Ch.18: Professionalism and Stewardship

2. Professionalism

• Definition: demonstrating the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior expected of a person trained to do a job well.
• Expected because your work can cause significant harm.
• Pesticide use can spark public controversy even when you follow all safe, legal practices.
• Sometimes a situation calls for MORE caution than the label (the law) requires — that's your call, using best judgment.
• A good impression helps alleviate concerns and reduce negative public views.

3. Supervising Noncertified Applicators

• Under FIFRA, a certified applicator may directly supervise noncertified applicators unless the label or state law prohibits it.
• Direct supervision = the application is made by a competent person acting under the instructions and control of a certified applicator (NOT necessarily by the certified applicator personally).
• If your supervisee makes a mistake, YOU are legally responsible.
• Supervisor duties:
  • Explain applicable federal/state/local supervisory requirements (including label requirements for RUPs by noncertified applicators)
  • Provide required training and keep training records a minimum of two years
  • Be available for immediate communication (some labels/states require on-site supervision)
  • Give site- and product-specific instructions and access to product labeling at all times during use
  • Provide all information in a way they can understand
  • Provide correct PPE, in good condition, and ensure it is worn

4. Knowledge & Communication

• Good working knowledge lets you make good pest decisions AND explain pesticides clearly. Know your tools — better knowledge means better function and correct applications.
• With the public, use simple, direct language — not technical jargon.
• Avoid absolute terms about safety — chemicals aren't simply toxic or non-toxic, because the amount of exposure (dose) determines risk.
• Open and honest communication builds trust (and your workforce's knowledge base).
• Communicate better by: listening politely, not avoiding questions, understanding conflicting viewpoints, speaking clearly and sincerely, avoiding dishonest statements, and providing the facts.
• A positive, open, professional attitude reduces fear and discomfort.

5. Ethics

• A professional shows ethical behavior in all aspects of work — no shortcuts that harm customers, the public, or the environment.
• Offer honest, knowledgeable advice in others' best interests.
• IPM is part of professional training: sound decisions, pesticides only when needed, protecting sensitive sites.

6. Stewardship

• Stewardship = taking care of something and taking responsibility for it.
• Good stewards minimize the risks while maximizing the benefits.
• You're responsible for the product from the point of purchase until final disposal.
• Includes following all label instructions/precautions and taking steps to avoid mishaps.

7. Chemical Security

• Lock storage facilities when not in use; only authorized employees get access.
• Security lighting + an alarm system are a good idea — they deter theft/damage and prevent misuse.
• Many states require warning signs on storage entrances (good idea even if not required).

8. Safety Communication / Training

• Private applicators must inform ag workers/handlers about exposures and risks and ensure proper training (WPS, Ch.1).
• Present training so trainees understand it — cultural and language differences may be substantial barriers.
• It's the certified applicator/trainer's job to make trainees comfortable asking for help — if they aren't, mistakes cause ineffective treatment or harm.
• Taking communication seriously reduces accidents (environmental damage, injury, a visit from regulators).

9. Environmental Harm & Resistance

• Follow all guidelines to reduce harm to water, wildlife, and the environment.
• Misuse that causes health/environmental problems often leads regulators to restrict certain pesticides.
• Use resistance-delaying practices (Ch.11) to keep pesticides useful.

10. Your Responsibilities (final review)

The manual's goal is to prepare you to be a certified applicator, responsible for protecting yourself, coworkers, the community, and the environment. It is always your responsibility to follow the label and all federal/state/local rules, from purchase to disposal. Your duties include:

• Identify pests; evaluate the problem (sometimes pesticides aren't the best option — use IPM)
• Choose the most appropriate pesticide (weigh environmental impact and safety)
• Thoroughly read the label; accurately measure, mix, and apply per label
• Inspect/maintain equipment (prevent leaks/spills) and keep it calibrated
• Minimize drift, runoff, water contamination, and harm to nontarget organisms
• Know when near sensitive areas; don't harm endangered species or their habitat
• Wear PPE, manage exposure, post warning signs; recognize poisoning symptoms + give first aid
• Keep detailed records (type, rates, date, location, weather)
• Be prepared for spills/accidents; dispose per regulations
• Answer public questions; stay current through ongoing training

Key Vocabulary