention or additional treatments may be needed.
- Fumigation selection rule
- Choose fumigation when the target pest infests concealed or widespread areas and the label permits the site; inspection must confirm the pest.
- Fumigation record contents
- Records include date, structure volume, fumigant and lot, dosage, temperature, exposure time, applicator, monitoring readings, and clearance results.
- Pesticide use reporting
- California pesticide use reporting requires agricultural and structural applications to be reported to the county agricultural commissioner as specified; keep copies.
- Incident reporting duty
- Any spill, leak, fire, or human exposure must be reported promptly to the supervisor, emergency services, and authorities as required by law.