Safe Use of Boom Sprayers Mounted or Trailed - PA2a

On this boom sprayers PA2a, ATV spraying licence you will be learning all about:

• your legal responsibilities such as reading the manufacturer’s instructions
• risks with storing, handling, mixing and calibrating pesticides
• using and cleaning spraying equipment
• disposing of chemical waste safely and legally
• safe working practices and industry best practice
• emergency actions
• health monitoring and record keeping

Session one of our PA2a boom sprayer course has now gone online through blended learning. But do not worry we will talk you through everything you need to do. It is a simple and straight forward way to carry out session one of your PA2a boom sprayer course.

It saves you:

• travelling time
• fuel costs
• an early start if you are not local to the area

Once you have booked and purchased the PA2a you will get an email containing a link to your candidate portal. On the portal, you can view and listen to all the course materials in bite-sized chunks on your own schedule. We will post out the workbook and copy of a clean pesticide label to you, so you can work through the pack alongside the videos.

All the theory training is done from the comfort of your own home or workplace – how amazing is that!

You will have from your purchase point to the actual course date for session two, to complete the learning materials, to ensure you are ready to take the practical assessment.

Also, a huge bonus for you is that you get to use our ATV boom sprayer and measuring equipment at no extra cost.

With regards to the assessment, we will endeavour to do it in the afternoon of session 2, so you only need to travel once. Although we do aim for this we can not guarantee it.

The PA2a boom sprayers ticket is one of the many different application units you can choose to complete.

The PA2a safe use of a boom sprayers runs over two sessions:

Session one is blended online learning covering the theory, through a workbook and access to videos in the candidate portal, from home or work:

• types of boom sprayers
• nozzle choice and how important the correct nozzle is for the job you are doing
• environmental risk assessments
• principles of calibration
• LERAP’s (Local Environmental Risk Assessments for Pesticides)
• dealing with waste and disposal

Session two is a face to face practical session in Settle:

• carrying out pre-use checks
• completing an environmental risk assessment
• marking out the spraying area
• calibration of your boom sprayer
• measuring and filling of the boom sprayer
• completing application records

Many of you are already actively using pesticides. In particular, herbicides to control weed infestations on land you either own or manage. However, using a boom sprayer is not about putting a dollop of product in a tank with a bit more for luck. Then driving at speed to get the job done, hoping for the best!

Without an application unit such as the PA2a boom sprayer. You cannot legally apply any pesticides as a professional user.

Remember before being able to move onto an application unit such as the PA2a boom sprayers. You must have completed the PA1 Handling and Application of Pesticides.

As a result, we do recommend that you book your PA1 and PA2a at the same time.

Remember, the safe use of pesticides PA2a boom sprayer is not just about the buying of the products you use. Such as herbicides (weed killers). It is about the safe application of these products. To protect not only you but the environment in which you work. In particular to or near watercourses including dry ditches and environmentally sensitive areas.

Many of you are already actively using pesticides in controlling weeds and pests. However, you may have discovered that as a professional operator you need a certificate of competence. To enable you to carry on doing so.

Although we train the PA2a boom sprayers course with an ATV boom sprayer. This does not restrict you in the future. You will be able to use a tractor-mounted or trailer sprayer or a self propelled unit. Consequently you will probably need a little guidance from another trained operator for specific machines though.

You may have been asked by:

• your farm assurance body
• your employer
• or a new contract opportunity to demonstrate competence through certification

You could be new to the job or been doing it for over 40 years and things have changed. If so and you are faced with having to gain your spraying qualifications have you been:

• struggling to find the right fit in terms of a training provider?
• confused by all the names, numbers and acronyms for the land based courses that are available to you?
• worried you will get it wrong or waste your hard-earned money?
• concerned that it will feel like going back to school?
• looking to gain a qualification to continue with jobs because legislation has changed?
• offered a new and exciting contract, but need another ticket/qualification to seal the deal?

Then we can help you!

No matter which sector you are coming from, and the level of experience. We can work with you to understand your training needs. To tailor a programme and provide courses that will be suitable for you.

Providing award-winning training through tailored, flexible, friendly, approachable trainers and assessors.

All courses are run with small groups. To ensure you have as much time as needed to learn and experience the requirements for the assessments. If you chose to take them. Trainers and assessors are experienced, friendly, and approachable.

Finally, as with all Lowe Maintenance courses, you get support and advice via email or on the phone. If you need it in the future. Just because you’ve completed the course doesn’t mean you can’t get in touch if you need more information or guidance.