1. Basic Terms for State Approval

   The Nebraska Pesticide Act authorizes the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) to establish minimum criteria for recertifying Nebraska certified commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators. All recertification programs must be reviewed by NDA for compliance with Nebraska requirements. Nebraska only recertifies licenses which have been issued after completion of Nebraska exams. Reciprocal licenses must be recertified in the state in which exams were taken.

   Nebraska requires that all criteria be met in one program, and does not grant partial credit for continuing education units (CEUs). No course will be given post approval. NDA may not be able to approve a course for which NDA staff are not available to monitor the program. It is advised that programs be submitted as early as possible. Programs will be reviewed on a first-come basis. In order for a course to be considered for recertification credit in Nebraska, the program must comply with the following:

1. The course must be open to the public without discrimination.
2. A final written agenda of the course must be received by NDA at least 60 days in advance of the proposed program. The agenda must include:
   1. Program curriculum with a detailed outline/description of each presentation; (See appendix 1);
   2. Times allotted for each section;
   3. A list of proposed speakers and their qualifications;
   4. Location, date, and time of the program; and
   5. Attendance verification procedure.

   Failure to supply the above-required information will be grounds for rejecting the program for recertification credit.

3. Copies of the training materials should be available for NDA review upon request.

   NDA will attempt to work with any group to adapt courses which do not qualify for recertification credit. It is the responsibility of the program sponsor to obtain the needed materials and/or speakers for the program.

   NDA staff will act only in an advisory capacity. NDA personnel will attempt to monitor all in- state recertification programs. Time and space must be approved for NDA personnel to distribute and collect recertification forms at the end of the program. All fees charged for the recertification program shall be waived for NDA personnel who are monitoring the program. NDA personnel should be provided copies of all materials distributed to the program attendees. If NDA is unable to attend any recertification training, the sponsor shall distribute the NDA Application for Recertification forms provided by NDA and instruct participants that the completed form and associated fee (if applicable) must be received by NDA within 30 days. Persons whose application and/or fees are not received within 30 days will not receive recertification credit for training.

   The program sponsor shall provide a sign-in sheet for attendees who desire Nebraska recertification credit. The sign-in sheet must contain the applicator's name and Nebraska pesticide license number. The sign-in sheets will be presented to NDA personnel at the close of registration, or upon request.

   Final approval of a recertification program is dependent upon actual content of the program. If, in the opinion of the personnel monitoring the program, the pre- approval curriculum was not followed, the course content was altered so that it no longer meets curriculum standards, or the coverage of the topics was inadequate, recertification will not be granted to those attending.

2. Curriculum

   Since state licensing allows professional pesticide users access to restricted-use pesticides (RUPs), pesticide applicator training must include a focus on safety issues which influence the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to classify products as RUPs. Training is to include the topics of personal safety, environmental safety and product stewardship.

   The topics in sections III and IV of this document are considered to be theminimum needed for approval of a program for recertification credit in Nebraska. These topics are based on requirements found in 40 CFR 171-4, and national training priorities, required by the U.S. EPA and the Nebraska Pesticide Act. This material must be easily recognizable in both the written agenda and the actual program.

   The suggested time allowed for each topic is designed for the entire program to be covered in a single day. Suggested times are offered only as guidelines, and actual times may vary depending upon program emphasis, etc. Since one speaker may take 60 minutes to say what another would cover in 30 minutes, NDA looks more closely at program content than training time used.

   Please note that while this represents required information, this does not mean that each program element must be a stand-alone presentation. Multiple program elements may be blended within a single presentation. Regardless of the format, any program submitted to NDA must provide enough detail to be clear as to where the various training elements will be addressed.

3. Required Topics/Information

   Training provided should be directed toward reviewing basic information in each topic area, as well as new information (new chemistries, label content, law changes, etc.). Product-specific examples are preferred. This general pesticide information must be present in all approved training programs and should be tailored to the category training which will be offered.

   1. Labels and Label Comprehension (suggested time 10-15 minutes)
      1. Label and labeling format.
      2. Label terminology, Directions for Use (product-specific), warnings, restrictions, safety issues, etc.
      3. Note of "general-use" and "restricted-use" designations and accompanying reasons for RUP status.
   2. Necessity for use consistent with the label and labeling.
   3. Safety and Personal Protection. Product-specific examples preferred. (suggested time 30-45 minutes)
      1. Discussion of terms "acute" and "chronic" pesticide toxicity, common routes of exposure and practices which reduce exposure while on the job.
      2. Product-specific or a.i.-specific risks to the applicator.
      3. Personal protective equipment (PPE) to be worn and the care of those items.
      4. Common types of pesticide accidents.
      5. First aid and other procedures to be followed in case of a pesticide accident.
      6. Precautions needed to prevent injury to co-workers or others.
      7. Proper storage, transport, handling, mixing, application procedures, and disposal methods for pesticides.
      8. Disposal methods for used pesticide containers.
      9. If applicable, discussion of category-specific Worker Protection Standard (WPS) information. Discussion to include duties of employers and applicators; pesticide safety training; notification of landowners, workers, handlers; centralized posting requirements; decontamination sites; and mitigation measures.
   4. Non-Target Risk (suggested time 20-30 minutes)
      1. Recognition of sensitive indoor areas such as food handling areas, schools, daycares, nursing homes, prisons, etc. Recognition of sensitive outdoor areas such as ponds, creeks, gardens, nearby sensitive crops, etc. Consideration also to be given to pets, wildlife, fish, and endangered species.
      2. Outdoor product use to include discussion on:
         1. Weather and other climatic factors that contribute to pesticide drift and run off.
         2. Influence of terrain, soil, and other substrata on surface and ground water contamination.
         3. Management practices to prevent pesticides from reaching ground and surface water.
   5. Pesticide Laws and Regulations (suggested time 15-20 minutes)
      1. Updates to applicable federal and state laws and regulations (General or category-specific).
      2. Applicator responsibility for pesticide use consistent with its label or labeling.
      3. New product labels. Changes to labels of familiar products.
      4. Supervision of uncertified applicators.
      5. Applicator liability and potential penalties.
   6. Pest Identification and Biology (suggested time 45 minutes - 1 hour)
      1. Identification of category-relevant pests and damage caused by these pests.
      2. Pest development and biology as it may be relevant to inspection and control.
      3. Population dynamics and thresholds for control.
   7. Pesticide Properties and Selection (suggested time 45 minutes - 1 hour)
      1. Category-specific or pest-specific chemical options (pesticides, formulations, adjuvants)
      2. Factors affecting pesticide effectiveness (photodegradation, tank agitation, compatability, synergism, persistence, toxicity of formulation and animal or plant resistance.
      3. Residues and any hazards associated with them.
      4. Selection of formulation(s) and method of application for typical scenarios.
   8. Category-specific Equipment, Application Techniques, Calibration and Calculation (suggested time 20-30 minutes)
      1. Characteristics of and selection of appropriate application equipment. Advantages and limitations of various types.
      2. Proper use, care, maintenance, and calibration of application equipment.
      3. Calculations of area or volume to be treated and amount of pesticide to be applied.
      4. Dilution of concentrate formulation in accordance with label directions.
      5. Methods of applying various formulations of pesticides.
      6. Relationship of discharge and placement of pesticides to proper use.
      7. Adjustment of equipment nozzles, pressure and speed to obtain correct pesticide output.
      8. Prevention of drift and pesticide loss to the environment.
4. Category-Specific Training Topics to be Covered. Depending on the meeting, one or more of the following category-specific sections of training topics applies. Note that product-specific training is encouraged.
   1. Ag Plant Pest Control
      1. Soil issues: leachability, carryover, pesticide persistence
      2. Product-specific or a.i.-specific environmental risks
      3. Pre-Harvest Intervals and Restricted Entry Intervals
      4. Product-specific or a.i.-specific risks to applicators, workers
      5. Management techniques which will reduce exposure to applicators, workers and others /employer's responsibilities under the Worker Protection Standard.
   2. Ornamental & Turf Pest Control
      1. Product-specific or a.i.-specific risks to non-target species/phytotoxicity.
      2. Product-specific or a.i.-specific risks to applicators, workers and the public in O&T sites.
      3. Management techniques which will reduce exposure to applicators, workers, residents and others who may contact treated plants and turf/ employer's responsibilities under the Worker Protection Standard (in greenhouses, plant nurseries)
   3. Aquatic Pest Control
      1. Product-specific or a.i.-specific risks to aquatic organisms, downstream effects.
      2. Principles of limited area application.
      3. Potential water use restrictions caused by improper application rates, incorrect formulations.
      4. Management techniques which will reduce exposure to applicators and minimize hazards to non-target species.
   4. Sewer Root Control
      1. Potential impacts on sewage treatment facilities.
   5. Seed Treatment
      1. Product additives which influence pesticide binding to seed.
      2. Product traits which may impact seed germination.
      3. Management techniques which reduce job-related exposure to pesticides.
      4. Hazard of treated seed being introduced into food or feed.
      5. Proper disposal of unused treated seed.
   6. Right-of-Way Pest Control
      1. Various terrains/environments encountered by a ROW applicator
      2. Modes of action of herbicides and soil sterilants.
      3. Product-specific or a.i.-specific examples of environmental risks such as non-target or water quality concerns.
      4. Management techniques to minimize job-related exposures.
      5. Potential impact of ROW applications on adjacent areas and communities.
   7. Structural Pest Control
      1. Discussion of pests such as cockroaches, ants, silverfish, spiders, bedbugs, food and pantry pests, rodents, birds in and around structures.
      2. Conditions conducive to pest infestations and IPM responses.
      3. Risks associated with pesticide usage in food preparation areas.
      4. Exposure risks of vulnerable segments of the populations such as infants, pregnant women and the elderly.
      5. Protected bird species vs. unprotected bird species.
      6. Secondary poisoning concerns related to rodent and bird control.
      7. Management techniques to minimize exposure to building occupants and non-target species.
   8. Wood Destroying Organisms Control
      1. Practical knowledge of the biology of wood destroying organisms.
      2. Knowledge of new products such as baits and insect growth regulators.
      3. Conditions conducive to pest infestation in lumber.
      4. IPM: structural modification, moisture elimination, barriers.
      5. Procedures including rates, rodding and trenching, topical application, and local injection.
      6. Calibration and use of appropriate application equipment.
   9. Public Health Pest Control
      1. Practical discussion of vector-disease transmission as it relates to treatment options.
      2. Habitat in which pests live.
      3. IPM: sanitation, waste disposal, drainage, exclusion, etc.
      4. Examples of risks to applicators and vulnerable portions of the public.
      5. Environmental concerns such as surface water.
      6. Management practices which reduce risks to people, fish, insects, beneficial organisms.
   10. Fumigation
       1. Biology of stored grain insects and populations dynamics.
       2. Management techniques which will reduce exposure to applicators and others/development of a Fumigation Management Plan.
       3. Calculation of rate.
       4. Impacts of grain temperature vs. outside air temperatures.
       5. Procedures for monitoring air and aerating commodity.
   11. Aerial Pest Control
       1. Examples of risks to the environment and non-target species (phytotoxicity, carry- over/persistence, etc.).
       2. Management techniques which will reduce hazards to non-target plant and animals.
       3. Management techniques which will reduce exposure to applicators, workers, others/ employer's responsibilities under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS).
       4. Pre-Harvest Intervals and Re-Entry Intervals.
       5. Potential impact on adjacent areas/communities.
   12. Wildlife Damage Control
       1. Laws and regulations protecting various species.
          1. Migratory Bird Act, Endangered Species Act
          2. State Game and Parks permitting
       2. Optional control methods other than using toxicants.
       3. Management techniques to reduce applicator exposure.
       4. Product-specific or a.i.-specific risks to non-target animals.
       5. Management techniques to minimize hazards to domestic animals and wildlife.
       6. Proper disposal of carcasses.
5. Out-of-State Programs

   Out-of-state programs may be approved by the state of Nebraska, where the following conditions are met:

   1. The program complies with the guidelines previously listed.
   2. The program is approved by the host state's lead agency which regulates the sale, use and distribution of federally registered pesticides.
   3. The host state's lead agency monitors the program, and agrees to verify that Nebraska's recertification requirements were met.
   4. The sponsor agrees to comply with requirements and procedures which are designated by the state of Nebraska for recertification of pesticide applicators.

      The sponsor of the program agrees to announce that it is the responsibility of the applicator receiving recertification credit in Nebraska to request copies of the Nebraska Pesticide Act.

For additional information contact:

Nebraska Department of Agriculture
PO Box 94756
Lincoln, NE 68509-4756
402-471-2351
nda.nebraska.gov/pesticide

Appendix 1

Training Agenda Title and Date (Example)

7:00 - 7:55 a.m.	Continental Breakfast
7:55 - 8:00 a.m.	Welcome	Mark Blandford
8:00 - 8:30 a.m.	Hazard Communication Jamie is the Safety and Compliance Manager for DeAngelo Brothers, Inc. Chemical hazards, chemical exposure, MSDS, transport, and storage will be reviewed.	Jamie Messerschmidt
8:30 - 9:00 a.m.	Herbicide Safety Training Jamie will discuss non-target risks associated with herbicide application on railroad right- of-ways and safety measures to control drift and reduce those risks.	Jamie Messerschmidt
9:00 - 9:45 a.m.	Incident/Accident Review Michele will discuss the company's Incident/Accident report for last year as well as ways to decrease these incidents.	Michele McLain
9:45 - 10:00 a.m.	BREAK
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.	State & Federal Laws and Regulations Update Gary will discuss changes and additions in current laws and regulations, suspended or cancelled herbicides.	Gary Steiner, MDA
10:30 - 11:15 a.m.	Weed ID Dr. Smeda is Assistant Professor of Agronomy at the University of Missouri. He will discuss plant identification and resistance issues. Dr. Smeda will bring live plants on side to aid in his lecture.	Reid Smeda
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.	Test Plot Dr. Smeda will discuss the results of recent test plots regarding specific herbicides and the results of proactive Bermuda grass seeding as an alternative method of weed control.	Reid Smeda
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.	LUNCH
12:45 - 1:00 p.m.	Pre-Test	Wayne Hug
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.	Current Product List David will review highlights of product labels for products to be used by DeAngelo Bros. applicators during the current season.	David Newburn
1:45 - 2:15 p.m.	Application Techniques Jeff will train the class in proper application technique. Focus will be on carrier rates, herbicide rates, calibration practice, and proper coverage of treatment areas. Jeff will also discuss safe herbicide application techniques.	Jeff Braden
2:15 - 2:45 p.m.	Paperwork Mark will discuss procedures for keeping spray records, log books, and accident/incident forms.	Mark Blandford
2:45 - 3:15 p.m.	Protecting Our Waterways Richard will discuss using surface water for filling your tank, spraying steep embankments, near bridges and lakes with minimal negative impact on the environment.	Richard Reynolds
3:15 - 3:30 p.m.	BREAK
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.	Roadway Worker Safety John will provide required FRA training on working safely around railroad tracks.	John Simpson
4:00 - 4:30 p.m.	Safety Training Jamie will discuss risks associated with herbicide application on railroad right-of-ways and safety measures to reduce risks and first aid.	Jamie Messerschmidt
4:30 - 5:00 p.m.	Post Test