35-10-103 Definitions
As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires:
(15)
- (a) “Technician” means any individual who:
- (I) Uses, under the supervision of a qualified supervisor, a device that requires licensure under this article for use;
- (II) Mixes, loads, or applies general-use pesticides under the supervision of a qualified supervisor, mixes or loads restricted-use pesticides under the supervision of a qualified supervisor, or applies restricted-use pesticides under the on-site supervision of a qualified supervisor; or
- (III) Evaluates pest problems, recommends products or treatments for pest problems, or sells application services under the supervision of a qualified supervisor.
- (b) “Technician” does not include any individual whose duties are solely clerical or janitorial or otherwise completely disassociated from pest control.
35-10-106. Commercial applicator - license requirements - application - fees.
(1) As requisites for licensure, the applicant for a commercial applicator business license shall:
...
- (c) Provide verifiable training to all technicians in his employ according to standards adopted by the commissioner;
Technician Training Requirements can be found in the Rules Pertaining to the Pesticide Applicator Act 8 CCR 1203-2 Part 5
Part 5.02(k) of the Rules incorporates 40 CFR 171.201(d), which addresses 1) items that are required to be covered and documented by any non-certified applicator (technician) training and 2) who can perform perform training.
To comply with 40 CFR 171.201(d), CDA has developed a new Technician Training Documentation Form incorporating those items.
The Items listed in 40 CFR 171.201(d) can be incorporated into existing training or WPS Handler Training or PERC's Pesticide Safety Training for Noncertified Applicators can be incorporated. The new form can be used to document any of these methods.
Trainers of non-certified applicators (technicians) must also be qualified to perform training. Any licensed applicator (QS/CO) can perform training. Any non-certified applicator (experienced technician) now must complete an EPA Certified Train The Trainer course to provide technician training. The amount of training an experienced technician can perform remains unchanged in the Rules (Part 5)
A summary of the training hours required for each type of technician and each training category listed in the Rules can be found here.
Non-certified applicators who use Restricted Use Pesticides under the supervision of a licensed Private Applicator need to meet the requirements of 40 CFR 171.201
Non-certified applicators using RUPs under a Private Applicator can meet these requirements by:
- Completing any of the training methods listed in the "Technician Training Documentation Form" or below:
- Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Handler Training
- PERC Non-Certified Applicator Training
- Private Applicator Developed Training that covers all items in 40 C.F.R. § 171.201(d)
- And Documenting that training by completing:
- The CDA Technician Training Documentation Form, or
- A form that meets the requirements for WPS handler training documentation
- Training records must be maintained for two (2) years.
Note: If the applications being made fall under WPS and all WPS requirements are met, the requirements here will be satisfied.
Non-Certified Technicians must be trained by a Commercial Applicator and that training must be documented on a form provided by Commissioner.
To comply with Colorado's Certification and Training Plan with the EPA, a new Technician Training Documentation Form has been developed to comply with the requirements in 40 C.F.R. § 171.201(d)
The new form consists of:
- the main documentation form
- a calculator to help track time requirements per category
- an EPA requirements worksheet
- a time requirement summary
- a Miscellaneous Documentation page
- Additional Trainer Documentation page
- Instructions
- Additional Resources
This form is intend to filled out and stored digitally and is being provided in two different file formats: as an Excel Spreadsheet and a Fillable PDF. These forms can be printed and completed by hand but it is strongly suggested to complete them digitally.
Review of new technician training requirements and walkthrough of the new technician training form taken from a CWMA webinar 10/17/2022.
*Walkthrough of the form starts at the 7 min marker.
Video Resources from PERC (Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative). Can be used to meet the EPA requirements list in 40 CFR 171.201(d)
- Pesticide Safety Training for Noncertified Applicators Using Restricted Use Pesticides at Non-Agricultural Sites
- WPS Compliance Suite — Training Materials for Handlers
Online Train the Trainer course from PERC. Can be used to meet the Trainer requirements for Non-Certified Trainers required by EPA in 40 CFR 171.201(d)
Other Training Resources:
- CSU Ext. - Colorado Environmental Pesticide Education Program
- Mountain West Pest
- AGSKILL INC.
- Colorado Weed Management Association
CDA Approved Continuing Education Courses
Questions? Contact us for more info
Commercial Applicator: commercialapplicator@state.co.us
Qualified Supervisor/Certified Operator: pesticidesprogram@state.co.us
or contact your Inspector for assistance with the form.