Training Requirements for Non-Certified Employees Using Fertilizer Materials in Agriculture
Under Indiana’s Certification for Distributors and Users of Fertilizer Materials Rule (355 IAC 7), non-certified employees may apply, handle, or transport fertilizer materials for agricultural crop production, provided they are under the supervision of a certified applicator with a Category 14 credential.
Responsibilities of the Certified Category 14 Supervisor
The certified supervisor must ensure the following:
- Non-certified employees receive training approved by the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC).
- Maintain records of all training provided.
- Provide employees with instructions and equipment to:
- Contact the supervisor when needed, and
- Report fertilizer spills or releases to IDEM if they could affect water sources.
- Assign fertilizer handling and application tasks to employees.
- Remain aware of the status of ongoing assignments.
The overarching goal is to ensure fertilizer is applied only in amounts necessary to meet crop nutrient needs, and in a manner and timing that protects water resources.
Fertilizer Safety & Site-Specific Training Questions
The required training should include a discussion of the following questions between the certified supervisor and the non-certified employee. This ensures that safety procedures, job expectations, and site-specific practices are clearly communicated.
After training, non-certified employees should be able to answer:
- Who is my Category 14 certified supervisor?
(Know their name and how to contact them.) - How will I contact my supervisor during the job?
(Two-way radio, cell phone, etc.) - How will I confirm I’m at the correct application site?
(Use maps, work orders, or GPS as needed.) - What should I verify on the work order before leaving the facility?
(Check type, grade, and amount of fertilizer material; confirm the correct field or staging location.) - What personal protective equipment (PPE) do I need?
- What safe transport practices must I follow?
- Use tarps and secure loads properly.
- Load/unload on impervious surfaces.
- Drive defensively and obey speed limits.
- Be alert to hazardous road or weather conditions.
Mandatory Annual Training Options for Non-Certified Applicators Using Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs)
Annual training is required for all non-certified applicators handling or applying RUPs. The training must be delivered by a fully certified applicator who is physically present throughout the training session.
Approved training videos:
- Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for Pesticide Handlers (English video):
http://www.eventreg.purdue.edu/online/WorkerProtection - Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for Pesticide Handlers (Spanish video):
http://www.eventreg.purdue.edu/online/WorkerProtectionSpanish - Pesticide Safety Training for Non-Certified Applicators Using Restricted Use Pesticides at Non-Agricultural Sites (English video):
http://www.eventreg.purdue.edu/online/PesticideSafety - Pesticide Safety Training for Non-Certified Applicators Using Restricted Use Pesticides at Non-Agricultural Sites (Spanish video):
http://www.eventreg.purdue.edu/online/PesticideSafetySpanish