General Supervision Requirements

• A licensed applicator may supervise the application of restricted-use pesticides, state-limited-use pesticides, and regulated herbicides if the label does not prohibit such action.

• The licensed commercial, noncommercial, or noncommercial political subdivision (NCPS) applicator and the person under the direct supervision of the licensed applicator must both work at the same local office unless the licensee is physically present during the application.

• A certified private applicator may not supervise the use of restricted-use pesticides, state-limited-use pesticides, or regulated herbicides.

• If there is a discrepancy in supervision requirements, the greatest degree of supervision shall apply.

• A licensed applicator may not supervise an applicator whose license is under suspension or revocation.

• The licensed applicator does not need to be physically present during the application, unless specified by the label. The licensed applicator must always be available when and if needed and is responsible for any actions of a person working under the licensee's direct supervision.

• Each licensed applicator is responsible for assuring that any person working under the licensee's direct supervision is knowledgeable of the label requirements and rules and regulations governing the use of the particular pesticide being used by the individual. At a minimum, instructions shall include a review of appropriate sections of the Act and related regulations, and reading of complete labeling information for the particular use of the pesticide product being applied. Documentation to verify training of persons working under the supervision of a licensed pesticide applicator is required and can be fulfilled by one of the following: Worker Protection Standard Handler Training Record, signed and dated label, or the TDA Direct Supervision Affidavit.

Training Requirements for Employees of Political Subdivisions or Cemeteries

Annually and prior to making the first application, an unlicensed employee must be trained in the specific use of each pesticide applied.  The training requirements may be satisfied by either:

1. the unlicensed employee obtaining 5 CEUs in accordance with the continuing education required for commercial and noncommercial applicators, or

2. the unlicensed employee is trained on the appropriate laws and regulations pertaining to pesticide use, the label information for the use of all pesticides that are applied, and pesticide safety training.

A record of training received or CEUs obtained by the unlicensed employee must be maintained for two years and made available to the department for inspection upon request.  The record may be either a certificate of completion of training, CEUs obtained, or on a form prescribed by the department.

TDA Direct Supervision Affidavit