Land & Water Resources Parks Division Adult Conservation Team Certified Pest Applicator
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Dane County Land & Water Resources Parks Division Adult Conservation Team Certified Pest Applicator
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A volunteer pesticide applicator treats stumps of woody plants with the chemical commonly known as "Roundup". This treatment prevents the resprouting of aggressive and non-native species and aids in the restoration and improvement of habitat.
PURPOSE: Stumps must be treated within 48 hours to prevent resprouting. The volume of work is huge and increases as the number of project areas and interested volunteers increases. If it rains, timely treatment is impossible and the stumps will resprout. Having volunteers treat stumps facilitates timely and effective treatment . Volunteers are either Certified Pesticide Applicators or non-certified volunteer applicators.
PROCEDURE: Volunteers who apply pesticides (herbicides) for Dane County Parks are required to pass the state’s Pesticide Applicator Certification exam (Ornamental & Turf). This requirement is for the purpose of training in technique, safety and environmental awareness. The chemical being used is commonly known as "Roundup", a nonrestricted-use pesticide. Certified volunteers will be registered as ACT volunteers and will provide the ACT manager with copies of their certifications, front and back. The naturalist provides the materials and instructions on pesticide use in the parks. Certified Pesticide Applicators may supervise and work with non-certified volunteer applicators by following these guidelines:
The certified volunteer must request permission in writing to work with uncertified volunteers and inform the Department on which specific projects they expect to work with uncertified volunteers.
Certified applicators who are supervising uncertified volunteers will be provided with instructions on how to work with volunteers, and written guidelines highlighting important information that volunteers should know. They will be provided with a checklist that the volunteer will sign to indicate that she/he has received the information. The certified volunteer will also sign the checklist to indicate that the information has been provided.
A certified applicator must be present to supervise uncertified volunteers, and will instruct the volunteers on proper techniques of safe handling, application and environmental awareness. The certified volunteer will closely supervise, e.g., check on how the volunteers are doing. Under no circumstances should uncertified volunteers apply herbicide if the certified applicator is not present and actively supervising.
The certified applicator should ensure that volunteers have signed the standard ACT waiver.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and herbicide label will be provided to the certified applicator. This information should be reviewed by the certified applicator with uncertified volunteers before application begins. Copies should be available upon request.
No one under the age of 18 will apply pesticides or assist in any way with the process.
Only certified applicators will mix and/or pour the chemicals and should wear chemical splash goggles during these procedures.
All volunteer applicators must wear "rubber" gloves (latex, neuprene, etc.). Leather gloves are not acceptable.
All volunteer applicators should wear long-sleeves, long pants, shoes plus socks and protective eyewear.
Eye protection is available from the ACT manager.
Clean up supplies such as soap and water should be provided by the certified applicator and be available on site.
In the event of an accident or spill, an Incident Report should be completed and forwarded to the Dane County Parks Operations Manager.
A record of pesticide application by volunteers will be kept on file at Dane County Parks. Certified applicators will provide Dane County Parks with a list of uncertified volunteer applicators who applied pesticides for each specific workday. Date, time of application, location and the total amount of pesticide applied will be included.
Copies of records will be sent to the County Risk Manager on an annual basis.
Any certified volunteer applicator who would like more information regarding the reasoning behind these guidelines may contact Ken LePine at 246-3895.
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Revised: June 22, 1998
