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The Clemson University (South Carolina) Cooperative Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) has the overarching objective of protecting human health and the environment by providing pesticide applicators (applicator trainees) with the information necessary to safely and properly apply Restricted Use Pesticides.<P> Outputs are training sessions for the intial certification of pesticide applicators, and trainees passing examinations to become licensed (certified) pesticide applicators in South Carolina.
Non-Technical Summary: <BR>To become licensed as a private applicator in the state of South Carolina, you must complete an approved Extension Pesticide Applicator Training Program, which includes a written Private Applicator Certification Exam. A private applicator License in South Carolina is required for applicators who will be using Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) in the production of an agricultural commodity (products from farms, nurseries, greenhouses and forests) on land that they, or their employers own, rent or lease. A Commercial Pesticide Applicator is an individual over the age of 17 who applies or supervises the application of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) for other individuals for pay. A person must be certified as a commercial applicator if applying pesticides for hire, even if applying Restricted Use Pesticides on his/her employer's or personal property. Commercial applicators are certified in one or more categories and may use Restricted Use Pesticides only in the category(s) in which they are certified. There is mandatory certification in Category 3-Ornamental and Turf Pest Control, Category 5-Aquatic Pest Control Category 7-Structural Pest Control and Category 8-Public Health Pest Control. <P> Approach: <BR> The PSEP coordinator is responsible for the program in South Carolina and works with the South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation to identify the training needs and activities for the year. Common activities include: presenting initial certification training for private applicators in a classroom setting and also presenting educational programs in a classroom setting or hands-on environment; developing and updating manuals and other training materials, including DVD and web-based training instruments; developing and coordinating recertification education programs; informing pesticide applicators of programs and materials through e-mail and the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service Pesticide Safety Education Program web site. Thus, pesticide safety education and training programs consist of classroom or in-the-field presentations, hands-on training, printed media, computer-based media, and web-based information.