NYS PCO NYS PCO General 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: While mixing a concentrate, a technician splashes pesticide into their eyes. According to typical label first aid, what should be done first?
- Rinse eyes gently with clean water for 15-20 minutes (Correct answer)
- Apply eye drops and continue working
- Rub the eyes with a clean towel
- Wait to see if irritation develops
Correct answer: Rinse eyes gently with clean water for 15-20 minutes
Immediate, prolonged flushing with clean water is the standard first aid for pesticide eye exposure before seeking medical attention.
Question 2: Which route of pesticide exposure is MOST common for applicators during routine work?
- Dermal (through the skin) (Correct answer)
- Oral (swallowing)
- Inhalation (breathing vapors)
- Ocular (through the eyes)
Correct answer: Dermal (through the skin)
Skin contact, especially on the hands and forearms, accounts for the majority of occupational pesticide exposure.
Question 3: When a label requires chemical-resistant gloves, which material is generally appropriate?
- Nitrile or other unlined chemical-resistant material (Correct answer)
- Leather work gloves
- Cotton-lined fabric gloves
- Fingerless mesh gloves
Correct answer: Nitrile or other unlined chemical-resistant material
Unlined nitrile or similar chemical-resistant gloves resist absorption, while leather and fabric absorb and hold pesticide.
Question 4: A small liquid pesticide spill occurs on a concrete floor. What is the correct response sequence?
- Control the spill, contain it, then clean it up with absorbent material (Correct answer)
- Hose the spill into the nearest floor drain
- Cover it with a tarp and finish the job first
- Evacuate the county and call the fire department
Correct answer: Control the spill, contain it, then clean it up with absorbent material
The 'three Cs' — control, contain, clean up — prevent the spill from spreading or reaching drains and waterways.
Question 5: Which symptom pattern is MOST consistent with organophosphate or carbamate overexposure?
- Excessive salivation, tearing, pinpoint pupils, and muscle twitching (Correct answer)
- Dry mouth, dilated pupils, and hyperactivity
- A skin rash appearing two weeks later
- Temporary loss of hearing
Correct answer: Excessive salivation, tearing, pinpoint pupils, and muscle twitching
These cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides cause the classic SLUDGE symptoms, including salivation, tearing, and constricted pupils.
Question 6: Why should pesticides always be stored in their original labeled containers?
- To prevent misidentification and accidental poisoning, and to comply with the law (Correct answer)
- Because original containers are cheaper to replace
- Because transfer voids the manufacturer warranty only
- Because original containers stack more easily
Correct answer: To prevent misidentification and accidental poisoning, and to comply with the law
Transferring pesticides to unlabeled containers such as beverage bottles is illegal and a leading cause of accidental poisonings.
Question 7: What is the proper way to handle an empty plastic pesticide concentrate container before disposal?
- Triple-rinse it, adding rinsate to the spray tank, then puncture or dispose per label (Correct answer)
- Burn it on site to destroy residues
- Reuse it to store other chemicals
- Toss it directly into household recycling
Correct answer: Triple-rinse it, adding rinsate to the spray tank, then puncture or dispose per label
Triple-rinsing with rinsate added to the tank removes residues, and containers are then disposed of according to label directions.
NYS PCO NYS PCO General 4
While mixing a concentrate, a technician splashes pesticide into their eyes.
According to typical label first aid, what should be done first?