MA Pesticide Applicator cheat sheet

IPM hierarchy: prevention (sanitation, exclusion, resistant varieties, cultural practices) → monitoring (scouting, traps, thresholds) → biological control → mechanical/physical → chemical control as the last tier.

Action threshold = pest density at which treatment cost equals crop loss avoided; economic injury level (EIL) is the density where loss equals control cost, so threshold is set at or below EIL.

Degree-day (DD) accumulation: DD = [(daily max + daily min)/2] − lower developmental threshold; used to time scouting and sprays to insect phenology.

Diagnosis sequence: identify host plant/animal, describe symptom pattern (uniform vs. scattered, margin vs. interveinal), look for signs (frass, mycelium, egg masses, feeding notches) before choosing a control.

Key arthropod orders: Hemiptera (piercing-sucking, honeydew), Coleoptera (chewing, grubs), Lepidoptera larvae (chewing foliage/fruit), Acari (stippling, webbing, mites are not insects - 8 legs).

Disease triangle: susceptible host + virulent pathogen + favorable environment; management removes at least one leg. Abiotic injury mimics disease but is uniform across species and follows weather or chemical patterns.

Weed categories drive herbicide choice: grass (monocot, parallel veins) vs. broadleaf (dicot, net veins); annual vs. biennial vs. perennial; pre-emergence vs. post-emergence timing.

Resistance management: rotate among IRAC/FRAC/WSSA mode-of-action groups, use labeled rates (no sub-lethal doses), and integrate non-chemical tactics to slow selection.

The label is the legal document; the labeling includes the label, supplemental and special local needs (24(c)) labels, and worker protection materials. Use inconsistent with the label is a violation under FIFRA.

Signal word hierarchy (toxicity Category I→IV): DANGER-POISON with skull and crossbones (I, oral LD50 ≤50 mg/kg) > DANGER (I) > WARNING (II) > CAUTION (III/IV).

Precautionary statements give route-of-entry hazards (oral, dermal, inhalation, eye), PPE requirements, and environmental hazards such as bee, fish, and groundwater warnings.

Restricted-entry interval (REI) is the minimum time after application before workers may enter without PPE; it appears in the Agricultural Use Requirements box and on the label.

Directions for Use govern site, rate, timing, application method, and maximum number of applications per season or per crop cycle; exceeding labeled rate or frequency is illegal.

Storage and disposal statements are label-specific and may be stricter than general practice; do not assume a generic rule when the label states otherwise.

SDS (16-section format, OSHA HazCom) is a hazard-communication document, not the legal use instruction; Section 8 covers exposure controls/PPE, Section 4 first aid, Section 6 spills.

Massachusetts requires applicators to follow the label and to keep labels/labeling accessible; check for state-specific restrictions (e.g., sensitive-area, school, or water-body limits) that can be stricter than the federal label.

Formulation codes: EC (emulsifiable concentrate, solvent-based, high phytotoxicity risk), WP/WDG (wettable powder/water-dispersible granule, suspension), SC (suspension concentrate), SL (soluble liquid), DF (dry flowable), ME (microemulsion).

Carriers and surfactants: ECs self-emulsify; WPs need agitation; oil-based adjuvants (COC, MSO) improve penetration; nonionic surfactant lowers surface tension for spreading.

Adjuvant types: surfactant (wetter/spreader), sticker, penetrant, drift-control agent, compatibility agent, buffering agent, antifoam, deposition aid.

Compatibility jar test: add carrier water, then products in label order (dry before liquid, WP before EC), agitate, and observe for flocculation, separation, heat, or sludge before tank mixing.

Incompatibility causes: hard water (use ammonium sulfate or buffer), high pH hydrolysis (many organophosphates and carbamates), antagonism between products, and mixing order errors.

Water quality parameters that matter: pH, hardness (Ca/Mg), turbidity, and temperature; test before large batches and record results.

Formulation affects PPE and drift: dusts and wettable powders are inhalation hazards; ECs have higher dermal absorption and solvent odor; microencapsulated products have delayed release and bee hazard.

Never mix concentrated products together before dilution unless the label permits; always add to partially filled tank with agitation running.

LD50 (mg/kg) is the single-dose lethal dose to 50% of test animals; lower value = more toxic. Dermal LD50 is usually much higher than oral for the same product.

Exposure routes: dermal (most common for applicators), inhalation, oral, and ocular. Dermal absorption varies by formulation and skin condition (cuts, sweat, heat).

Cholinesterase inhibitors (organophosphates, carbamates) cause SLUDGE/ DUMBELS signs: salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea, bronchoconstriction, bradycardia, miosis, muscle fasciculation; treat with atropine and pralidoxime per medical direction.

PPE selection is label-driven: gloves (chemical-resistant, e.g., nitrile for many products; check label), coveralls, respirator type (dust/mist vs. organic vapor cartridge), eye protection, boots, and apron.

Respirator use requires fit testing, medical evaluation, and cartridge change schedules; a dust/mist filter does not protect against vapors.

Heat stress risk rises with PPE; signs include confusion, cramps, nausea, and hot dry skin; rotate work, hydrate, and use cooling measures.

Decontamination: remove contaminated clothing immediately, wash skin with soap and water (not solvents), flush eyes 15 minutes, and take the label to medical care.

Recordkeeping for exposure: note product, EPA registration number, time, route, and symptoms; report to employer and physician.

Mixing/loading site: at least 100 feet from wells, streams, and drains where feasible; use a containment pad or portable spill tray and keep absorbent material on hand.

Tank fill order: fill half with carrier, add compatibility agent if needed, add dry formulations (WP, WDG) first, then liquids (EC, SL), then adjuvants/surfactants last, with agitation.

Triple rinse or pressure rinse containers; add rinse water to the spray tank; puncture or crush containers per state rules and dispose at a permitted site.

Nozzle selection and maintenance: flat fan for broadcast, hollow cone for directed/foliar, flood for soil; check for wear (flow >10% above new = replace) and clogged tips.

Sprayer calibration formula: GPA = (GPM × 5940) / (MPH × W). Verify by measuring output over a known area or using a calibration jar.

Pump and plumbing: check for leaks, worn seals, and incompatible materials (e.g., strong solvents with certain plastics); never use mouth to siphon.

Equipment cleaning between products: rinse with water and a tank cleaner, flush lines and nozzles, and dispose of rinsate on labeled sites.

Application records: product, EPA reg. number, rate, date, time, location, applicator, and weather; keep per state and label requirements.

Application methods: broadcast, banded, directed, spot, soil incorporation, chemigation, aerial, and hand-held; each has different calibration and drift profiles.

Calibration steps: determine area, measure nozzle output, measure speed, compute GPA, then verify with a known-volume test; recalibrate after nozzle or pressure changes.

Drift types: particle drift (droplets, wind, boom height) and vapor drift (volatility, temperature, formulation). Manage both.

Drift-reduction practices: lower pressure, larger droplets (drift-reduction nozzles), lower boom height, buffer zones, and apply when wind is 2–10 mph and directed away from sensitive areas.

Do not spray when wind exceeds label limits (often 10 mph) or during temperature inversions (stable air, low wind, temperature increasing with height).

Sensitive areas: schools, hospitals, water bodies, apiaries, organic farms, and residential areas; check state sensitive-crop registry and label buffers.

Chemigation requires backflow prevention (check valve, vacuum breaker) and label approval; never connect a spray line directly to a water supply.

Record weather at application: temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity; these support drift-investigation defense.

Fate processes: adsorption (soil binding), leaching (movement to groundwater), runoff, volatilization, photodegradation, hydrolysis, and microbial degradation.

Half-life (DT50) is the time for 50% dissipation; longer half-life and higher solubility increase persistence and leaching risk.

Groundwater vulnerability: sandy soils, shallow water table, high solubility, low adsorption (low Koc), and high application rates.

Surface water risk: runoff and erosion, especially on slopes and after heavy rain; use vegetative buffers and label setback distances.

Pollinator protection: apply before bloom or after petal fall, avoid bloom-time sprays, apply in evening when bees are not foraging, and follow label bee warnings.

EPA pollinator hazard statements and the pollinator protection box; some products are acutely toxic to bees (e.g., certain neonicotinoids, pyrethroids) and require specific timing.

Non-target wildlife: fish and aquatic invertebrates (pyrethroids, some insecticides), birds (granular carbamates, treated seed), and beneficial insects.

Endangered species: check EPA Bulletins Live! Two for pesticide use limitation areas (PULAs) and follow label and county-specific restrictions.

Storage: locked, ventilated, dry, away from food/feed/seed, with secondary containment, spill kit, and posted warning signs; keep labels legible and inventory current.

Temperature: protect from freezing (some formulations separate) and from excessive heat (pressure buildup, volatilization); store liquids below dry products.

Transportation: secure containers upright, use secondary containment, carry shipping papers/SDS, and follow DOT placarding for hazardous materials.

Spill response: protect people first, stop the source, contain the spill with absorbent (kitty litter, sand, soil), then clean up and dispose per regulations.

Reportable spills: notify the Massachusetts DEP and local authorities per state reporting thresholds; keep records of the incident and cleanup.

Disposal: follow the label, use permitted hazardous-waste collection or state pesticide disposal programs; never pour down drains or into soil.

Container disposal: triple rinse, remove or deface labels per state rules, and recycle or dispose at an approved site.

Keep a spill kit: absorbent, PPE, shovel, container for waste, and the product label for emergency information.

Poison control: call 1-800-222-1222 (US) or 911 for life-threatening emergencies; have the label and EPA registration number ready.

First aid basics: skin - remove clothing and wash with soap and water; eyes - flush 15 minutes; inhalation - move to fresh air; ingestion - do not induce vomiting unless directed by label or poison control.

Cholinesterase poisoning signs: miosis, salivation, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, bradycardia, muscle twitching, and respiratory distress; treat with atropine per medical direction.

Other toxidromes: pyrethroid (paresthesia, tremors), paraquat (corrosive, lung injury), fumigants (respiratory irritation, CNS depression).

Bring the label, SDS, and product container to the emergency department; do not rely on memory for product identity.

Scene safety: do not enter a contaminated area without PPE; ventilate enclosed spaces and remove ignition sources for flammable products.

Document the incident: time, product, exposure route, symptoms, and treatment; report to employer and state as required.

Prevention: pre-plan emergency contacts, post poison control number, and train workers on decontamination and evacuation.

FIFRA (federal) governs registration, labeling, and use; the label is enforceable, and use inconsistent with the label is a violation.

Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act (M.G.L. c. 132B) and 333 CMR 1.00–13.00 govern licensing, certification, and use; the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) administers the program.

Certification categories: core plus category exams (e.g., agriculture, ornamental, turf, right-of-way, structural); recertification requires continuing education credits or re-examination.

Recordkeeping: maintain application records (product, EPA reg. no., rate, date, time, location, applicator, weather) for the period required by state and label; keep records accessible for inspection.

Restricted-use pesticides require a certified applicator or supervision; check state restricted-use lists and any additional Massachusetts restrictions.

Notification and posting: schools, daycares, and sensitive sites may require advance notice, posting, and re-entry intervals; follow 333 CMR requirements.

Penalties: civil and criminal penalties for misuse, falsified records, or unlicensed application; license suspension or revocation possible.

Reporting: report pesticide incidents, spills, and suspected misuse to MDAR and DEP as required; keep copies of reports and correspondence.

Scouting frequency depends on crop and pest generation time; weekly scouting is typical for many field and greenhouse crops, more often during rapid growth or outbreak conditions.

Trap types: pheromone traps for moths, sticky cards for whiteflies/thrips, pitfall traps for ground beetles, and bait stations for rodents; standardize placement and count intervals.

Degree-day models require a biofix (first capture or first bloom) and a lower threshold; accumulate daily and compare to published phenology tables.

Natural enemies: parasitoids (small wasps, tachinid flies), predators (lady beetles, lacewings, predatory mites), and pathogens (Bt, entomopathogenic nematodes); conserve by avoiding broad-spectrum sprays.

Weed seed bank and weed mapping guide pre-emergence choice; rotate herbicide groups to prevent resistance.

Disease forecasting uses weather (leaf wetness, temperature) and spore traps; remove infected plant debris to reduce inoculum.

Record scouting data by field and date to support threshold decisions and to evaluate control efficacy.

Label sections: product name, ingredient statement (active + inert), EPA reg. number, signal word, precautionary statements, directions for use, storage/disposal, and warranty.

Ingredient statement lists active ingredient(s) by percentage and pounds per gallon; use this to compare products and calculate rates.

EPA registration number format: e.g., 12345-678; the first number identifies the registrant, the second the product.

Supplemental labels and 24(c) SLN labels add uses or restrictions; they must be in hand and followed.

SDS sections: 1 identification, 2 hazards, 3 composition, 4 first aid, 5 firefighting, 6 accidental release, 7 handling/storage, 8 exposure controls, 9 physical properties, 10 stability, 11 toxicology, 12 ecology, 13 disposal, 14 transport, 15 regulatory, 16 other.

SDS is not a substitute for the label; the label controls use, the SDS communicates hazards.

Keep a current label and SDS for every product on site; review before mixing or applying.

Label changes: check for updated labels and re-read before each season; do not rely on memory.

Add products in this order unless the label says otherwise: carrier water half full → compatibility agent → dry formulations (WP, WDG, DF) → liquid formulations (EC, SL, SC) → adjuvants/surfactants.

Jar test ratio: use the same water source and product ratios as the tank mix; observe for 15–30 minutes and check for separation, flocculation, or heat.

Hard water: add ammonium sulfate or a buffer before the pesticide to protect efficacy of weak-acid herbicides (e.g., glyphosate, 2,4-D amine).

High pH: buffer to the label-recommended range; many organophosphates and carbamates hydrolyze rapidly above pH 8.

Surfactant rates are label-specific; too much can cause phytotoxicity or foaming; use antifoam if needed.

Emulsifiable concentrates can damage some plastics and rubber; check compatibility with pump seals and hoses.

Microencapsulated and controlled-release formulations require agitation and have specific handling and disposal rules.

Record adjuvant type and rate with the application record for traceability.

Risk = toxicity × exposure; reduce either term to reduce risk. PPE reduces exposure; formulation and rate affect toxicity.

Dermal absorption is increased by heat, sweat, damaged skin, and solvent-based formulations; wear chemical-resistant gloves and change them when contaminated.

Respirator cartridge selection: dust/mist filters for particulates, organic vapor cartridges for solvents, and combination cartridges when both are present.

Fit testing (quantitative or qualitative) and medical clearance are required before respirator use; follow OSHA 1910.134.

Heat stress: acclimatize workers, provide water and shade, and schedule heavy PPE work for cooler hours.

Decontamination: wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; shower after work; launder contaminated clothing separately.

Poisoning recognition: headache, dizziness, nausea, sweating, and blurred vision can be early signs; stop work and seek medical help.

Keep a written PPE program and training records; review label PPE for each product.

Mixing/loading area: use a containment pad, keep absorbents and a spill kit, and stay at least 100 feet from wells and surface water where possible.

Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling pesticides; wash hands before breaks.

Open containers carefully to avoid splashing; use a pump or funnel, never mouth siphon.

Tank agitation: maintain continuous agitation for suspensions and wettable powders; settle-out causes uneven application and clogging.

Nozzle wear: replace when flow exceeds 10% of new; check spray pattern with a patternator or water-sensitive paper.

Calibration: measure nozzle output (GPM), speed (MPH), and swath width (W); GPA = (GPM × 5940)/(MPH × W).

Clean equipment between products and at end of day; flush lines, nozzles, and screens; dispose of rinsate per label.

Record equipment maintenance and calibration dates.

Spray when wind is 2–10 mph and steady; avoid gusts, calm (inversion) conditions, and wind toward sensitive areas.

Temperature inversion signs: clear sky, low wind, dew, and temperature increasing with height; droplets can hang and move off-target.

Boom height: keep as low as practical for the nozzle pattern (often 18–24 inches above target for flat fans) to reduce drift.

Droplet size: larger droplets (coarse/very coarse) reduce drift but may reduce coverage; match nozzle to target and label.

Buffer zones: follow label distances from water, sensitive crops, and habitats; use vegetative buffers where allowed.

Calibration check: apply water to a measured area, measure volume used, and compare to target GPA; adjust speed or pressure.

Chemigation: install backflow prevention and follow label; never cross-connect to a potable water supply.

Record weather and application parameters to support drift complaints and regulatory review.

Leaching risk increases with high water solubility, low soil adsorption (low Koc), sandy soils, and high rainfall/irrigation.

Runoff risk increases on slopes, compacted soils, and after heavy rain; use buffers and avoid application before forecast rain.

Volatilization risk increases with high vapor pressure, high temperature, and low humidity; some formulations (e.g., certain esters) are more volatile.

Hydrolysis and photodegradation reduce persistence; pH and sunlight are key drivers.

Pollinator protection: avoid bloom-time applications, apply in the evening, and follow label bee warnings and pollinator protection boxes.

Bee hazard: dusts and wettable powders can be more hazardous than liquids because residues adhere to foraging bees.

Aquatic toxicity: pyrethroids and some insecticides are highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates; follow label setbacks.

Check EPA Bulletins Live! Two for endangered species use limitations before application.

Storage: locked, ventilated, dry, away from food/feed, with secondary containment and a spill kit; post warning signs.

Keep containers upright and labels legible; store liquids below dry products to prevent contamination if a leak occurs.

Transport: secure containers, use secondary containment, carry SDS and shipping papers, and follow DOT rules for hazardous materials.

Spill cleanup: protect people, stop the source, contain with absorbent, then clean and dispose per regulations.

Report spills to Massachusetts DEP and local authorities per reporting thresholds; keep records.

Disposal: use permitted hazardous-waste collection or state programs; never pour down drains or onto soil.

Container disposal: triple rinse, deface labels per state rules, and recycle or dispose at an approved site.

Inventory: keep a current list of products and quantities; review for expired products and dispose properly.

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies; call poison control (1-800-222-1222) for exposure advice; have the label and EPA reg. number ready.

Skin exposure: remove contaminated clothing, wash with soap and water; do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

Eye exposure: flush with clean water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids open, and seek medical care.

Inhalation: move to fresh air, loosen clothing, and seek medical care if symptoms persist.

Ingestion: do not induce vomiting unless directed by the label or poison control; rinse mouth and seek medical care.

Cholinesterase poisoning: atropine and pralidoxime are medical treatments; recognize SLUDGE/DUMBELS signs and get help fast.

Bring the label, SDS, and container to the emergency department; do not rely on memory.

Document the incident and report to employer and state as required.

FIFRA: registration, labeling, and use; use inconsistent with the label is a violation.

Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act (M.G.L. c. 132B) and 333 CMR govern licensing and use; MDAR administers the program.

Certification: core plus category exams; recertification by continuing education credits or re-examination.

Recordkeeping: maintain application records (product, EPA reg. no., rate, date, time, location, applicator, weather) for the required period.

Restricted-use pesticides require a certified applicator or supervision; check state lists and additional restrictions.

Notification and posting: schools, daycares, and sensitive sites may require advance notice, posting, and re-entry intervals.

Penalties: civil and criminal penalties for misuse, falsified records, or unlicensed application; license suspension or revocation possible.

Reporting: report pesticide incidents, spills, and suspected misuse to MDAR and DEP as required; keep copies.

Diagnosis: compare healthy and affected plants, check roots and stems, and look for signs (frass, mycelium, egg masses) before choosing a control.

Abiotic injury is uniform across species and follows weather or chemical patterns; biotic injury is often patchy and species-specific.

Resistance management: rotate mode-of-action groups (IRAC/FRAC/WSSA), use labeled rates, and integrate non-chemical tactics.

Monitor for resistance: unexplained control failures, surviving patches, and repeated use of one mode of action.

Biological control: conserve natural enemies by avoiding broad-spectrum sprays and providing habitat.

Cultural control: sanitation, crop rotation, resistant varieties, and proper planting dates reduce pest pressure.

Record scouting and control outcomes to evaluate IPM decisions.

Thresholds: treat only when pest density exceeds the action threshold; avoid calendar sprays.

The label is the legal document; labeling includes the label, supplemental labels, and 24(c) SLN labels.

Signal words: DANGER-POISON (I), DANGER (I), WARNING (II), CAUTION (III/IV).

Precautionary statements: route-of-entry hazards, PPE, environmental hazards (bee, fish, groundwater).

REI: minimum time before workers may enter without PPE; appears in the Agricultural Use Requirements box.

Directions for Use: site, rate, timing, method, and maximum applications per season.

SDS: 16-section hazard communication document; not a substitute for the label.

Keep current labels and SDS on site; review before mixing or applying.

Label changes: check for updated labels and re-read before each season.

EC: emulsifiable concentrate, solvent-based, high phytotoxicity risk; WP/WDG: wettable powder/water-dispersible granule, suspension.

SC: suspension concentrate; SL: soluble liquid; DF: dry flowable; ME: microemulsion.

Adjuvants: surfactant (wetter/spreader), sticker, penetrant, drift-control agent, compatibility agent, buffer, antifoam, deposition aid.

Jar test: same water source and ratios; observe for separation, flocculation, heat, or sludge.

Hard water: add ammonium sulfate or buffer; high pH: buffer to label range.

Mixing order: water → compatibility agent → dry → liquid → adjuvants.

Formulation affects PPE and drift: dusts/WPs are inhalation hazards; ECs have higher dermal absorption.

Never mix concentrates before dilution unless the label permits.

LD50 (mg/kg): lower value = more toxic; dermal LD50 is usually higher than oral.

Exposure routes: dermal (most common), inhalation, oral, ocular.

Cholinesterase inhibitors: SLUDGE/DUMBELS signs; atropine and pralidoxime per medical direction.

PPE: gloves, coveralls, respirator, eye protection, boots, apron; label-driven.

Respirator: fit testing, medical evaluation, cartridge change schedule.

Heat stress: confusion, cramps, nausea, hot dry skin; rotate work and hydrate.

Decontamination: remove clothing, wash with soap and water, flush eyes 15 minutes.

Record exposure: product, EPA reg. no., time, route, symptoms; report to employer and physician.

GPA = (GPM × 5940)/(MPH × W); verify with a measured-area test.

Nozzle wear: replace when flow exceeds 10% of new.

Tank fill order: half water → compatibility agent → dry → liquid → adjuvants.

Triple rinse or pressure rinse containers; add rinsate to tank.

Mixing site: containment pad, spill kit, 100 feet from wells and surface water where feasible.

Agitation: continuous for suspensions and WPs; settle-out causes uneven application.

Clean equipment between products; flush lines, nozzles, and screens.

Record maintenance and calibration dates.

Wind: 2–10 mph steady; avoid gusts, calm (inversion) conditions, and wind toward sensitive areas.

Inversion signs: clear sky, low wind, dew, temperature increasing with height.

Boom height: as low as practical for the pattern (often 18–24 inches for flat fans).

Droplet size: larger droplets reduce drift but may reduce coverage; match nozzle to target.

Buffer zones: follow label distances from water, sensitive crops, and habitats.

Chemigation: backflow prevention and label approval; never cross-connect to potable water.

Calibration check: apply water to a measured area and compare to target GPA.

Record weather and application parameters.

Leaching: high solubility, low Koc, sandy soils, high rainfall/irrigation.

Runoff: slopes, compacted soils, heavy rain; use buffers and avoid application before forecast rain.

Volatilization: high vapor pressure, high temperature, low humidity; some esters are more volatile.

Hydrolysis/photodegradation: pH and sunlight drive persistence.

Pollinators: avoid bloom-time sprays, apply in evening, follow label bee warnings.

Bee hazard: dusts and WPs can be more hazardous than liquids.

Aquatic toxicity: pyrethroids and some insecticides are highly toxic to fish; follow setbacks.

Endangered species: check EPA Bulletins Live! Two for PULAs.

Storage: locked, ventilated, dry, away from food/feed, with secondary containment and spill kit.

Keep containers upright and labels legible; store liquids below dry products.

Transport: secure containers, secondary containment, SDS and shipping papers, DOT rules.

Spill cleanup: protect people, stop the source, contain with absorbent, clean and dispose.

Report spills to Massachusetts DEP and local authorities per thresholds; keep records.

Disposal: permitted hazardous-waste collection or state programs; never pour down drains.

Container disposal: triple rinse, deface labels per state rules, recycle or dispose at approved site.

Inventory: current list of products and quantities; review for expired products.

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies; poison control 1-800-222-1222; have label and EPA reg. number ready.

Skin: remove clothing, wash with soap and water; eyes: flush 15 minutes.

Inhalation: move to fresh air; ingestion: do not induce vomiting unless directed.

Cholinesterase poisoning: miosis, salivation, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, bradycardia, muscle twitching, respiratory distress.

Other toxidromes: pyrethroid paresthesia/tremors; paraquat corrosive/lung injury; fumigants respiratory irritation/CNS depression.

Bring label, SDS, and container to the emergency department.

Scene safety: PPE, ventilation, remove ignition sources.

Document incident and report to employer and state as required.

FIFRA: registration, labeling, use; label is enforceable.

Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act (M.G.L. c. 132B) and 333 CMR; MDAR administers.

Certification: core plus category exams; recertification by CEUs or re-examination.

Recordkeeping: product, EPA reg. no., rate, date, time, location, applicator, weather; keep for required period.

Restricted-use pesticides: certified applicator or supervision; check state lists.

Notification/posting: schools, daycares, sensitive sites; follow 333 CMR.

Penalties: civil and criminal; license suspension or revocation.

Reporting: incidents, spills, suspected misuse to MDAR and DEP; keep copies.

Insects: 3 body regions, 6 legs, 2 antennae; mites: 8 legs, no antennae; know the difference for product choice.

Chewing vs. piercing-sucking: chewing damage = holes/notches; piercing-sucking = stippling, yellowing, honeydew, sooty mold.

Life cycles: complete metamorphosis (egg-larva-pupa-adult) vs. incomplete (egg-nymph-adult); target the vulnerable stage.

Weeds: grass (monocot, parallel veins) vs. broadleaf (dicot, net veins); annual vs. perennial; pre- vs. post-emergence.

Diseases: fungal (mycelium, spores), bacterial (water-soaked lesions), viral (mosaic, stunting); vectors matter.

Degree days: DD = [(max + min)/2] − threshold; use biofix and phenology tables.

Natural enemies: parasitoids, predators, pathogens; conserve by avoiding broad-spectrum sprays.

Record scouting data by field and date to support threshold decisions.

Ingredient statement: active ingredient percentage and pounds per gallon; use to compare products and calculate rates.

EPA reg. number: registrant number-product number (e.g., 12345-678).

Rate calculation: amount product = (labeled rate × area) / concentration; check units.

Maximum applications per season: do not exceed label limit; track applications.

REI: minimum time before re-entry without PPE; post if required.

Signal word: DANGER-POISON (I), DANGER (I), WARNING (II), CAUTION (III/IV).

SDS Section 8: exposure controls/PPE; Section 4: first aid.

Keep current labels and SDS on site; review before mixing or applying.

Surfactant: lowers surface tension, improves spreading and wetting.

Sticker: increases adhesion and rainfastness.

Penetrant: helps active ingredient enter plant tissue.

Drift-control agent: increases droplet size and reduces fine droplets.

Compatibility agent: improves mixing of multiple products.

Buffer: adjusts spray solution pH to label range.

Antifoam: reduces foam in the tank.

Deposition aid: improves coverage on waxy or hairy surfaces.

Risk = toxicity × exposure; reduce either term to reduce risk.

Dermal absorption increased by heat, sweat, damaged skin, solvent-based formulations.

Respirator cartridges: dust/mist filters for particulates, organic vapor for solvents, combination when both.

Fit testing and medical clearance required before respirator use (OSHA 1910.134).

Heat stress: acclimatize, provide water and shade, schedule heavy PPE work for cooler hours.

Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; shower after work; launder clothing separately.

Early poisoning signs: headache, dizziness, nausea, sweating, blurred vision; stop work and seek help.

Keep written PPE program and training records.

Mixing/loading area: containment pad, absorbents, spill kit, 100 feet from wells and surface water where feasible.

Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling pesticides; wash hands before breaks.

Open containers carefully; use a pump or funnel, never mouth siphon.

Continuous agitation for suspensions and WPs; settle-out causes uneven application and clogging.

Replace nozzles when flow exceeds 10% of new; check spray pattern.

Calibration: GPA = (GPM × 5940)/(MPH × W).

Clean equipment between products; flush lines, nozzles, and screens; dispose of rinsate per label.

Record equipment maintenance and calibration dates.

Flat fan: broadcast applications, uniform pattern, overlap 50%.

Hollow cone: directed/foliar, smaller droplets, better penetration.

Flood: soil applications, coarse droplets, less drift.

Drift-reduction nozzles: larger droplets, lower drift, check coverage.

Pressure affects droplet size: higher pressure = smaller droplets = more drift.

Boom height: lower height reduces drift; match to nozzle pattern.

Calibrate after nozzle or pressure changes.

Record nozzle type and size in application records.

Adsorption: soil binding; higher adsorption reduces leaching and runoff.

Leaching: movement to groundwater; high solubility, low Koc, sandy soils.

Runoff: surface movement; slopes, compacted soils, heavy rain.

Volatilization: vapor loss; high vapor pressure, high temperature.

Photodegradation: sunlight breaks down product; UV exposure matters.

Hydrolysis: water pH drives breakdown; many OPs/carbamates hydrolyze above pH 8.

Microbial degradation: soil microbes break down product; half-life (DT50) measures persistence.

Pollinator protection: avoid bloom sprays, apply in evening, follow label bee warnings.

Spill kit: absorbent (kitty litter, sand, soil), PPE, shovel, waste container, product label.

Storage: locked, ventilated, dry, away from food/feed, secondary containment, warning signs.

Transport: secure containers, secondary containment, SDS and shipping papers, DOT rules.

Spill response: protect people, stop the source, contain with absorbent, clean and dispose.

Report spills to Massachusetts DEP and local authorities per thresholds; keep records.

Disposal: permitted hazardous-waste collection or state programs; never pour down drains.

Container disposal: triple rinse, deface labels per state rules, recycle or dispose at approved site.

Inventory: current list of products and quantities; review for expired products.

Organophosphate/carbamate: SLUDGE/DUMBELS; atropine and pralidoxime per medical direction.

Pyrethroid: paresthesia, tremors, hypersensitivity; wash skin and seek care.

Paraquat: corrosive, lung injury; do not induce vomiting; seek emergency care.

Fumigants: respiratory irritation, CNS depression; move to fresh air and call 911.

Ingestion: do not induce vomiting unless directed by label or poison control.

Eye exposure: flush 15 minutes, hold eyelids open, seek care.

Bring label, SDS, and container to the emergency department.

Document incident and report to employer and state as required.

Application record: product name, EPA reg. no., rate, date, time, location, applicator, weather.

Keep records for the period required by state and label; make accessible for inspection.

Restricted-use pesticides: certified applicator or supervision; check state lists.

Notification/posting: schools, daycares, sensitive sites; follow 333 CMR.

Penalties: civil and criminal; license suspension or revocation.

Reporting: incidents, spills, suspected misuse to MDAR and DEP; keep copies.

Certification: core plus category exams; recertification by CEUs or re-examination.

FIFRA: registration, labeling, use; label is enforceable.

Action threshold: pest density at which treatment cost equals crop loss avoided.

Economic injury level (EIL): density where loss equals control cost; threshold at or below EIL.

Degree-day model: biofix + lower threshold; accumulate daily and compare to phenology tables.

Scouting frequency: weekly typical; more often during rapid growth or outbreak.

Trap types: pheromone, sticky cards, pitfall, bait stations; standardize placement and counts.

Natural enemies: parasitoids, predators, pathogens; conserve by avoiding broad-spectrum sprays.

Weed mapping and seed bank guide pre-emergence choice; rotate herbicide groups.

Record scouting data by field and date to support threshold decisions.

DANGER-POISON: Category I, oral LD50 ≤50 mg/kg, skull and crossbones.

DANGER: Category I, no skull and crossbones (e.g., dermal/eye).

WARNING: Category II.

CAUTION: Category III/IV.

Precautionary statements: route-of-entry hazards, PPE, environmental hazards.

REI: minimum time before re-entry without PPE.

Directions for Use: site, rate, timing, method, maximum applications.

SDS: 16-section hazard communication document; not a substitute for the label.

Fill tank half with carrier water.

Add compatibility agent if needed.

Add dry formulations (WP, WDG, DF) first.

Add liquid formulations (EC, SL, SC).

Add adjuvants/surfactants last.

Maintain agitation throughout.

Jar test before large batches.

Record adjuvant type and rate.

Remove contaminated clothing immediately.

Wash skin with soap and water; do not use solvents.

Flush eyes 15 minutes, hold eyelids open.

Move to fresh air for inhalation exposure.

Do not induce vomiting unless directed.

Bring label, SDS, and container to medical care.

Document exposure and report to employer.

Pre-plan emergency contacts and post poison control number.

Triple rinse or pressure rinse containers.

Add rinsate to the spray tank.

Puncture or crush containers per state rules.

Dispose at a permitted site.

Clean equipment between products; flush lines, nozzles, and screens.

Dispose of rinsate on labeled sites.

Record rinsing and disposal.

Keep spill kit and absorbents on hand.

Follow label distances from water, sensitive crops, and habitats.

Use vegetative buffers where allowed.

Avoid application before forecast rain.

Apply when wind is 2–10 mph and directed away from sensitive areas.

Avoid temperature inversions.

Lower boom height to reduce drift.

Use drift-reduction nozzles when needed.

Record weather and application parameters.

Avoid bloom-time applications.

Apply in the evening when bees are not foraging.

Follow label bee warnings and pollinator protection box.

Dusts and WPs can be more hazardous than liquids.

Check EPA Bulletins Live! Two for PULAs.

Use buffer zones and setbacks.

Record weather and timing.

Report bee kills to MDAR.

Report spills to Massachusetts DEP and local authorities per thresholds.

Keep records of incident and cleanup.

Notify employer and workers as required.

Report pesticide incidents to MDAR.

Keep copies of reports and correspondence.

Review storage inventory for expired products.

Dispose of expired products through state programs.

Train workers on spill response.

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

Call poison control 1-800-222-1222 for exposure advice.

Have label and EPA reg. number ready.

Bring label, SDS, and container to the emergency department.

Do not rely on memory for product identity.

Document time, product, route, symptoms, treatment.

Report to employer and state as required.

Pre-plan emergency contacts and post poison control number.

Keep records accessible for inspection.

Maintain current labels and SDS on site.

Follow label and state restrictions.

Check restricted-use pesticide lists.

Post notification and follow REIs.

Report incidents and spills.

Train workers and keep training records.

Review regulations annually for changes.