Working with Pesticides (PA1/PA6a), NPTC

This short course is for anyone who needs to apply pesticides or herbicides in public places. You should hold a recognised pesticide qualification.

This short course covers PA1 and PA6a (PA6aw 'application near water' is an optional extra).

PA1 Safe Use of Pesticides
This is a one-day foundation course to be taken in conjunction with either PA6 or PA2 which are a further one day each. PA1 covers the theory aspect of the safe use of pesticides and is classroom based. These courses are designed for anyone who needs to apply pesticides in a public place for a recognised appropriate qualification. Candidates must attend PA1 and one other PA module in order to gain a certificate of competence.

• PA1 cannot be taken as a stand alone qualification and must be taken in conjunction with one other course (usually PA6a or alternatively PA2).
• PA1 is classroom based and you are required to bring a calculator.

PA6a/PA6aw Hand Held Applicator
This is a one-day practical course which is workshop based and specifically working with a knapsack sprayer. The training will focus on safe practice, routine maintenance and calibration of the knapsack.

Please note: If you wish to be assessed for PA6aw Application in or Near Water, please state this when booking as there is an additional £10 assessment fee, payable at the time of booking.

PA6a/aw is a mixture of theory and practical and you are required to provide your own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Nitrile gloves or gauntlets - should be at least 0.4mm thick and 300mm long preferably unlined or flocked - unlined neoprene and viton are also suitable.
• Full faceshield - use to protect the face and eyes when opening containers or for application if stipulated on the label.
• Coveralls - should be resistant to the penetration of liquids, dusts and granules depending on circumstances - most spray suits come with a hood attached, which is advisable. Type 3 or 4 coveralls are chemical proof, Type 5 or 6 are limited splash proof (this is the usual type).
• Wellington boots - these should be non-lined knee length wellingtons and preferably with steel toecaps.
• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) - these may be required when handling dusts, fogs, smokes or vapour.
• Ear defenders or plugs - these are essential when using noisy equipment or working in a noisy environment.
• Knapsack - Your own sprayer is only required for PA6a/aw assessments that do not take place at Brackenhurst. NTU owned sprayers will be used for all training and assessments carried out at Brackenhurst campus.

Assessment

• Assessment will be arranged by an NPTC Assessor at a future date convenient to you.
• Delegates must successfully pass PA1 before being assessed for PA6a/aw.

Place of study
Study takes place at the Brackenhurst campus. Located near the market town of Southwell and just 14 from Nottingham city centre, Brackenhurst campus is an idyllic 200 hectare estate with specialist units, making it a unique place to learn.

You will benefit from the following at Brackenhurst campus:

• purpose-built teaching facilities
• an equestrian centre
• brand-new Veterinary Nursing Building
• Animal Unit.

New student accommodation is also available and students have on-site access to a library, careers service, computing facilities, shop, cafe and bar.

Course content

PA1 – Safe Use of Pesticides:

• Describe what pesticides are and their modes of action.
• State legislation relevant to pesticides application.
• Interpret and use label information.
• Store and transport pesticides safely.
• State records required to be kept.
• Take action to protect themselves and the environment.
• Prepare pesticides for use.
• Dispose of pesticides and containers safely.

PA6a/('aw' in or near water) Hand Held Applicator - Hydraulic nozzle or rotary atomiser type sprayer

• Check the sprayer and ensure that it is in working order.
• Select correct type and size of nozzle.
• Set correct working pressure.
• Determine time taken to walk 100 metres and calculate walking speed.
• Determine flow the and volume rate.
• Establish effective spray width.
• Calculate the amount of chemical to add to a full and part sprayer tank.