Agronomy, Health and Safety
This UKRS Course establishes the minimum training and assessment requirements for the safe preparation, calibration, operation and maintenance of hand-held knapsack pesticide application equipment fitted with hydraulic nozzles or rotary atomisers for land application (equivalent to City and Guilds NPTC PA6A, Unit 151). This standard covers PA6A delivery only. Separate UKRS Course Standards exist for other hand-held pesticide application activities including application near water (PA6AW), granule application (PA6G/PA6GW), pesticide plug installation (PA6PP), injection equipment (PA6INJ) and minimal calibration applicators (PA6MC).
The programme is intended for learners who have already achieved the NPTC Level 2 Award in the Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides (PA1), providing progression training focused specifically on the preparation, calibration, operation and post-operational management of hand-held pesticide application equipment prior to undertaking independent assessment where required.
The programme has been developed for individuals operating knapsack sprayers and other hand-held pesticide application equipment within agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, grounds maintenance, forestry and amenity sectors.
Improper pesticide application presents significant risks to human health, environmental protection, water quality, non-target species, crop production and legal compliance. Operators must therefore possess the knowledge and practical competence necessary to safely plan, undertake and record pesticide application activities.
This programme may be used by employers, training providers and individuals to develop operational competence prior to undertaking external assessment. Successful completion of this UKRS programme does not constitute achievement of the NPTC Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides Using Hand Held Applicators 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.
Relevant legislation includes but is not limited to:
1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
2. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
3. Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/1657)
4. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
5. Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986
6. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
7. Environmental Protection Act 1990
8. Water Resources Act 1991
9. Plant Protection Products Regulations 2011 (SI 2011/2131)
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) including but not limited to:
1. Safe use, handling and application of pesticides.
2. Prepare and operate pesticide application equipment.
3. Protect the environment during pesticide operations.
4. Maintain and store pesticide application equipment.
5. Complete pesticide application records and documentation.
Select a county from the drop down box to find your nearest UKRS accredited training provider delivering this course.
