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Pesticide Application

At CoLa Training Services, we provide comprehensive pesticide training courses to help ensure the safe, effective, and responsible use of pesticides within your business. Proper training, supervision, and instruction are essential legal requirements for anyone involved in the handling, application, storage, or management of pesticides.

Our pesticide qualifications give learners a thorough understanding of pesticide safety, environmental protection, legislation, and best practice application techniques. Candidates will gain the knowledge and practical skills required to use pesticides safely and responsibly, helping to protect people, property, wildlife, and the environment. Successful completion of our courses also enhances professional competence, compliance, and career opportunities within the industry.

Farmer Spraying Field

PA1
Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides

Based on our experience in delivering industry-recognised pesticide qualifications, the PA1 Safe Use of Pesticides course has been developed to provide learners with the essential knowledge required to work safely and legally with pesticides.

This qualification is suitable for anyone involved in the storage, handling, transport, purchase, sale, or application of pesticides. Learners will gain an understanding of their responsibilities and the measures required to protect themselves, others, wildlife, and the environment.

Successful candidates will develop the knowledge needed to comply with current legislation and best practice when working with pesticides and will be prepared to progress to practical application units where required.

Topics include:

  • Current legislation and codes of practice relating to pesticide use

  • Personal responsibilities and the importance of risk assessment

  • Safe storage, transport, and disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers

  • Understanding pesticide labels and product information

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) and its correct selection and use

  • Minimising risks to human health, wildlife, watercourses, and the environment

  • Dealing with emergencies, spillages, and accidental contamination

  • Record keeping and legal requirements

  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles

  • Safe preparation and handling of pesticides before application

Greenhouse Worker Spraying

PA6A
Hand held applicators safe use

Building on the knowledge gained through the Safe Use of Pesticides qualification, the PA6 Hand-Held Applicators course has been developed to provide learners with the practical skills and competence required to apply pesticides safely, accurately, and effectively using hand-held equipment.

This qualification is suitable for operators who use knapsack sprayers, handheld sprayers, pedestrian-controlled applicators, and other hand-held pesticide application equipment in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, grounds maintenance, forestry, and amenity management.

Successful candidates will gain the confidence and practical expertise needed to minimise risks to themselves, others, and the environment while ensuring pesticides are applied in accordance with current legislation and best practice.

Topics include:

  • Preparing for pesticide application operations

  • Interpreting product labels and application requirements

  • Selecting and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Carrying out pre-use checks on hand-held application equipment

  • Calibrating and operating hand-held applicators correctly

  • Mixing and handling pesticides safely

  • Applying pesticides accurately and efficiently

  • Minimising spray drift and environmental contamination

  • Cleaning and decontaminating equipment after use

  • Safe disposal of surplus spray solution, washings, and containers

  • Maintaining application records and complying with legal requirements

  • Identifying and responding to emergencies and accidental contamination

knapsack use
Gardener Spraying Plants

PA6AW
Operating Pedestrian Hand Held Applicators Fitted With Hydraulic Nozzles or Rotary Atomisers to Apply Pesticides to or Near Water

The PA6AW Hand-Held Applicators for Use in or Near Water course has been developed to provide learners with the specialist knowledge and practical skills required to safely apply approved pesticides in aquatic environments and areas adjacent to water.

This qualification is suitable for operatives working in vegetation management, drainage, conservation, fisheries, local authorities, and amenity sectors where pesticide applications are carried out in or near watercourses, ponds, lakes, canals, and other aquatic environments.

Successful candidates will gain the competence and confidence to undertake pesticide applications responsibly while protecting water quality, wildlife, and the wider environment. Learners will also develop an understanding of the additional legal requirements and best practices associated with working in sensitive aquatic areas.

Topics include:

  • Legislation and responsibilities relating to pesticide use in or near water

  • Environmental risk assessment and site evaluation

  • Understanding pesticide approvals and product labels for aquatic use

  • Selecting and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Preparing and calibrating hand-held application equipment

  • Safe mixing, handling, and transportation of pesticides

  • Applying pesticides safely and effectively in aquatic and riparian environments

  • Minimising contamination of watercourses and non-target areas

  • Protecting aquatic life, wildlife, and sensitive habitats

  • Equipment cleaning, decontamination, and waste disposal procedures

  • Emergency procedures for spillages, pollution incidents, and accidental contamination

  • Record keeping and compliance with regulatory requirements

A farmer is taking care of the rice patty

PA9
Safe Application of Pesticide Mists, Fogs and Smokes

The PA9 Pedestrian-Controlled Applicators course has been developed to provide learners with the practical skills and knowledge required to safely and effectively apply pesticides using pedestrian-controlled equipment.

This qualification is suitable for operators working in grounds maintenance, highways, local authorities, landscaping, housing associations, and amenity environments where pedestrian-controlled applicators are used for weed and vegetation management.

Successful candidates will gain the confidence and competence to operate equipment safely, achieve effective pesticide application, and minimise risks to themselves, members of the public, and the environment. Learners will also develop an understanding of the legal responsibilities and best practice procedures associated with pesticide application in public and amenity settings.

Topics include:

  • Preparing for pesticide application operations

  • Understanding pesticide labels and application requirements

  • Selecting and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Carrying out pre-use checks and maintenance on pedestrian-controlled applicators

  • Calibrating equipment to ensure accurate application rates

  • Safe handling, mixing, and loading of pesticides

  • Operating pedestrian-controlled applicators safely and efficiently

  • Managing risks to the public, operators, and the environment

  • Minimising spray drift and contamination of non-target areas

  • Cleaning and decontaminating equipment after use

  • Safe disposal of surplus pesticide, washings, and containers

  • Maintaining accurate application records and complying with legal requirements

  • Responding to emergencies, spillages, and accidental contamination

Successful completion of this qualification demonstrates the operator's ability to use pedestrian-controlled pesticide application equipment safely, responsibly, and in accordance with current legislation and industry best practice.

pesticide fogging
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