Overview
The PA1 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides is the mandatory foundation unit and must be completed before progressing to any pesticide application module. Training and the online PA1 assessment take place on the first day of the course.
The PA6A Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides Using Hand-Held Equipment is designed for those applying pesticides with knapsack or other hand-held equipment. PA6A training takes place on the second day, with the practical assessment scheduled on the third day. Successful completion of both units demonstrates competence in the safe use and application of pesticides.
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.
Course Content – PA1
- Know the legislative requirements and codes of practice relating to the use of Outcome 2.
- Understand the relevance of product information
- Know how to minimise the risk of human contamination and implement emergency procedures
- Know how to store and transport pesticides safely
- Know how to manage and dispose of surplus pesticide and waste materials
- Know the record keeping requirements
- Know how to minimise the risk of environmental contamination and implement emergency procedures
Course Content – PA6a
- Know the legislative and safety regulations relating to applicator use
- Be able to assess the environmental factors relating to mixing and application
- Be able to read and interpret product information
- Be able to prepare and calibrate a hand held pedestrian applicator
- Be able to operate the application equipment
- Know how to carry out post-operational procedures
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. Please note that this qualification requires candidates to carry out calculations as part of the assessment.