From R3103 February ‘19

Q6a) Describe THREE of the legal responsibilities of a professional user of plant protection products. 6 marks

b) List FOUR legal statements that are found on a pesticide product label.

[4 marks]

This question relates to the following part of the syllabus:

2.3 Review the requirements for the safe use of chemicals used for plant protection.

Be aware of the current legislation and codes of practice relating to the storage, handling and disposal of pesticides as it relates to professional users and domestic gardeners and allotment holders. 

www.pesticides.gov.uk provides guidance for those using pesticides in gardens and allotments and the Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products applies to professional users. 

Storage:  How to store chemicals Assess risk (who or what might be harmed) Control & exposure (Personal Protective Equipment) Record keeping Criteria  for security of store Protect people/wildlife 

Handling: Methods of application (spraying/fog & mist units) Pesticide containers including Personal Protective Equipment Transport of chemicals Loading and unloading Dilution of concentrates 

Disposal: How to reduce pesticide waste Legal requirements and code of practice for disposing of pesticide and waste pesticide containers in professional and domestic situations.

 Identify the necessary certificates of competence which must be held in order to store and apply pesticides in a professional situation.

 Knowledge of and advantages of Environmental Management Schemes, to include: water courses wildlife and plants being protected; designated

For part a), make sure you give detailed descriptions for three specific responsibilities. The examiners’ comments indicate a difference in answers from candidates who clearly knew professional details, and those who answered from an amateur point of view.

Several suitable examples of answers are listed and include:

·        Operators must be trained and hold a relevant Certificate of Competence for the equipment they are using, PA1 for theory and PA6A for knapsack application, PA2 for tractor mounted sprayers.

·        Operators must comply with the COSHH Assessment which ensure that any health risks are reduced by wearing PPE such as coverall, boots, gloves and faceshield.

·        Operators must follow ‘Best Practice’ by complying with the information in the Pesticides Code of Practice for Plant Protection Products, and Food and Environment Protection Act 1986.

The possible answers are quite wide ranging and could relate to any of the points shown in 2.3 of the syllabus. They do need to be detailed and specific though.

Part b) asks you to ‘List’, so does not require quite as much detail as ‘describe’. Again, make sure you have four clear points. Examples suggested in the examiners’ comments include the MAPP number, PPE requirements, storage instructions and restrictions of use.

The examiners’ comments do point out that some marks were awarded for more basic information for both parts of the question. However, this question is really looking for the knowledge a professional user needs to have.