Legalities of Spraying

[Ukjay]

Hi

I have been spending quite a serious amount of money to have me fields weed sprayed, whereby I woukd like to understand how the pesticide spraying courses work for someone coming from a non agricultural background.
Are they geared for anyone who needs to use knapsack, boom sprayers no matter what background or experience?

I know I woukd have to do a few courses but they do not give any detail about who they are geared to.

Kind regards

Jay

 

[Wheatland]

http://www.nptc.org.uk/qualificationschemedetail.aspx?id=260

Have a look at the link above.

Pa1 is for handling pesticides and the you take the relevant module depending on how you apply it. Pa2 is boom sprayer, pa4 granular applicator, pa6 knapsack.

 

[Pieces_of_Eight]

Pa1 involves very simple basics of do's & don'ts and won't require any background. It is then the precursor for all the other Pa modules.

In my experience the only people that fail the Pa modules are the people who don't want to pass

 

[Ukjay]

Hi

Thank you for your input, it is appreciated. Obviously I want to pass, as I am spending my own money for the training - hence why I am looking for insights into how the courses are set out (just for experienced individuals, or for individuals who have no prior experience), as I wish to buy all my own equipment and pesticides so that I am not at the mercy of companies not turning up at agreed dates / times.

Thanks again.

Jay

 

[rich8100]

I've just done my 1 and 2. One person on my course was a security guard. Or worked for g4s and needed knapsac for there car parks and paths where he works. And the other was a surveyor. So no agri background at all. And they both passed. They then done knapsack and also passed with ease.

Its a days learning and a test set a few days later or whenever you book it. Imo get the test as soon as you can after the training. Its multi choice on a laptop. All about regulations, coshh and risk assessments.

The next one is where you will need gear. If going pa2 you will need a boom sprayer unless you can borrow one from someone or use the farms where you will be doing the course.

And if knapsack then you will need to buy it all. Its easy once you have done pa1.

But all the courses are common sense.

 

[Ukjay]

I've just done my 1 and 2. One person on my course was a security guard. Or worked for g4s and needed knapsac for there car parks and paths where he works. And the other was a surveyor. So no agri background at all. And they both passed. They then done knapsack and also passed with ease.

Its a days learning and a test set a few days later or whenever you book it. Imo get the test as soon as you can after the training. Its multi choice on a laptop. All about regulations, coshh and risk assessments.

The next one is where you will need gear. If going pa2 you will need a boom sprayer unless you can borrow one from someone or use the farms where you will be doing the course.

And if knapsack then you will need to buy it all. Its easy once you have done pa1.

But all the courses are common sense.

Thank you for the additional information.

Concerned over the use of own kit point, as if I enrol on the course - I wouldn't want to buy expensive kit like a boom sprayer before being certified in case it went t*ts up in the exam. Knapsack sprayer is different, as I could use that with over the counter weed killer.

I was hoping colleges would have kit available for testing / training etc. Better start saving again at this rate.

Regds

Jay

 

[rich8100]

Ask whoever you ate doing the course with. They may even be able to sort it out for you with a sprayer.

 

[Ukjay]

Ask whoever you ate doing the course with. They may even be able to sort it out for you with a sprayer.

Thanks Rich

Currently in talks with two training companies, but never thought to ask that question - obviously I wrongly assumed all centres would be able to provide equipment. Glad I asked on here now!

Kind regds

Jay

 

[dave6470]

Was at Pa2 course yesterday have the test tomorrow doing if Greenmount agricultural collage they supply the tractor and sprayer

 

[rich8100]

Thanks Rich

Currently in talks with two training companies, but never thought to ask that question - obviously I wrongly assumed all centres would be able to provide equipment. Glad I asked on here now!

Kind regds

Jay

Depends on where they do it. They come to you down here if you have the gear. Or you go to a farm that does and use there's. If its at a college they will have the gear there.

 

[Still Farming]

Usually colleges have tractor and sprayer to practise and have test on.
Anyone can take tests.
Better if you know and can drive/use a tractor as Not a tractor operation course -but these are available too.
put your location up so other may know local places etc.
As said funding or subsidised courses are or were about in some parts and can be 80% of the cost.
Usually 2 day course with further online class room test and morning doing tractor and sprayer practical tests.

 

[JCfarmer]

The lad that works for us did his a year last Sept with John Rhodes at Evesham. They run courses and tests when they get enough people. Probably 2 or 3 times a year, you use their sprayer. Google him, they are very helpful.

 

[moo]

The lad that works for us did his a year last Sept with John Rhodes at Evesham. They run courses and tests when they get enough people. Probably 2 or 3 times a year, you use their sprayer. Google him, they are very helpful.

Did my pa1 & 2 there
They supply the tractor & sprayer
You do need to get your own personal protection equipment

 

[Still Farming]

Usuallly got boxes of that there just take wellies ?

 

[Gong Farmer]

If you're not familiar with tractors I don't think you can just borrow one and turn up for a PA2 test. When I did it, it involved a fair bit of tractor safety knowledge as well as sprayer operation. However on your small unit you may only need an ATV mounted sprayer?

 

[Ukjay]

Was at Pa2 course yesterday have the test tomorrow doing if Greenmount agricultural collage they supply the tractor and sprayer

Thanks for info, will speak to training provider.

Jay

 

[Ukjay]

If you're not familiar with tractors I don't think you can just borrow one and turn up for a PA2 test. When I did it, it involved a fair bit of tractor safety knowledge as well as sprayer operation. However on your small unit you may only need an ATV mounted sprayer?

Hi

I can work a tractor (old school though - currently have a MF 3085), which I use weekly, and I would not want to buy an atv just to learn boom spraying to be honest.

Will look further into this with training provider, as my MF is insured for the road.

Jay

 

[rich8100]

I'm sure the 3085 doesn't have a cab. That will be a problem as you can spray without a cab anymore. Plus needs carbon filters.

 

[Ukjay]

I'm sure the 3085 doesn't have a cab. That will be a problem as you can spray without a cab anymore. Plus needs carbon filters.

Hi

The MF3085, does have a cab, it even has aircon, stereo etc.

 

[Ukjay]

This is a MF 3085

https://www.google.co.uk/m?q=mf+3085&client=ms-opera-mobile&channel=new&espv=1#imgrc=IxjnU31DOM-AxM: