Applicator Core

Basic Knowledge Requirements for Pesticide Education in Canada

ISBN: 0-662-22806-5
Cat. No.: H50-4/1-1995E

To obtain an electronic copy of the document, Applicator Core, please contact publications@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Should you require further information please contact the Pest Management Information Service.

Summary

The Standard for Pesticide Education, Training and Certification in Canada (National Standard) was released in 1995 and adopted by all provinces and territories. It consists of a series of documents which outline a structure and criteria for pesticide applicator and vendor certification programs. For further information, please consult the Framework document of the National Standard.

The Basic Knowledge Requirements for pesticide Applicator education in Canada consist of an Applicator Core and ten category specific modules. These documents direct trainers to instruct pesticide applicators to a basic level of knowledge which is common across Canada. Additional information may be included as appropriate but applicator training, manuals and certification exams must meet the basic knowledge requirements as a minimum.

The Applicator Core contains information that is relevant to all types of pesticide application. The category specific modules have been developed to accommodate training for various application specialities. They are based on the following ten pesticide application categories common across Canada: Aerial, Agriculture, Aquatic Vegetation, Forestry, Greenhouse, Industrial Vegetation, Landscape, Mosquito and Biting Flies, Fumigation, Structural. Descriptions of these application categories are found in the Framework.

Each category specific module consists of information that specialized applicators will learn in addition to the information contained in the Applicator Core. For example, to acquire certification in the aquatic category, the trainer must cover the information within the Applicator Core as well as additional information on pest management, details on relevant application equipment, and special safety guidelines, etc. pertaining to aquatic application. A broader category such as Agriculture will include additional information on weed, disease, insect and vertebrate management, as well as details on relevant application equipment and special safety guidelines pertaining to agriculture.

The Applicator Core and category specific modules are organized into ten concepts. They are:

1. General Information
2. Regulations
3. Labelling
4. Human Health
5. Pesticide Safety
6. Environment
7. Pest Management
8. Application Technology
9. Emergency Response
10. Professionalism

Each concept is written in a three column format: Course Outline, Instructional Objectives and Learning Outcomes. The Course Outline contains the information the applicator must know, the Instructional Objectives are what the instructor must ensure the applicator learns, and the Learning Outcomes are what the applicator must be able to do (how their knowledge is measured).

Note:The Emergency Response (first aid) section has been reviewed by physicians at the Canadian Medical Association for accuracy, thoroughness and applicability. As well, Environment Canada has reviewed the Environment Section. Stakeholders having a direct interest were asked to develop and review the category specific modules in conjunction with the Applicator Core.