People usually use the term “pesticides” to describe the spraying of any chemical over vegetation. We must be clear on the difference between Pesticides and Herbicides. Pesticides are chemical used to control insects, or ‘pests’ which can harm or destroy the vegetation we are trying to nurture. Herbicides, on the other hand, are chemicals used to control plants or “weeds” that threaten the vegetation.
Modern plant protection products, also known as pesticides, help safeguard our food supply by protecting crops against yield losses caused by weeds, diseases and insects.
How are they applied?
Pesticides can be applied in a wide variety of ways including:
Hydraulic boom sprayer
Air-assisted sprayer
Pedestrian or walk-over sprayer
Knapsack sprayer
Application from an aircraft
Application from vehicles
Ground-based reduced-volume spraying
Fogs, mists and smokes in enclosed spaces
Fumigants
Dusts, granules, pellets and baits
Dipping and drenching
Seed treatments
Why is Training Important and necessary?
The aim is usually to target the pest or plant whilst minimising any effect on the environment and surrounding plants or animals. This can occur through ‘spray drift’ (wind), crop run off (rain), seepage into soil, leaching into drainage and evaporation.
It is important to be able to select the product and method of application that is most efficient and lowest risk.
It is important also to understand how to dispose of pesticides and herbicides correctly.
Training on the use and application of pesticides and herbicides will help to keep you safe but also enable you to apply the chemicals efficiently and with minimum impact on the environment.
Why do I need a Pesticide Ticket?
It is compulsory for users to be properly trained and certified in the use of pesticides and the requirement is backed by law.
In the UK, anyone using a professional pesticide must either have a recognised specified certificate (previously known as a ‘Certificate of Competence’) or be working under the direct supervision, for the purposes of training, of someone who has such a certificate.
DEFRA Code of Practice states that everyone who uses pesticides professionally must be trained, but also in some situations the law requires that users must have an appropriate certificate of competence. The type of certificate needed will depend on the product you are using and your individual circumstances.
HOW are you planning to apply pesticides and herbicides and
WHERE you are planning to apply them.
If you are using Hand Held Applicators (knapsack) – you will require the Level 2 Award in Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment (PA6) – this can include stem injection, pellets or granules or tree stumps as an extra requirement.
If you are going to be operating near water you will need to complete applying pesticides near water.
If you are using large scale or mechanical application methods you will require the Level 2 Award in Safe Application of Pesticides Using Self Propelled, Mounted or Trailed Horizontal Boom Sprayers (PA2A)
Do I need to refresh?
Apart from the legal requirements to obtain a certificate of competence there is no legal requirement to undertake refresher training, however, the Certificate of Competence training and the HSE Code of Practise for using Plant Protection Products emphasises the importance of continuing to develop your technical knowledge and practical skills in using pesticides.
You can register with the National Register of Sprayer Operators and collect points for CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
Most of our clients opt for refresher training every 3 – 5 years.
Please feel free to call and discuss your training requirements if you are unsure of what you may require. At Vicky Anderson Training, we have the ability to tailor a training program to your specific needs, respecting the need for flexibility & competitive pricing.