Everyone using and applying plant protection products (PPP) needs to be aware of the legal requirements relating to their use, and this includes having the sprayer tested regularly.
In addition to sprayer operators holding the relevant professional qualifications and the need for appropriate storage facilities for pesticides, there are minimum legal timescales for sprayer testing.
All new sprayers must be tested before they are five years old. After that, booms over three metres and air blast sprayers are due a re-test every three years and for booms three metres and under it is every six years. Knapsack sprayers and other handheld equipment do not require a NSTS test but they do have to be inspected on a regular basis, repairs made if necessary and a record of the checks kept. For this purpose a knapsack checklist is available on the NSTS website.
Within the protected crops sector, there is a wide variety of bespoke spray application equipment, built for a specific purpose or to fit in with the design layout of the building. Many systems are automated and it can become uncertain which categories some equipment falls in. But for example an automated boom spraying system with booms wider than 3 metres will need testing every 3 years as a minimum requirement, whereas a static mist blower would have to be tested every 6 years.
For anyone in a crop assurance scheme, some equipment is likely to require more frequent testing so check with your certification body or scheme protocol to confirm.
All of these factors should help ensure products remain available for use. The revised National Action Plan is due to be published soon and is likely to encourage more emphasis on integrated pest management (IPM) plans to be used as the starting point for all weed, pest and disease control, PPP application used when no other viable option can be used for effective or economical control.
Further information can be found on legislation and recommendations at the NSTS website: www.nsts.org.uk