2312 SUPERVISION OF REGISTERED TECHNICIANS

2312.1 A registered technician shall apply pesticides under the direct supervision of a licensed certified applicator whose certification permits the application.

2312.2 A registered technician working under direct supervision shall:

1. (a) Be able to access, read, and comprehend the labeling provided, including the text of the written instructions during use;
2. (b) Be capable of properly handling and applying a given pesticide to the satisfaction of the supervising licensed certified applicator; and
3. (c) Be able to carry out assignments and instructions.

2312.3 Direct supervision shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, the requirements set forth in §§ 2312.4 and 2312.5.

2312.4 If the label of the pesticide being applied so stipulates, direct supervision shall be defined as the physical presence of a supervising licensed certified applicator.

2312.5 Unless the pesticide label indicates otherwise, in the absence of the supervising licensed certified applicator, direct supervision may be provided by clearly legible written or electronic verifiable instructions or directions at a location at which pesticides are handled, mixed, stored, disposed, applied, or used. The instructions shall specify the following information:

1. (a) How to handle and apply the pesticide;
2. (b) The precautions to be taken to prevent injury to the applicator, other persons, and the environment; and
3. (c) How to contact the supervising licensed certified applicator under whose supervision the registered technician is working. The technician shall have direct voice contact with the supervising licensed certified applicator if needed.

2312.6 The pesticide label shall be a part of the instructions required by § 2312.5, and may suffice in those matters that it addresses.

2312.7 Ultimate responsibility for the application of pesticides by registered technicians shall remain with the supervising licensed certified applicator.

2312.8 The supervising licensed certified applicator shall instruct the registered technician

in all directions for use and of cautions necessary for the safe use and application of any pesticide the technician may be directed to use.

2312.9 The supervising licensed certified applicator is responsible for understanding and complying with the provisions of this section.2312.10 The availability of the supervising licensed certified applicator shall be directly related to the hazard of the situation, and as provided in §§ 2312.4 and 2312.5.2312.11 The supervising licensed applicator shall:- (a) Ensure that the registered technician has met at least one (1) of the following qualifications:

- (i) The registered technician has been trained in accordance with 40 C.F.R. § 171.201(d) within the last twelve (12) months; or

- (ii) The registered technician has met the requirements established by a certifying authority that meet or exceed the standards in 40 C.F.R. § 171.201(c)(1).

- (b) Ensure that before each day of use equipment used for mixing, loading, transferring, or applying pesticides is in proper operating condition as intended by the manufacturer and can be used without a reasonably foreseeable risk of adverse effects to the registered technician, other persons, or the environment;

- (c) Provide understandable instructions specific to characteristics of a site;

- (d) Instruct employees on choosing appropriate application equipment that is in good working condition; and

- (d) Ensure that the safety and protective clothing is worn and used correctly for its intended purpose.2312.12 Before allowing a registered technician to apply pesticides (including restricted use pesticides) under their direct supervision, the supervising licensed certified applicator shall create or verify the existence of records documenting that the registered technician has the qualifications required under § 2311, including the printed name, signature, certification number, and certification expiration date of the registered technician.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 62 DCR 3340 (March 20, 2015); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 73 DCR 001173 (February 6, 2026).