As mentioned in last months Turf Tip, the Office of the Indiana State Chemist has increased inspections of IN lawn care companies and golf courses. During 2004 through 2006, 31 golf courses were either warned or fined for violations in pesticide use or handling. In 2006 alone, 22 lawn care companies were warned or fined. Following are the most common violations:
| 2006 Lawn |
2006 Golf |
Violation |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 22 | Not wearing proper pesticide protective equipment (PPE) |
| 10 | Improper re-entry | |
| 5 | Applying pesticides without proper supervision | |
| 5 | Applying pesticides for hire without an Indiana pesticide business license | |
| 5 | Not keeping proper restricted use pesticide (RUP) records | |
| 2 | Applying in category 3a without having a 3a credential | |
| 2 | Conspiring to forge a name on a compulsory attendance meeting sheet | |
| 2 | Improper disposal | |
| 2 | Using RUP’s without certification | |
| 2 | Improper supervision of non-certified applicator using an RUP | |
| 1 | Failure to leave proper customer notification | |
| 1 | Failure to respond to a pesticide spill | |
| 1 | Careless and negligent | |
| 1 | Improper mixing and handling |
Relatively simple-to-fix PPE violations were the most common. The 34 counts of improper PPE included most commonly lack of waterproof gloves, long-sleeved shirt, pants, proper footwear and/or eye protection. Every pesticide has specific PPE, which are clearly stated on the label. In some cases, PPE will change slightly depending on the formulation or the brand name of the active ingredient, which allows flexibility in choice of pesticide. Furthermore, the new summer weight polyester shirts and pants, and Gortex™ fabrics can be used per label restrictions, yet afford relative comfort on hot days. You’ll be seeing many more updates on pesticide safety issues in future Turf Tips and MRTF educational events in order to better follow label restrictions and minimize violations.