(Editors’ notes – these changes impact pesticide applicators in several ways:
SDS sheets should replace the MSDS sheets used in the past. You will want to update your MSDS sheets with these new 16-section format Safety Data Sheets. These sheets need to be available to employees so they can understand the risks associated with using these chemicals at work.
Employee training on the new system is required by Dec 1, 2013. The following article includes an online video to help with this requirement. Additional employee training may also be needed.
Pesticides will remain under US EPA regulation. EPA is not requiring pesticide labels to make any changes. The OSHA regulated SDS and the signal word will not match the EPA pesticide label. This OSHA training focuses on chemical label elements that are NON-pesticide.)
“Exposure to hazardous chemicals is one of the most serious threats facing American workers today,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. “Revising OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive.” This update to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. Once implemented, the revised standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information in the workplace, making it safer for workers by providing easily understandable information on appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals.
Hazard Communication Standard
In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the development and dissemination of such information:
Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to their downstream customers;
All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.
Major changes to the Hazard Communication Standard
Hazard classification: Provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.
Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16-section format.
Information and training: Employers are required to train workers by December 1, 2013 on the new labels elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.
Employee training – This video explains the new GHS labeling system adopted by OSHA when they revised their hazard communication standard in 2012. Employers must provide training on this particular topic to their workers by no later than December 1, 2013. This video is free for employers to use for worker training, compliments of OSHA Training Services Inc.
In an ongoing effort to protect bees and other pollinators, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed new pesticide labels that prohibit use of some neonicotinoid pesticide products where bees are present. (This announcement affects products containing the neonicotinoids imidacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin and thiamethoxam. – Editor’s note)
“Multiple factors play a role in bee colony declines, including pesticides. The Environmental Protection Agency is taking action to protect bees from pesticide exposure and these label changes will further our efforts,” said Jim Jones, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
The new labels will have a bee advisory box and icon with information on routes of exposure and spray drift precautions. Today’s announcement affects products containing the neonicotinoids imidacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin and thiamethoxam. The EPA will work with pesticide manufacturers to change labels so that they will meet the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) safety standard.
In May, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and EPA released a comprehensive scientific report on honey bee health, showing scientific consensus that there are a complex set of stressors associated with honey bee declines, including loss of habitat, parasites and disease, genetics, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure.
The agency continues to work with beekeepers, growers, pesticide applicators, pesticide and seed companies, and federal and state agencies to reduce pesticide drift dust and advance best management practices. The EPA recently released new enforcement guidance to federal, state and tribal enforcement officials to enhance investigations of beekill incidents.
Patrick McCullough, Extension Weed Specialist, University of Georgia
Preemergence herbicides may prevent annual bluegrass infestation via seed and limit current infestations from further spreading. However, preemergence herbicides will not eradicate established plants and will not effectively control perennial biotypes of annual bluegrass from spreading vegetatively.
Annual Bluegrass, Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California – Davis, Bugwood.org
Application timing of preemergence herbicides for annual bluegrass control is very important. Herbicides must be applied in late summer/early fall before annual bluegrass germination. This info on timing herbicide application is taken from an article online by Tim Murphy, UGA Weed Scientist. “Annual bluegrass germinates in the late summer and early fall when daytime temperatures consistently drop into the mid-70os and nighttime temperatures are in the mid-50os for several days. In the Piedmont of Georgia for winter annual weed control, apply the preemergence herbicide sometime during the first two to three weeks of September (by September 20). In north Georgia, the last week of August up to about September 15 would be the preferred time. In South Georgia, the application should be made during the mid-September to mid-October time frame.”
A second herbicide application can be applied in spring to control germinating plants. Fall applied preemergence herbicides cannot be used if reseeding or re-sodding is needed to repair areas of damaged turf within several months after herbicide applications.
Several preemergence herbicides effectively control annual bluegrass in fall and winter which are similar to products used for summer annual weed control (Table 2). These herbicides include dithiopyr (Dimension), oxadiazon (Ronstar, Starfighter), pendimethalin (Pendulum, others), and prodiamine (Barricade, others).
Combination herbicide products are also available which may improve efficacy of applications. These products include oxadiazon plus bensulide (Anderson’s Crab and Goose) and benefin plus oryzalin (Team 2G or Team Pro). Many preemergence herbicides are available under a wide variety of trade names and formulations. Carefully read and follow label instructions before applying products.
Most preemergence herbicides will provide similar initial efficacy if applied before annual bluegrass germination and if sufficient rain or irrigation is received. Preemergence herbicides require incorporation from irrigation or rainfall so that weeds may absorb the applied material. In order to effectively control annual bluegrass, preemergence herbicides must be concentrated in the upper 1/3 inch of the soil profile. Avoid herbicide retention on leaves and incorporate the herbicide into the soil by irrigating turf immediately after application.
Table 1. Efficacy of postemergence herbicides for crabgrass control in turfgrasses. See labels for turf tolerance and areas for use.
Postemergence Herbicides for Crabgrass Control
Common Name
Trade Name (Examples)
Control
Clethodim
Envoy
E
Fenoxaprop
Acclaim Extra
E
Mesotrione
Tenacity
F-G
Quinclorac
Drive, Drive XLR8
E
Sethoxydim
Segment, others
E
E = Excellent (90 to 100%), G = Good (80 to 89%), F = Fair (70 to 79%), P = Poor (<70%).
Table 2. Efficacy of preemergence herbicides for annual bluegrass control in commercial turfgrasses.
Preemergence Herbicides for Annual Bluegrass Control
Common Name
Trade Name (Examples)
Control
Atrazine
Aatrex, others
E
Benefin
Balan
E
Bensulide
Betasan, others
F
Dithiopyr
Dimension
G
Ethofumesate
Prograss
G-E
Mesotrione
Tenacity
F
Oryzalin
Harrier, Surflan
G
Oxadiazon
Ronstar, Starfighter
G
Pendimethalin
Pendulum, others
G
Prodiamine
Barricade, Cavalcade, others
E
Pronamide
Kerb
E
Simazine
Princep, WynStar, others
E
E = Excellent (90 to 100%), G = Good (80 to 89%), F = Fair (70 to 79%), P = Poor (<70%).
Helpful publications from UGA Extension on controlling annual bluegrass
The Safety Makes Sense: Landscape Worker Safety Certificate Course is available at no charge on Vimeo (vimeo.com/46623806). With this tool, you can train on your time schedule, rainy day or any day. The training video (a compilation of the Safety Makes Sense series) can be viewed online. It can also be downloaded and saved for use when Internet is not available. The course study guide and supervisor’s key provide talking points and a quick review. Upon successful completion of the evaluation (70% or better), workers are emailed Certificates of Completion.
The publication Safety Checklists for New Landscape Employeesis designed to assure and document safety training for new employees, these well-illustrated checklists are suitable for use with both English and Spanish speakers. They cover general safety precautions, equipment safety, mower safety and basic pesticide safety.
The bilingual safety manual, Safety for Hispanic Landscape Workers, is available Online or For purchase
All center safety training resources and Hispanic worker resources are available on the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture web site at Safety Makes Sense.
eXtension is a web-based collaboration of land-grant universities across the US to make university educational resources more accessible. You can learn more about the initiative here – http://about.extension.org/
eXtension Learn offers online classes covering numerous topics including pest control, landscaping, info technology and other topics. You can register to be reminded of upcoming trainings, access trainings online and view archived trainings at https://learn.extension.org/
eLearn Urban Forestry Online Training – The Office of the Southern Regional Extension Forester, the USDA FS Region 8–Urban and Community Forestry Program along with the Southern Group of State Foresters have partnered to design, develop and implement a state-of-the-art online, distance-learning program geared specifically toward beginning urban foresters and those allied professionals working in and around urban and urbanizing landscapes
To access the modules for International Society of Arboriculture and Society of American Foresters credit, please visit www.cfegroup.org
To access the modules for volunteer credit or a certificate of completion, visit www.campus.extension.org and look for the eLearn Urban Forestry–Citizen Forester course.
For more specific information, please contact Sarah Ashton, Educational Program Coordinator, Southern Regional Extension Forestry at sashton@sref.info .
Pesticide Applicator Training
A Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License is required for a person who applies pesticides to the land of another person for hire, or who manages these type pesticide applications. A firm applying pesticides for hire must also have a Pesticide Contractor’s License. Both of these licenses can be obtained through the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
The Georgia Competent Applicator of Pesticides Program (GCAAP) is a comprehensive training tool for pesticide technician and handlers. GCAPP offers training for pesticide applicators that do not have a commercial license.
The Super Crew Employee Training for Landscape Professionals has several videos that can be purchased for training landscape workers. See the list of titles.
The Super Crew training series is also available in an online option.
Certification
The Georgia Certified Landscape Professional (GCLP) program is a voluntary testing program that certifies those in the landscape profession who have mastered a thorough knowledge and understanding of job skills required to be successful in the industry. The Georgia Certified Plant Professional program (GCPP) certifies plant professionals for the retail and wholesale ornamental plant industries.
The UGA Center for Continuing Education offers several online certifications:
During the last state legislative session, a house bill was passed that required all state agencies that issue licenses to verify the legal residence of the applicant. All state agencies had to comply. The following explains the process required for verifying your legal residency when applying for a pesticide license renewal with the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
• Go to the documentscolumn on the right side of the page.
• Click on the Affidavit link at the bottom of the column.
• Complete the form and have it notarized. Include a copy of the applicant’s ID.
• Mail, fax, or e-mail the form to the Licensing Division.
This document must accompany all new private and commercial pesticide licenses as well as renewals. It is important to understand that you will only have to complete this process once. The Affidavit will be kept on file with the GDA Licensing Program.
The website also has a tutorial to lead you through the online license renewal process.
Without the Secure and Verifiable Affidavit, new licenses and license renewals cannot be processed. If you have any questions call the Licensing Division (855) 424-4367. If the Department of Agriculture can provide additional information, please let us know.
Compiled by Willie Chance, UGA Center for Urban Agriculture
Pesticide Applicator Certification
Pesticide transport, USDA Forest Service – Region 8 – Southern Archive, Bugwood.org
A Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License is required for a person who applies pesticides to the land of another person for hire, or who manages these type pesticide applications. A firm applying pesticides for hire must also have a Pesticide Contractor’s License. Both of these licenses can be obtained through the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Pesticide applicator certification is handled by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (800) 282-5852 extension 4958, (404) 656-4958 or http://agr.georgia.gov. Commercial pesticide licensing requirements & information are found here
Commercial Pesticide Applicators must pass two exams – one covering General Standards and a second in their area of specialty. See this site to order study materials or to sign up for exams. Exams are given at selected Technical Colleges across Georgia.
Some County Extension Offices offer a pesticide license review training to prepare workers to take the commercial pesticide applicators exam for Category 24 (ornamentals and turf) and General Standards. Gwinnett County Extension in Lawrenceville (Tim Daly) and Bibb County Extension (Karol Kelly) offer exam reviews. Contact them or your local Extension Office for details.
Local Extension Offices may have a DVD of a exam review to use as a study guide. Reviews supplement the manuals, not replace them. Applicators should make sure to study the manuals before an exam.
Structural Pest Control Applicators are licensed through a separate section of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Find that information here. Some of the information in this flier will not pertain to Structural Pest Control Applicators. These applicators should also visit www.gabugs.uga.edu/
Certified pesticide applicators must be recertified every five years through ongoing training. There are several ways applicators can earn re-certification credits:
This site lists GA Department of Agriculture approved recertification classes (including UGA Extension trainings)
Subscribing to UGA Extension email newsletters and social media (see below) will also alert you about training opportunities. Also contact your local Extension Office concerning local trainings and newsletters.
Pesticide Applicator Licensing and Certification information for individuals can be found here. Here you find out:
When does your license expire?
How many credit hours have you earned?
How many hours do you need for recertification? Recertification hours must be earned by 90 days before your license expires.
Applicators can also find online re-certification classes here (look halfway down the page) or localUGA Extension Offices (800-ASK-UGA1) can get a DVD that certified applicators watch to gain up to five hours of credit.
Structural pest control operators – visit the UGA Urban IPM website for trainings – www.gabugs.uga.edu/
Email Newsletters, Social Media, etc for Georgia Pest Management Industries
The following Alerts are great ways to keep up with recertification trainings offered in Georgia. Each Alert has a training calendar & featured articles on current pest information from UGA.
Landscape Alerts for the landscape and turf industry are released as needed. See past issues or subscribe here or subscribe by emailing ebauske@uga.edu.
Pest Control Alerts update the structural pest management industry. See past issues or subscribe here or subscribe by emailing ebauske@uga.edu.
To find blogs, Facebook sites, Twitters, online videos, etc. from UGA that may list trainings or other pest management information visit this site.
UGA Pest Management Handbook
UGA Extension produces a Pest Management Handbook every year. The handbook has many uses for pesticide applicators. It includes:
Pesticide recommendations for most major pests and crops. This can include pesticide rates, recommendations on application, post harvest or re-entry intervals and other information.
Pesticide handling and safety information.
View the Handbook or purchase printed copies from this website. UGA Extension produces two editions – one for homeowners and one for commercial agricultural businesses (which includes landscapers, nurseries, golf courses & greenhouses.)
The Turfgrass Pest Control Recommendations for Professionals is produced annually and is available in free print copies through Extension offices or is online at www.GeorgiaTurf.com. This publication contains pest management recommendations for most turf pests and much other helpful pest management and pesticide information. The Georgia Turf website also has a host of other great turf information – www.GeorgiaTurf.com.
Pesticide Labels and MSDS Sheets
(These are not all University websites. We list these here for your convenience only. Listing a site here or omitting another site is not a recommendation or endorsement of any website)
Find Pesticide labels online! Remember; though other information is helpful – the label is the law! Always read and follow all label directions when using pesticides.
To find labels online, use a good search engine and search using the pesticide’s exact trade name and the words ‘specimen label’.
MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheets tell how to use a pesticide safely and give other information on the pesticide and hazards associated with using it. MSDS sheets should be made readily available to employees that could potentially be exposed to a pesticide (or other hazardous chemical). MSDS will eventually be replaced with a 16 page SDS sheet.
Find free online MSDS Sheets – See some sources above under pesticide labels. Also see this site.
Dan Suiter, UGA Entomology and Derrick Lastinger, Georgia Department of Agriculture
In January 2013 the U.S.-E.P.A. mandated some sweeping changes in the way pyrethroid-based insecticides will be used in the home environment. These changes will impact use labels for professional pest control operators and products available to homeowners in the over-the-counter market.
Pyrethroid insecticides can be recognized because the names of most of the active ingredients end in “-thrin”. Examples of commonly used pyrethroids are bifenthrin, cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cyfluthrin, permethrin, esfenvalerate, etc. Pyrethroid products (sprays, aerosols, and granulars) are common in the professional market, and they dominate products in the over the counter (OTC) market.
Reasoning for these changes comes from emerging data demonstrating that pyrethroid insecticides applied to hard surfaces (concrete walkways and the like) end up in water, where they can easily be washed into stormwater and streams and be toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Changes to labels and labeling are underway, and will continue in the near future.
A Guidance Document, prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Structural Pest Control Section, on the interpretation of these changes can be found here. Should you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Structural Pest Section at (404) 656 – 3641, and as always defer to the label.
For years, bedbugs have been turning up in sometimes odd and random places, such as subways, movie theaters, dressing rooms and schools, but scientists believed that to flourish, the insects would need more frequent access to human blood meals.
Turns out they don’t.
Bed bug Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org
A new University of Florida study, published online this month by the journal Medical and Veterinary Entomology, shows the blood-sucking insects can do much more than survive — they can even thrive — with far less access to human blood than previously believed.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are alerting the public to an emerging national concern regarding misuse of pesticides to treat infestations of bed bugs and other insects indoors. Some pesticides are being applied indoors even though they are approved only for outdoor use. Even pesticides that are approved for indoor use can cause harm if over applied or not used as instructed on the product label.
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of bed bug-related inquiries received by the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) over the past several years, with many involving incidents of pesticide exposure, spills, or misapplications.
Having policies and protocols in place to prevent and eliminate bed bugs in educational facilities is key to protecting students and should be an integral part of your IPM (integrated pest management) program.
