Description

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The PA6: Pesticides Handheld Applicator / Knapsack course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely apply pesticides using pedestrian handheld equipment, including knapsack sprayers.

The course prepares learners for the relevant assessment within the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Handheld Equipment (PA6) – 0216-78. The qualification includes a number of application categories depending on the equipment used and where pesticides are being applied.

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Who Should Attend?

• Individuals who use or intend to use handheld or knapsack equipment to apply pesticides.
• Farmers and farm employees.
• Agricultural and horticultural workers.
• Grounds maintenance and landscaping personnel.
• Contractors undertaking pesticide application.
• Individuals preparing to undertake the relevant City & Guilds NPTC PA6 assessment.

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What You Will Learn

• Preparing handheld pesticide application equipment for safe use.
• Carrying out appropriate pre-use checks and identifying defects.
• Understanding the controls and components of handheld and knapsack applicators.
• Selecting appropriate nozzles and operating settings.
• Calibrating the applicator to achieve the required application rate.
• Calculating pesticide and water requirements for the area to be treated.
• Filling the applicator safely while reducing risks to the operator and environment.
• Applying pesticides accurately and safely using handheld equipment.
• Considering weather, environmental conditions and contamination risks.
• Cleaning, maintaining and storing application equipment appropriately after use.
• The practical skills and knowledge required in preparation for the relevant City & Guilds NPTC PA6 assessment.

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Course Delivery

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

Learners will undertake practical activities using appropriate handheld or knapsack pesticide application equipment to develop the knowledge and skills required for safe application and prepare for the separate City & Guilds NPTC assessment.

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Assessment

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

Following the training, learners must successfully complete the relevant assessment within the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Handheld Equipment (PA6) – 0216-78.

Depending on the application required, the current NPTC PA6 qualification includes categories such as PA6A for hydraulic nozzle or rotary atomiser application to land and PA6AW for application to or near water, alongside further categories for pellets or granules and other specialist handheld application methods.

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

The NPTC assessment does 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 assessment for a separate date. Assessor availability can vary, so candidates are encouraged to submit their application and payment as early as possible.

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Certification

Successful completion of the appropriate separate NPTC assessment leads to the relevant category within the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Handheld Equipment (PA6) – 0216-78.

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

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Entry Requirements

Learners must have achieved the Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides (PA1), or an accepted equivalent, before being assessed for PA6. This is confirmed by the current NPTC requirements for 0216-78.

Learners must also be able to participate safely in the practical elements of the training.

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Course Duration

Typically 1 day, although training duration may vary depending on learner experience, numbers and the application category being covered.

The City & Guilds NPTC PA6 assessment is separate from the training and will take place on a separately arranged date.

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