Agronomy, Health and Safety
The PA1 - Pesticides Foundation Module is a knowledge-based training programme designed to develop the underpinning knowledge, understanding and applied decision-making required for the safe handling, storage, transport and planned use of pesticides within agricultural, horticultural, forestry, amenity and other land-based industries.
The programme is intended to prepare learners for progression towards the City & Guilds/NPTC Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides (PA1) assessment and supports the development of the knowledge required for professional pesticide use. This UKRS course is a training programme and does not itself constitute the City & Guilds/NPTC qualification or Certificate of Competence.
This programme is designed as a preparation course for the City and Guilds Level 2 PA1 assessment. The learning outcomes in this standard describe the knowledge and understanding required to complete the training programme and prepare for the City and Guilds assessment. They are written at a level consistent with the City and Guilds Unit 101 assessment criteria, which use Identify, Explain, State and Describe. Learners should note that the City and Guilds PA1 assessment is a separate e-assessment with a minimum pass threshold of 80%, and that additional self-study beyond this training programme is recommended before sitting the assessment.
The programme has been developed to support legal compliance, environmental protection, operator safety and industry best practice when handling, storing, transporting, planning and managing pesticide use.
The misuse of pesticides presents significant risks to human health, non-target species, wildlife habitats, watercourses, groundwater and the wider environment. Operators and organisations must therefore understand their legal responsibilities, risk controls and safe working practices before undertaking pesticide operations.
The programme aligns with relevant legislation and guidance including, but not limited to:
1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
2. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
3. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
4. Plant Protection Products Regulations 2011 (SI 2011/2131)
5. Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 Part III (FEPA)
6. Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products
7. Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/1657)
8. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022)
9. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
10. Environmental Protection Act 1990
11. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
12. Water Resources Act 1991; Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016; Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017.
The programme aligns with National Occupational Standards including but not limited to:
1. Safe handling and use of pesticides and plant protection products
2. Preparing for pesticide application operations
3. Maintaining health, safety and welfare within land-based industries
4. Managing risks associated with hazardous substances
5. Protecting the environment during land-based operations
6. Storing, transporting and managing hazardous substances safely
7. Maintaining workplace records and documentation
8. Complying with legal and organisational requirements within land-based industries.
Select a county from the drop down box to find your nearest UKRS accredited training provider delivering this course.
