Section 6580.1 - Examinations(a) Applicants for a private applicator certificate shall demonstrate by written examination practical knowledge of California pesticide laws and regulations and the minimum federal standards for private applicators detailed in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 171 section 171.105(a) (July 1, 2019), hereby incorporated by reference.(b) In addition to the requirements in (a), private applicators that seek to use or supervise the use of a pesticide listed in section 6400 labeled as a fumigant to control burrowing vertebrate pests, such as rodents, shall demonstrate by written examination practical knowledge associated with performing these fumigations. The examination shall include at a minimum: (1) Knowledge of the format, instructions, and requirements specific to fumigant labeling for burrowing vertebrate pests.(2) Measures to ensure safe use of fumigants for burrowing vertebrate pests and minimize adverse health effects, including: (A) How to prevent common problems and mistakes that can result in direct exposure;(B) Potential signs and symptoms of human exposure;(C) What air concentrations or application conditions require certified private applicators or handlers to wear respirators and when to exit the work area entirely;(D) Steps to take if an individual experiences sensory irritation;(E) Air monitoring requirements and procedures including when and where to take samples;(F) First aid measures in the event of exposure; and(G) Requirements for transportation, storage, spill clean-up, and emergency response. This includes the management and safe disposal of containers and contaminated materials.(3) Chemical characteristics of fumigants for burrowing vertebrate pests, including: (A) How the fumigant changes to a gas;(B) Specific human exposure concerns;(C) How fumigants disperse in the application zone; and(D) Compatibility with application equipment.(4) Selecting application methods and timing for fumigation of burrowing vertebrate pests, including:(A) Common application methods and equipment;(B) Site characteristics that can influence exposure;(C) Conditions that could impact the timing of application (including air stability, air temperature, humidity, and wind currents) and labeling statements limiting applications; and(D) Pre-application inspection of the equipment and site.(5) Pest factors that influence fumigant activity for burrowing vertebrate pests, including:(A) Fumigant movement through the treated area and into the air;(B) Proper identification of burrowing vertebrate pests; and(C) Proper application rate and timing for the targeted burrowing vertebrate pest population.(6) Required personal protective equipment for burrowing vertebrate pest fumigants, including: (A) Product labeling requirements and regulations for personal protective equipment;(B) Procedures for selecting, inspecting, using, caring for, replacing, and disposing of personal protective equipment;(C) When a respirator is required; and(D) Requirements for respiratory protection including medical evaluation and fit testing prior to respirator use, training, and recordkeeping.(7) Recordkeeping requirements for burrowing vertebrate pest fumigants, including:(A) When a fumigant management plan is required, its elements, resources available to prepare it, the person responsible for verifying its accuracy, where it shall be during the application, who shall have access to it, and how long it must be on file.(8) Posting requirements for burrowing vertebrate pest fumigants, including: (A) Who is allowed or prohibited from being in an area during and after fumigation; and(B) Posting requirements of fumigant labeling and section 6776, including proper signage, placement, and when signs shall be posted and removed.(c) An applicant for a private applicator examination must be at least 18 years old and present at the time of examination valid, government-issued photo identification as proof of identity and age.(d) Private applicator examinations must be presented and answered in writing.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 3, § 6580.1
1. New section filed 6-30-2023; operative 1-1-2024 (Register 2023, No. 26). Note: Authority cited: Sections 11456 and 11502, Food and Agricultural Code. Reference: Sections 14091, 14092 and 14095, Food and Agricultural Code.
1. New section filed 6-30-2023; operative 1/1/2024 (Register 2023, No. 26).