Agronomy, Health and Safety
This course provides learners with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to prepare, calibrate, operate and maintain mounted and trailed boom sprayers used for the application of pesticides within agricultural and land-based environments. The programme focuses upon safe, effective and environmentally responsible pesticide application whilst preparing learners for independent assessment where a formally assessed operator qualification is required.
The standard has been developed for agricultural workers, land-based operatives, contractors, farm staff and others who are required to undertake pesticide application using ground crop sprayers as part of their occupational duties.
The application of plant protection products presents significant risks to operators, members of the public, non-target species, watercourses and the wider environment where equipment is incorrectly calibrated, products are improperly selected or application techniques are inadequately controlled. Effective training is therefore essential to support legal compliance, environmental stewardship, operator safety and application effectiveness.
The course aligns with relevant legislative and industry requirements including but not limited to:
1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
2. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
3. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
4. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
5. Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012
6. Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA)
7. Plant Protection Products Regulations 2011 (SI 2011/2131)
8. Environmental Protection Act 1990
9. Water Resources Act 1991
10. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022)
11. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).
National Occupational Standards (NOS) referenced include, but are not limited to:
1. Prepare and operate equipment for the application of pesticides and plant protection products.
2. Apply pesticides and plant protection products safely and effectively.
3. Maintain pesticide application equipment.
4. Minimise environmental impact during pesticide operations.
5. Maintain health, safety and biosecurity during land-based operations.
This programme may be used by employers, training providers and individuals to develop operational competence and prepare learners for independent assessment. Successful completion of this UKRS programme does not constitute achievement of the City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides - PA2 Ground Crop Sprayer or any other regulated qualification.
This UKRS Course Standard is a non-regulated competence-based training and assessment programme and does not constitute an Ofqual-regulated qualification, RQF qualification, SCQF qualification or formal “Level 2 Award”. Certification is issued in accordance with UKRS accreditation requirements and must not be represented as a regulated qualification issued by an Ofqual-recognised Awarding Organisation.
Select a county from the drop down box to find your nearest UKRS accredited training provider delivering this course.
