NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Pesticides

About the Qualification

This is a legally required qualification by the Control of Pesticide Regulations for anyone applying pesticides on a commercial basis. It is divided in to 13 units.

Unit PA1 is the foundation unit covering legislation through the approved code of practice.

Units PA2 -13 are the practical units, specific to type of applicator being used such as knapsack sprayer, boom sprayer, seed treatment, etc.

Key Points

It is a legal requirement that any person

• Born after 31 December 1964, unless working under the direct and personal supervision of a certificate holder
• Wishing to apply pesticides to land or property not owned or occupied by them or their immediate employer
• Who is required to supervise a person who does not hold a certificate but is required to use pesticides

*MUST HAVE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE*

Benefits of the Qualification

• Satisfies the legal requirements of the Control of Pesticide Regulations
• Enables the holder to apply pesticides safely
• Minimises the risk of environmental pollution
• Meets Farm Assurance Scheme criteria
• Promotes a professional image
• Contributes CPD points towards NRoSO membership.

Assessment

The assessment is in two parts and candidates must successfully complete the PA1 Foundation module before they can take the second part.

PA1- this module is assessed by computer based multiple choice questions.

PA2 -13 are specific to type of applicator being used (i.e. knapsack sprayer, boom sprayer, seed treatmentetc). The  assessment requires a practical demonstration of the candidate’s competence for the application module being taken.

Underpinning knowledge and understanding will be assessed orally.

Candidates need PA1 plus at least one application module to be awarded a certificate of competence.

Candidates may provide his/her own equipment. Any equipment provided by the candidate must comply with legal regulations.

Knowledge to be assessed

• Legal requirements of using pesticides correctly and safely
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
• Procedures for storing, handling and mixing pesticides
• Procedures for disposal of contaminated waste and surplus pesticides
• Maintenance requirements of application equipment
• Operator health and safety
• Procedures to minimise environmental contamination and pollution

Skills to be assessed

• Select and wear correct PPE
• Calibrate equipment correctly
• Interpret product information
• Calculate and mix correct quantity of pesticide
• Apply correct amount of pesticide safely
• Assess prevailing weather conditions
• Undertake operational adjustments as required
• Dispose of surplus diluted pesticides correctly and safely
• Clean out and store pesticides application equipment correctly and safely
• Take action as appropriate to deal with contaminated PPE

Units of the Qualification – Most often required by Groundsmen and Greenkeepers

PA1 Foundation module

PA2 Ground Crop Sprayer – mounted or trailed

PA4 Pesticide granular application – mounted or trailed

PA6 Handheld applicator

Details of additional practical module are available on request.

Copies of the schedules detailing the assessment criteria for all of the above units can be downloaded

From the NPTC website at www.nptc.org.uk/assessment-schedules