CPA Pesticide Handling and Storage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When mixing two pesticides in a tank, which product should generally be added to the water first?
- The liquid concentrate
- The wettable powder (Correct answer)
- The emulsifiable concentrate
- The order does not matter
Correct answer: The wettable powder
Wettable powders are typically added first when tank-mixing because they require more agitation to go into suspension and can clump if added after liquids.
Question 2: What does the term 'signal word' on a pesticide label indicate?
- The target pest category
- The relative acute toxicity to humans (Correct answer)
- The environmental hazard level
- The application timing restriction
Correct answer: The relative acute toxicity to humans
Signal words (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION) indicate the relative acute toxicity of the pesticide to humans based on oral, dermal, and inhalation routes.
Question 3: A pesticide storage area should be located at least how far from wells or water sources to minimize contamination risk?
- 10 feet
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
- 100 feet (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 100 feet
Most state and federal guidelines recommend pesticide storage areas be at least 100 feet from wells, surface water, and other water sources to reduce contamination risk.
Question 4: Which type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate to keep in a pesticide storage building?
- Class A (water-based)
- Class B/C (dry chemical) (Correct answer)
- Class D (metal fires)
- Class K (cooking fires)
Correct answer: Class B/C (dry chemical)
Class B/C dry chemical extinguishers are appropriate for pesticide storage areas because many pesticides are flammable and electrical fires may also occur.
Question 5: What information must be on a secondary container when pesticides are transferred from their original container?
- Only the pesticide trade name
- The pesticide name, EPA registration number, and first aid instructions (Correct answer)
- The applicator's license number and date transferred
- The dilution rate and application method
Correct answer: The pesticide name, EPA registration number, and first aid instructions
Secondary containers must be labeled with at minimum the pesticide name, EPA registration number, and first aid/safety information to meet federal labeling requirements.
Question 6: How should pesticide containers be oriented during storage to prevent leaks?
- On their side to detect leaks early
- Upside down so caps are tested under pressure
- Right side up with caps tightly secured (Correct answer)
- Any orientation is acceptable if caps are tight
Correct answer: Right side up with caps tightly secured
Pesticide containers should always be stored right side up with caps tightly secured to prevent leaks, spills, and exposure to moisture or vapors.
Question 7: Which practice is MOST important when handling pesticide concentrates to protect skin?
- Washing hands after application is complete
- Wearing chemical-resistant gloves throughout handling (Correct answer)
- Applying sunscreen before working outdoors
- Using waterproof bandages on any cuts
Correct answer: Wearing chemical-resistant gloves throughout handling
Chemical-resistant gloves must be worn throughout pesticide concentrate handling because skin absorption is a primary route of exposure for many pesticides.
CPA Pesticide Handling and Storage 2
When mixing two pesticides in a tank, which product should generally be added to the water first?