Success StoryCreation of the Non-Certified Applicator Category



Creation of the Non-Certified Applicator Category

Author: Ricardo Bessin

Planning Unit: Entomology

Major Program: Chemical Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Working with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, I encouraged them to create a new category of applicator in order to accommodate a number of non-English speaking applicators that routinely apply non-restricted use pesticides. In the past these applicators have 'flown under the radar", but with the changes in legislation (KRS 217b) and regulation (302 KAR 26) a new category was created for non-certified applicators under the supervision of a certified applicator. This new ensures that these applicators are properly, trained and equipped to conduct these non-restricted use applications. The new requirements specify what the supervising certified applicator must do to ensure the safety of the non-certified applicator and environment. These training materials have been incorporated into the Kentucky Pesticide Safety Education Program training materials.