Slug Pelletting Seminar (SPS)
Have you got the right PA4 qualification when slug pelletting?
7Y is holding a Slug Pelletting Seminar to help those applying slug pellets keep on the right side of the law.
Wednesday 25th November 2009 at 7Y’s HQ, Wharton Court, Leominster.
Because of unacceptable levels of metaldehyde – the active ingredient in slug pellets - being found in surface water, a campaign is underway to reduce levels, after it was realised that many were acting illegally because they lacked the necessary PA4 qualification.
The Chemical Regulation Directorate (CRD) has agreed that operators who attend and successfully complete the half day seminar will be given a derogation to apply slug pellets until July 2011.
The problem arose because those who took PA2A between 1987 and 1994 were automatically given a PA4 qualification without receiving the most basic training in pelletting. Added to this are those operating on ‘Grandfather Rights.’
Many users wrongly believed their PA2 boom sprayer qualification automatically covered them for pellet application, but only those who achieved PA2 before June 1994 received PA4 automatically. From 1994 anyone certificated with PA2 had to take a separate PA4 if they wanted to apply slug pellets.
Furthermore, even the 8000 operators with a PA4 certificate are believed to be lacking the latest environmental information and best practice advice needed to apply slug pellets appropriately.
The seminar will cover:
• Slug biology
• Products available
• Test baiting
• Slug pellets and water
• Product labels
• Delivery, handling & storage of pellets
• Appropriate PPE
• Physical and Environmental Risk Assessment
• Weather conditions & soil type
• Calibration of the applicator
• Field procedures and checking uniformity of spread
• Applicator cleaning and storage
To book on this course please contact Paula Strangwood on 01568 619112 or email her on paula.strangwood@7y.co.uk
