Laws, Regulations, and Safety
The legal framework
Know FIFRA (federal registration and labeling), state lead agencies (RI Department of Environmental Management enforces pesticide law in Rhode Island), and the certification categories for applicators. Understand restricted-use pesticides, special local need (24(c)) registrations, emergency exemptions (Section 18), and experimental use permits. Candidates should know recordkeeping requirements, reporting of spills and misuse, and the role of the certified applicator in supervising noncertified workers.
Worker protection and safety
Master the Worker Protection Standard (WPS): REI, decontamination supplies, notification, PPE, and handler vs. worker distinctions. Know signal words, SDS access, spill response (contain, protect drains, notify), and transport/storage rules. Learn pesticide poisoning signs (headache, nausea, sweating, pinpoint pupils for organophosphates/carbamates) and first aid - move to fresh air, remove contaminated clothing, flush eyes 15 minutes, call poison control.
Traps in questions
(1) Assuming federal law alone governs use - state rules can be stricter; (2) confusing REI with PHI; (3) forgetting that supervision of noncertified applicators is a legal duty; (4) believing a product is legal because it is sold locally - check registration and site; (5) mishandling spills by hosing into a drain.
Rule of thumb
Contain, don't dilute, a spill. Absorb and protect storm drains; never wash pesticide into a drain or waterway.
Worked example
A worker shows pinpoint pupils, sweating, and vomiting after handling an organophosphate. The correct response: remove from exposure, call 911/poison control, provide first aid per label/SDS - do not induce vomiting unless directed.