Posted By A. Fergusson If adequate PPE, instruction and training is provided is it acceptable for 'spare' staff to be utilised to spray weeds. This is on a closed site with no general publc access.

Posted By Robert K Lewis Simply to say Control of Pesticide Regs stop this sort of thing happening. Bob

Posted By Robert K Lewis Problem within this area is that it is the Min of Agri. that is the home department. There are formal syllabuses for the various categories but I am a bit out of touch. One of our LA friends may be a bit more up to date. The thrust of the regulations is a) Train operatives to use PPE and select it b) Achieve safe mixing and disposal c) Safe management of storage d) Train operatives in the hazards e) Prevent overspray, which includes spraying more than instructed. There are additional complications with permitted lists and when and where particular pesticides, the term includes weedkillers, can be used. Some are domestic only, some are commercial only and some are both. They are also one of the few sets of regulations in what appears to be a safety matter to affect domestic householders. If your weedkiller kills anything in your neighbours garden accidently then an offence has been committed, it is also an offence to use commercial only on domestic premises. Bob

Posted By Ian Clay1 As an operative in a Landscape section of a Borough Council we require the PA1 and PA6 qualifications to use hand held applicators for the control of weeds. These are certificate of competence. Am not sure if they are mandatory but I belive they are.