About Our Pesticides PA2 & 3 Boom Sprayer Courses
There are several common categories in pesticide training and at Hush Farms we cover them all, with both LANTRA and NPTC accredited courses – with online pesticides training, and in-person courses at sites in Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Wales.
​
Note: PA1 must be passed by anyone wishing to take any other PA units.
​
PA2 is needed by anyone wanting to operate mounted or trailed boom sprayers. A separate ‘weed wiper’ qualification is also available.
​
PA3 is for Broadcast or Variable Geometry Boom Sprayers (mounted or trailed), with or without air assistance; typically for orchards. Please ask for details.
The Legal Bit
The law states that anyone who uses or applies pesticides in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Industry or Amenity workplaces must possess a valid Pesticide Certificate in order to comply with regulations. This legislation isn't optional and it applies to volunteers, employed and self-employed people alike.
​
There is no longer an exemption in UK law, commonly known as "grandfather rights”. The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 exemption ceased to exist from 27th November 2015. Everyone who now uses PPPs authorised for professional use must hold a Certificate of Competence.
​
Trainess must be over the age of 16 to attend pesticides courses.
Course Information – PA2 Boom Sprayer Pesticides
Objectives
-
Understand your duties under the law and help you become a safe and competent pesticide user
-
Understand what pesticides are and their ‘field of use’
-
State legislation relevant to pesticide application
-
Interpret and use label information
-
Take the appropriate action to protect themselves and the environment
-
Operate equipment, apply, store and transport pesticides safely
-
Maintain equipment for the application of pesticides to a safe standard
-
Dispose of the pesticides and containers safely
-
Record information
​​​
Assessment
-
Identify applicator controls and components
-
Demonstrate knowledge of liquid flow, action of applicator in filling, application and circulation modes
-
Remove, clean and replace a filter
-
Demonstrate knowledge of nozzles, preparation of prime mover and equipment
-
Demonstrate knowledge of legal requirements and safety regulations
-
Demonstrate knowledge of safe driving
-
Check for mechanical defects, security of attachment of application mechanisms
-
Demonstrate knowledge of lubrication of components
-
Demonstrate working knowledge of the functions of the control panel (IF APPLICABLE)
-
Demonstrate knowledge of action to be taken if system fails
-
Read and interpret product label (as supplied or approved by the Assessor)
-
Select spray volume/ spray quality
-
Partly fill applicator
-
Check boom suspension and break-back devices
-
Select and calculate speed
-
Calculate required output / volume rate
-
Select appropriate nozzle/atomiser and pressure/disc speed
-
Check applicator for leaks and spray patterns
-
Check anti-drip system
-
Demonstrate procedure for replacing blocked nozzles/restrictor
-
Set operating pressure
-
Check nozzle/atomiser outputs
​
Trainees will need
-
Packed lunch for the day
​
Please note: Trainees must be able to read and interpret product label information and calculate formulae with the use of a calculator. Trainees must also be capable of operating the boom sprayer vehicle (i.e., tractor or quad bike) - click through to the relevant tractor training or ATV course page for details of other qualifications available.