NYS PCO NYS PCO Pesticide Safety and PPE

Question 1

Which piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) is MOST critical when applying organophosphate pesticides?

Accepted Answer

Chemical-resistant gloves

Answer

Chemical-resistant gloves are essential when handling organophosphates because they prevent dermal absorption of these highly toxic compounds.

Question 2

Under NYS regulations, pesticide application records must be retained for a minimum of how many years?

Accepted Answer

3 years

Answer

NYS DEC requires pesticide application records to be kept for a minimum of 3 years.

Question 3

What does the signal word 'DANGER' on a pesticide label indicate?

Accepted Answer

Highly toxic — LD50 is very low

Answer

'DANGER' indicates a highly toxic product with a very low LD50, meaning even small amounts can cause death or serious injury.

Question 4

Before entering a pesticide-treated area, a PCO should verify that the:

Accepted Answer

Re-entry interval (REI) has elapsed

Answer

The re-entry interval must have elapsed to ensure residues have dropped to safe levels before re-entry.

Question 5

Which respiratory protection is required when applying pesticides that produce fine aerosols in enclosed spaces?

Accepted Answer

NIOSH-approved respirator with appropriate cartridges

Answer

NIOSH-approved respirators with the correct cartridges are required to protect against inhalation of aerosol droplets and vapors in enclosed spaces.

NYS PCO Test Practice Test