City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides (PA1) & City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment (PA6a)

Course Description

Anyone who uses a professional pesticide product should not use that pesticide or give instruction to others on its use unless they have received adequate instruction, training and guidance in its correct use. Obtaining a Certificate of Competence is the best way of demonstrating that you are trained to use pesticides and will confirm occupational competence. This legislation applies to all users e.g. agriculture, horticulture, etc.

PA1 is a compulsory module which must be completed by all candidates before they proceed to any of the applicator tests but please note that achieving PA1 does not entitle the holder to apply pesticides and in order to do so candidates will need to achieve the relevant application module. The assessment for this unit will be a computer based test via E-volve. Both the training and the online assessment for the PA1 take place on the first day of the course. 

The PA6a applicator course is suitable for those applying pesticides using knapsack/hand-held equipment. The PA6a training takes place on the second day of the course. A timeslot for assessment will then be allocated for the third day of the course. 

Course Content – PA1

1. Know the legislative requirements and codes of practice relating to the use of Outcome 2.
2. Understand the relevance of product information
3. Know how to minimise the risk of human contamination and implement emergency procedures
4. Know how to store and transport pesticides safely
5. Know how to manage and dispose of surplus pesticide and waste materials
6. Know the record keeping requirements
7. Know how to minimise the risk of environmental contamination and implement emergency procedures

Course Content – PA6a

1. Know the legislative and safety regulations relating to applicator use
2. Be able to assess the environmental factors relating to mixing and application
3. Be able to read and interpret product information
4. Be able to prepare and calibrate a hand held pedestrian applicator
5. Be able to operate the application equipment
6. Know how to carry out post-operational procedures

Candidates who will be spraying near water will also need to add the ‘AW’ option to the standard PA6a – please contact us to discuss the best way to add this to your training package. Training can also be arranged in the ‘INJ’ unit for candidates who will also require this.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must first achieve PA1 (City & Guilds Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides) before they can be assessed on PA6a. The minimum age limit for Candidates taking Certificates of Competence is 16 years. There is no upper age limit.