Safe Use of Pesticides - PA1, PA6 and PA2

This course has been designed to meet the specific requirements of users of pesticides.
It is a legal requirement for any person
Born after 31 December 1964, unless working under the supervision of a certificate holder
Wishing to apply pesticides to land or property not owned or occupied by them or their immediate employer
Who is required to supervise a person who does not hold a certificate but is required to use pesticides

*MUST HAVE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE*

Benefits of the Qualification.

• Satisfies the legal requirements of the Control of Pesticide Regulations
• Enables the holder to apply pesticides safely
• Minimizes the risk of environmental pollution
• Meets Farm Assurance Scheme criteria
• Promotes a professional image
• Contributes CPD points towards NRoSO membership.
• Assessment

The assessment is in two parts and candidates must successfully complete the PA1 Foundation module before they can take the second part.

PA1- this module is assessed by computer based multiple choice questions.
PA2 -13 are specific to type of applicator being used (i.e. knapsack sprayer, boom sprayer, seed treatment etc.).

The assessment requires a practical demonstration of the candidates competence for the application module being taken.
Underpinning knowledge and understanding will be assessed orally.
Candidates need PA1 plus at least one application module to be awarded a certificate of competence.

Candidates may provide his/her own equipment. Any equipment provided by the candidate must comply with legal regulations.

Knowledge to be assessed.

• Legal requirements of using pesticides correctly and safely
• Personal protective equipment PPE requirements
• Procedures for storing, handling and mixing pesticides
• Procedures for disposal of contaminated waste and surplus pesticides
• Maintenance requirements of application equipment
• Operator health and safety
• Procedures to minimize environmental contamination and pollution
• Skills to be assessed
• Select and wear correct PPE
• Calibrate equipment correctly
• Interpret product information
• Calculate and mix correct quantity of pesticide
• Apply correct amount of pesticide safely
• Assess prevailing weather conditions
• Undertake operational adjustments as required
• Dispose of surplus diluted pesticides correctly and safely
• Clean out and store pesticides application equipment correctly and safely
• Take action as appropriate to deal with contaminated PPE

Units of the Qualification: 

Most often required by Grounds person and Green keepers
PA1 Foundation module

This PA1 Pesticides Training Course is a one-day foundation course to be taken in conjunction with PA6 (Hand Held Applicator Pesticides Training Course) which is a further one day.

PA1 covers the theory aspect of the safe use of pesticides and is classroom based. These training courses are designed for anyone who needs to apply pesticides in a public place for a recognized appropriate qualification. Candidates must attend this PA1 training course and one other PA training module in order to gain a certificate of competence.

PA1 cannot be taken as a stand-alone qualification and must be taken in conjunction with one other course (usually PA6).

PA1 is classroom based; candidates must successfully pass PA1 before being assessed for PA6.
PA2 Ground Crop Sprayer  mounted or trailed
PA6 Handheld applicator

This is a one-day practical pesticides training course which is workshop based and specifically working with a knapsack sprayer. The training will focus on safe practice, routine maintenance and calibration of the knapsack.