In 2017, EPA made updates to the federal certification RULE and requires all states to make changes to their certification plan that meet or exceed the federal certification plan.
How do these changes align Minnesota’s regulations with federal standards?
The MDA’s previous plan did not have requirements on minimum age and a licensure for mixer/loader/handler. The MDA seeks these legislative changes to align (in compliance) with the federal certification plan and allow the MDA to have the authority to run the certification plan in our state.
- Minimum age of at least 18 years or older
- Mixer/loader/handler need a pesticide license to work with RUPs.
How do these changes affect different categories of pesticide applicators and handlers?
These changes won’t affect pesticide applicator; however, these changes will affect mixer/loader/handler who work with open RUPs. Just like the applicator, they will need a license (structural, commercial, or noncommercial) with the categories based on their line of work.
- Minimum age of at least 18 years or older
- Mixer/loader/handler need a pesticide license to work with RUPs.
How do these changes affect different categories of pesticide applicators and handlers?
These changes won’t affect pesticide applicator; however, these changes will affect mixer/loader/handler who work with open RUPs. Just like the applicator, they will need a license (structural, commercial, or noncommercial) with the categories based on their line of work.
The MDA is using the definition of use in the federal certification rule, and it includes transportation of RUPs as part of handling of pesticides. However, if the driver is not handling open RUP containers, then they do not need a license.
Could you clarify under what circumstances transportation activities require licensing?
Here is one circumstance: if the driver loads or unloads the vehicle with opened RUP container(s), they would be required to have a license.
The MDA is using the definition of use in the federal certification rule, and it includes transportation of RUPs as part of handling of pesticides. However, if the driver is not handling open RUP containers, then they do not need a license.
Could you clarify under what circumstances transportation activities require licensing?
Here is one circumstance: if the driver loads or unloads the vehicle with opened RUP container(s), they would be required to have a license.
Mixer/Loader/Handler will be required to hold the same license (structural, commercial, or noncommercial) as the applicator holds within that pesticide industry with the same categories.
Are there any exemptions or special conditions?
While there are no exemptions or special conditions, the MDA will continue to review each unique scenario presented to us and determine if they need a license or not.
Mixer/Loader/Handler will be required to hold the same license (structural, commercial, or noncommercial) as the applicator holds within that pesticide industry with the same categories.
Are there any exemptions or special conditions?
While there are no exemptions or special conditions, the MDA will continue to review each unique scenario presented to us and determine if they need a license or not.
An opened RUP container is a container that has its seal broken.
Could you provide examples of scenarios where a license is or isn’t required? Mini-bulk, 2.5 sealed jug, 2.5 partial jug, open bag of an RUP.
- Mini-bulk- if sealed - no license required
- 2.5 sealed RUP jug - no license required
- 2.5 open RUP jug - license is required
- 2.5 partial RUP jug - license is required
- Open bag of RUP- license required
Any RUP container/jug/bag that has not been opened can be handled by an unlicensed individual.
An opened RUP container is a container that has its seal broken.
Could you provide examples of scenarios where a license is or isn’t required? Mini-bulk, 2.5 sealed jug, 2.5 partial jug, open bag of an RUP.
- Mini-bulk- if sealed - no license required
- 2.5 sealed RUP jug - no license required
- 2.5 open RUP jug - license is required
- 2.5 partial RUP jug - license is required
- Open bag of RUP- license required
Any RUP container/jug/bag that has not been opened can be handled by an unlicensed individual.
A “sealed container” has the original manufacturers or repack seal intact. Handling of partially used containers needs a license.
What are the compliance expectations for handling these containers?
The MDA compliance expectations of bulk and partially used containers are- if anyone is handling partially use restricted use chemical containers, they need a license.
