Do I need a certificate to spray Round-Up if it's part of my job?
Many applicators ask about whether they need to be certified to apply weed killers and other pesticides that normally might be applied by the average homeowner.
It depends!
No, if you are a grower, producing an agricultural commodity on
property you own or lease (or on the property of another grower if you
apply pesticides in exchange for goods or services with the other
producer.) Growers only need to be certified if they use restricted-use
pesticides. Round-Up is not classified as restricted-use.
However, if you are NOT engaged in agricultural production or hired as a farmworker by a grower, the answer is quite different:
Yes, if you apply pesticides for hire or as part of your job duties as
a government employee. In Virginia, For-Hire and Government Employee
applicators must be certified to use ANY pesticide for ANY purpose on
the job.
Maybe, if you do not apply pesticides for-hire but do use them as part
of your job. Not-for-hire applicators -- for example, maintenance
workers, golf course managers -- must be certified to use
restricted-use pesticides, and ANY pesticide (including RoundUP) in
these areas:
- any area open to the general public at the following establishments:
educational institutions, health care facilities, day-care facilities,
convalescent facilities;
- where open food is stored, processed or sold; or
- any recreational land over five acres.
