Safe Use of Pesticides - A summary of the qualifications available

Christine Johnsonin Training & Education

Plant protection and pest control products need to be used legally, safely and competently. If your job involves applying pesticides in a commercial role then you are legally required by the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations (2012) to take this qualification.

Various practical modules are available, depending upon the type of application to be carried out. However, the PA1 qualification must be achieved before a person can register to be assessed on any of the practical modules.

PA1 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides

This is a theory course and topics covered include:

• Pesticide Legislation

• Label Interpretation

• Personal Safety

• Pesticide and Container Storage

• Disposal

• Contamination (personal and others)

• Record Keeping

• Environmental Protection

• New Legislation

The following are the most popular practical modules for the Turf and Ground Care industries. Each module offers a range of units, each of which entails a separate assessment.

PA2 Safe Application of Pesticides using Self Propelled, Mounted, Trailed Horizontal Boom Sprayers

Units available:

• Operating Mounted, Trailed and Self Propelled Air/Fluid Nozzle Horizontal Boom Sprayers

• Operating Mounted, Trailed and Self Propelled Downward Air Assisted Horizontal Boom Sprayers

• Operating Mounted or Trailed Wick Type Applicators

• Operating Vehicle Mounted Kerb Sprayers fitted with Hydraulic Nozzles/Rotary Atomisers

PA6 Safe Application of Pesticides using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment

Units available:

• Operating Pedestrian Hand Held Applicators fitted with Hydraulic Nozzles or Rotary Atomisers to apply pesticides to land (PA6A)

• Operating Pedestrian Hand Held Applicators fitted with Hydraulic Nozzles or Rotary Atomisers to apply Pesticides to or Near Water (PA6AW)

• Operating Pedestrian Hand Held Applicators to apply Pesticide Pellets or Granules to Land (PA6G)*

• Operating Pedestrian Hand Held Applicators to apply Pesticide Pellets or Granules to or near Water (PA6GW)

• Installing Pesticide Plugs in Tree Stumps (PA6PP)

• Operating Hand Held Pesticide Injection Equipment (PA6INJ)

• Operating other Hand Held Applicators requiring Minimal Calibration (PA6MC)

*The unit that is often overlooked is PA6G, in terms of its relevance to Lawn Care operatives and professional gardeners. This qualification is required if you are using Weed and Feed type products which contain a proportion of pesticides. It also applies to those applying products such as Kerb Granules, Renovator Pro, Cleanrun Pro etc.

Qualifications are also available for applying pesticides from a train, boat or aeroplane - although enquiries from groundsmen using these methods are few and far between!

We can arrange on site training for groups of 4 or more in many areas of the UK. For a quote or further information, just email chris@pitchcare.com with your details.

Remember, the HSE recommends that refresher training for pesticide spraying operatives takes place every two to three years, and we can arrange this, too. Should an incident occur which leads to formal investigation, evidence of up to date training is the first item that an employer will need to provide.

The qualifications outlined in this article are awarded by City & Guilds/NPTC. Lantra Awards are also recognised as an approved awarding body and offer similar training and assessment for safe use of pesticides.

Details of all our open courses for individuals to attend are listed on our website www.groundstraining.co.uk

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