Introduction
How the Programme Works
Recertification
Revocation
Categories
Application Forms

INTRODUCTION

Pesticides are valuable to agriculture and for the protection of man and the environment from insects, rodents, weeds and other forms of life, which may be pests; but it is essential to public health and welfare that they be regulated to prevent adverse effects.
Restricted pesticides are those which when applied in accordance with its directions for use, warnings and precaution and for the use for which it is registered, may generally cause without additional regulatory restrictions, unreasonable adverse effects on the environment, including injury to the applicator.

The Pesticides Control Authority (PCA) was established to enforce the Pesticides Act 1975. Included among its functions is the licensing of pest control operators. The Authority is responsible for making rules and regulations governing pest control operations in Jamaica, determining the categories for licensing, examining and recommending applicants for licensing.
The law requires that each outlet from which restricted pesticides are distributed should be registered, and the sellers authorized by the Pesticides Control Authority (PCA). It shall be unlawful for any person to act in the capacity of a restricted pesticide dealer or advertise as or assume to act as a restricted use pesticide dealer at any time without first obtaining Authorization from the PCA. Restricted pesticides should only be sold to certified or licensed persons.

Certified operators are responsible for making and keeping record of each application of restricted pesticide that they have bought. Records are to be kept by certified applicators and sellers of pesticides, which allows for tracking the use and distribution of restricted pesticides in Jamaica.
Records to be kept include, name of pesticide, type of formulation, amount applied, area covered, rate of dilution, date of application and address of site treated. All records must be kept for two (2) years and provided immediately if a health emergency exist.

HOW THE PROGRAMME WORKS

Anyone wishing to be certified as a Pest Control Applicator must successfully complete the Pest control applicator examination. This examination has two parts; written and practical. Persons must attain a pass mark of 65 in the written exam in order to complete the practical component. The written exams can be sat at the offices of the Pesticides Control Authority at 2-4 King Street, Kingston and RADA Building, Catherine Hall Montego Bay, St. James. Written examinations are held once each quarter on the second Tuesday of the month: January, April, July, October.

Candidates who have been successful in the written examination, must make arrangements with a PCA Inspector for the completion of the practical component.
The PCA has prepared manuals which will assist the candidates in preparing for both the written and practical examinations. In addition workshops are held annually covering materials relevant to the areas of pest control.

Licenses
Licenses are issued to operators of pest control businesses after inspection and approval of their facilities to store pesticides. They must also have limited liability insurance. The cost for licensing a business is $7,500.00. The licence is for 3 years
A license does not permit the business owner to apply pesticides. If the licensee wants to apply pesticides he or she must also pass the exam (written & practical) set by the PCA. The licensee must employ certified persons to apply pesticides.

Certification
To be certified, one must pass the exam (written and practical) set by the PCA. Candidates who is successful in the written exam has six months in which to do the practical component, failing which they may be required to resit the written exam.

Supervision of application implies that the certified person is always in sight of the applicator and supervises all aspects of the work. He or she is therefore responsible for misuse of the pesticides by the person being supervised. All certified operators shall be responsible for giving appropriate written and oral instructions to all persons working under their supervision, relating to selection and use of appropriate pesticide, including proper formulation, dilution, dosages and use precautions and the time of application

Servicemen are non-certified employees and must not operate without the supervision of a certified operator.

The fee for the examination is: Written -$500.00 and Practical - $1,000.00 (2 persons per practical). Cost of manual is $700.00. Upon successful completion of the exam and meeting all other requirements the certification fee of $4,000.00 is paid.

Farms (Private Applicators)
Small farmers (private applicators) will be certified through a programme of collaboration with RADA. Generally, this certification does not allow the farmer to apply pesticides for financial reward. Small farmers must present their certification when purchasing restricted pesticides.

RECERTIFICATION

All certified operators must be re-certified every three years. Re-certification is acquired by attending a minimum number of seminars and training within the three (3) year period or re-siting the exam. The PCA prepares and maintains various types of exams and schedule of exams and takes all measures deemed necessary to ensure that persons receiving passing grades have been fairly and reasonable tested.

REVOCATION

A license or certification may be revoked after notice and hearing including but not limited to:

i) Misrepresentation for the purpose of defrauding, deceiving or defrauding another
ii) Making a false statement with knowledge of falsity
iii) Using methods or materials that are not suitable: or using any pesticide inconsistent with its labeling and other restrictions
iv) Failure to renew as required
In the event of revocation of licenses, the following criteria will influence the decision for re-instatement
(i) Nature and severity of the offense and
(ii) Evidence of offense committed subsequently to the offense or crime under consideration
A registered company whose license is suspended shall post in a place conspicuous to the public, a notice provided by the Authority that the registration is suspended
In the area of Food Storage, the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division will continue to work in critical areas of food storage. They will be responsible for recommending persons to be certified for food storage areas.

CATEGORIES

Certificate A - Stored food Pest Control
Certificate B - Structural Fumigation and Wood Destroying Organism
Certificate C - Ornamental and Turf Pest Control
Certificate D - General Household
Certificate E - Animal Pest Control
Certificate F - Aquatic Pest Control
Certificate G - Public Health Pest Control
Certificate H - Farm and Serviceman
Certificate I - Aerial Spraying


The PCA currently grants certification in Categories D and H only.