PA4A and PA4B: Pelleted or Granular Pesticides

The PA4A and PA4B: Pelleted or Granular Pesticides course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely apply both pelleted and granular pesticides using mounted or trailed application equipment.

This is a combined training course covering both PA4A and PA4B and prepares learners to undertake both of the relevant City & Guilds NPTC assessments.

The current NPTC qualification is the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pelleted or Granular Pesticides Using Mounted or Trailed Applicators (PA4) – 0216-76.

Who Should Attend?

• Individuals who use or intend to use mounted or trailed applicators for pelleted and granular pesticides.
• Farmers and farm employees.
• Agricultural and horticultural workers.
• Contractors undertaking pesticide application.
• Operators who require both PA4A and PA4B.
• Individuals preparing to undertake both the City & Guilds NPTC PA4A and PA4B assessments.

What You Will Learn

• Preparing mounted or trailed applicators for safe pesticide application.
• Carrying out appropriate pre-use checks and identifying defects.
• Understanding both placement and broadcast application methods.
• Setting up equipment appropriately for the intended application.
• Calibrating applicators to achieve the required application rate.
• Calculating pesticide requirements for the area to be treated.
• Filling applicators safely while reducing risks to the operator and environment.
• Applying pelleted and granular pesticides accurately and safely using placement applicators.
• Applying pelleted and granular pesticides accurately and safely using broadcast applicators.
• Considering environmental conditions, contamination risks and protection of non-target areas.
• Cleaning, maintaining and storing application equipment appropriately after use.
• The practical skills and knowledge required in preparation for both the City & Guilds NPTC PA4A and PA4B assessments.

Course Delivery

This course is delivered through face-to-face theory and practical training.

Learners will undertake practical activities covering both PA4A placement application and PA4B broadcast application, using pelleted and granular pesticides as appropriate to develop the knowledge and skills required in preparation for both separate City & Guilds NPTC assessments.

Assessment

The training course itself does not provide the City & Guilds NPTC qualification.

Following the training, learners must successfully complete both the PA4A and PA4B City & Guilds NPTC assessments to achieve both categories covered by this combined course.

The assessments form part of the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pelleted or Granular Pesticides Using Mounted or Trailed Applicators (PA4) – 0216-76.

The assessments are arranged separately through UK Rural Skills Ltd, an approved City & Guilds testing centre (Centre Number: 075034) and are subject to additional assessment fees.

The NPTC assessments do not take place on the same day as the training. Once the assessment application and payment have been received, an assessor will contact the candidate to arrange the assessments for a separate date. Assessor availability can vary, so candidates are encouraged to submit their application and payment as early as possible.

Certification

Successful completion of both separate NPTC assessments leads to achievement of the relevant PA4A and PA4B components of the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pelleted or Granular Pesticides Using Mounted or Trailed Applicators (PA4) – 0216-76.

Completion of the training course alone does not constitute achievement of the City & Guilds NPTC qualification.

Entry Requirements

Learners must hold the appropriate PA1 qualification before undertaking the PA4A and PA4B assessments.

The current PA1 qualification is the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides (PA1) – 0216-73.

Learners must also be able to participate safely in the practical elements of the training and be competent in the operation of any vehicle or equipment used with the applicators.

Course Duration

Typically 1 day, although training duration may vary depending on learner experience and numbers.

The City & Guilds NPTC PA4A and PA4B assessments are separate from the training and will take place on a separately arranged date.