PURPOSE

A student who completes this course will be prepared to adhere to all safety protocols and regulations. Utilize the many pesticide applicators available. When managing pests, give careful thought to the surrounding environment.

Enumerate the various chemical pest control techniques and the accompanying methodologies.

COURSE CONTENT

Unit 1: Apply health and safety practices when conducting pest control

  • The personal protective clothing and equipment that should be used when working with chemical control substances are described in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The items of PPE necessary for the application of chemical control substances in an open area or landscape are described in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The reasons why items of PPC must be washed after the chemical pest control has been used are explained in terms of the company’s procedures. 
  • The necessity of covering any open sores prior to working with chemical control substances is explained in relation to the possible poisoning of the worker. 
  • The reasons why no smoking, drinking or eating is allowed whilst working with hazardous chemicals are explained in terms of the possible danger of the hand to mouth transference of these chemicals. 
  • The safe handling procedures when using hazardous chemicals are demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The importance of adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions on the datasheets of control chemicals is explained in terms of the consequences that the incorrect application of these can have on the plants and the environment. 
  • The reasons why empty hazardous chemical containers must be disposed of and may not be used for any other purpose are explained in respect of the possible danger that the residue in these containers may pose to the plants and workers. 
  • The necessity of erecting the appropriate warning signs, before hazardous chemicals are applied, is explained in relation to the prevention of possible poisoning of the public and fellow workers. 
  • The importance of determining the wind’s direction and the reasons why an operator should work into the wind are explained in terms of the possibility of poisoning. 
  • The reasons why hands, arms and any other body parts must not be exposed when applying hazardous chemicals is explained in terms of the possibility of infection and/or poisoning. 
  • The procedures for the safe storage of hazardous chemicals are demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures 

 

Unit 2: Describe the correct use and maintenance of pest control applicators and equipment

  • The procedures for “drenching” an area using a watering can are demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The reasons for the specific marking of all pest control applicators are explained in terms of the danger that the chemical residue will have to the workers, plants and environment. 
  • The particular function of a pad applicator is explained and the correct method of usage is demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The use of aerosol sprays are described in terms of the types of control chemicals that are available and the can’s operation is demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures.
  • The use of a hand-held spray canister is described in terms of the types of control chemicals that can be applied and its operation is demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The use of a knapsack spray is described in terms of the types of control chemicals that can be applied and its operation is demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The importance of following the mixing instructions is explained and the correct measurement of various quantities for dilution is demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The various spray nozzles are identified and their particular uses are described in terms of the droplet size and spray pattern that is required. 
  • The methods of cleaning various spray equipment and other chemical applicators are demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The importance of conducting preventative maintenance checks on the chemical application equipment is explained in terms of ensuring their correct functioning and the specific components that require regular replacement are identified. 

 

Unit 3: Identify and explain the hazards that chemical control substances pose to the environment

  • The need to minimise the impact that control chemicals have on beneficial insects is explained in terms of the roles they play in ensuring the correct functioning of the ecosystem. 
  • The importance of identifying the residual levels and efficacy periods of control substances is explained in terms of ensuring that toxic levels are not reached. 
  • The necessity of following the dilution ratios and application rates is explained in terms of the danger that the excess chemicals will have on the environment. 
  • The danger when spraying in windy conditions is explained in relation to the damage that may be inflicted to trees and neighbouring plants.
  • The function of spray screens is explained in terms of the protection that they afford to ornamental plants and foliage and their usage is demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures.
  • The danger that “runoff” water from hard surfaces that have been treated with broad spectrum herbicides is explained in terms of the damage that may be inflicted to neighbouring plants. 

 

Unit 4: Demonstrate an understanding of the specific chemical control groups and their modes of combating pests.

  • The control objectives of using contact insecticides are explained in terms of the specific functions for which they have been formulated and the methods of application are demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The control objectives of using systemic insecticides are explained in terms of the specific functions for which they have been formulated and the methods of application are demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The control objectives of using stomach insecticides are explained in terms of the specific functions for which they have been formulated and the methods of application are demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The various forms of chemical fungicides used in horticulture are described and the methods of applying these are demonstrated in accordance with the company’s procedures. 
  • The possible consequences, when an incorrect fungicidal application rate has been used are described in terms of the possible damage that is caused (over dosage) or ineffectual control (under dosage). 
  • The various types of herbicides used in horticulture are described and an explanation of their specific control functions is given. 
  • The function of fumigants is explained in terms of their control spectrum and the instances where this control practice is required. 
  • The function of chemical cocktails is explained in terms of their broad control spectrum described and an example of a typical usage is given.
 

DELIVERY

Duration: 1 Day

Delivery: Classroom/Online

ACCREDITATION

Scouting (Weed and Pest control)

SAQA ID: 264185

NQF Level: 2

Credits: 6

Certificate Validity: 2

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