Slug Pelleting Seminar

By attending the new City and Guilds NPTC half day Slug Pellet Seminar, you could gain the new PA4S, the qualification needed to legally apply slug pellets and help the continuing supply and use of Metaldehyde.

Are Your Operators Spreading Legally?

The seminar will last between two and half and three hours depending on the level of knowledge of the delegates. The seminar includes coursework and training, (giving the latest information on the application of slug pellets) followed by same day NPTC assessment.

We strongly commend these seminars to all operators including those with PA4 and ‘grandfather rights’.

Attending the seminar also attracts 6 NRoSO and 6 BASIS Professional Register CPD points.

For more information or to arrange a course, please call Tim Peacock on 07860 273105 or e-mail Tim.

Past Sprayer Operator Courses

December 2009 - "Timing, Targets and Water"

Whether adding them to the induction hopper or ensuring even application of slug pellets, solid forms of pesticides pose particular challenges for operators. There are implications also for both wildlife and the choice of PPE.

• Why timing matters, identifying and hitting the target
• Other spray targets, grain stores, rodents
• Water protection
• Update on the latest changes to pesticide revocations and other topical issues

Delegates will receive:

• Delegate Work Book
• Certificate of attendance

Programme

1. Timing is everything
2. Targets: Rats, Weevils and Nettles
3. Water - keep it clean
4. Topical update
5. Course Review and Action Plan

The farm pesticide store is highly visible and easy to inspect, but is it up to scratch? The sprayer should be ready for work if you are to apply at the right time, but is it regularly checked for faults? Buffers protect water and wildlife from pesticides, but are you familiar with all the rules and options on how they should be managed?

Find out the answers to these questions and many others at this year’s NRoSO Workshop, where we will be covering:

• Pesticide storage and transport

• Preparing the sprayer so its ready for work or the NSTS

• Buffers: The law and their management

• Update on latest changes to pesticide regulations and other topical issues

There will be time to explore the challenges of spraying, doing a professional job, complying with the law and protecting the environment. The workshop will include advice on the features of a good pesticide store, the rules on transporting pesticides, identifying the common faults found on sprayers and tips on how to keep down time to a minimum, the buffers section will explore the different rules affecting buffers zones including a reminder on LERAPs. The topical updates include: an update on regulatory changes and product revocations, Crop Protection Management Plans– the operator’s role, Double Check Valves and how to spot counterfeit pesticides.

Delegates will receive:

• Delegate Work Book

• 2008 Edition Best Practice Guide

• Laminated Sprayer Checklist

• Certificate of attendance

Programme

• What we did last year?

• Pesticide Storage and Transport

• Sprayers – Ready for Work

• Buffers – The law, benefits and management

• Topical Update

January 2008 - "Slugs, Solids and Safety".

Whether adding them to the induction hopper or ensuring even application of slug pellets, solid forms of pesticides pose particular challenges for operators. There are implications also for both wildlife and the choice of PPE.

• Solid formulations and induction bowl design
• Selection and use of PPE
• Accurate and safe application of slug pellets
• Update on latest changes to pesticide regulations

There will be plenty of time to discuss and share best practice issues including how to correctly test bait for slugs, ensure the correct tank mix sequences are followed and how to calibrate the slug pellet applicator. Topical updates include: choice of correct water volumes, hazardous waste disposal, product revocations, registering lined bio-beds, good neighbourliness and changes to NRoSO.

Delegates will receive:

• Delegate Work Book
• 2007 Edition Best Practice Guide
• Tank Mixing Sticker
• Certificate of attendance

Programme

1. The Spraying Spectrum
2. Handling Solids Safely
3. Slugging it out
4. Topical update
5. Course Review and Action Plan

January 2007 - On Target, Accurate Application

This year’s training course, titled “On Target”, is about spraying pesticides accurately and efficiently. Accurate application means that:

• The pesticide will work well, which will improve overall control and margins
• The likelihood of ‘off target’ application is reduced to a minimum, particularly important given the recent prominence to bystander exposure
• Biodiversity and the environment are protected

The training will look briefly at how pesticides work, relate this to the size of the weed, pest or disease to be controlled and then demonstrate how to apply the pesticide to achieve the best result.
There will be the opportunity to discuss and see how, for example, nozzle type, boom height and other factors affect spray patterns. As these sessions are local, these demonstrations will aim to be tailored to suit local situations.
Following best spraying practice will reduce the risk of pesticides reaching water and improve neighbour relations. Guidance will be available at the road shows on this topic.

Delegates will also receive information on

• changes to the NRoSO points scheme and how to maximize CPD point collection
• changes to the Code of Practice on Using Plant Protection Products, which was published in June 2006
• latest information on pesticide packaging disposal

Programme

1. The VI and how the industry has done
2. NRoSO – changes to the scheme you should know about
3. Waste legislation refresher
4. New Code of Practice for Using Pesticides Update
5. Spraying efficiently and ‘on target’
6. Course Review and Action Plan

Those attending will receive:

• Half-day practical updating training
• Certificate of attendance
• Comprehensive delegate pack and supporting information
   

January 2006 - Pesticide Container Management

There have been warnings over the last two years that the regulations on disposal of agricultural waste will change so that on-farm disposal of waste will need to be licensed. This change is now imminent. This poses a major challenge for farmers and operators as the incineration and burial of pesticide containers on farm in England and Wales in most cases will become illegal.

This means:

• Local disposal and recycling routes will need to be identified;

• Empty containers must be cleaned thoroughly to keep costs down;

• Cleaned containers will need to be correctly stored prior to disposal;

• Time spent cleaning containers may reduce time spent in the field spraying.

This years training road shows will look at the practical implications for your spraying operation of these major changes. They will explain why products are packed the way they are and identify better cleaning practices and explore possible storage and disposal solutions that will need to be adopted on farm.

Poor cleaning practices and incorrect disposal are factors that can influence the levels of pesticides found in water. Similarly, emergencies such as a major spill can have a big impact on local water quality so the workshops will also take the opportunity to discuss emergency procedures.

Delegates will receive information on the latest thinking on best practice for pesticide container management and disposal and advice on emergency procedures.

This workshop will discuss with operators, farmers and advisors:

• The factors that affect pesticide packaging

• How to manage pesticide containers and related packaging, so as to comply with the new legislation and protect the environment.

• The relative impacts sprayer design, packaging and good practice have on time spent "in the field" spraying.

• Prevent emergencies, but be able to manage them effectively if they occur

Programme

1. Pesticides and their Packaging

2. Practical implications of the new regulations

3. Managing for efficient spraying

4. Emergency Procedures

5. Course review and action plan



Those attending will receive:

• Half-day practical updating training

• Certificate of attendance

• Comprehensive delegate pack and supporting information.