Level 2 PA6A – Pesticides (Hand-held Applicators / Knapsack)
A practical assessment course covering calibration, spray quality, and safe pesticide application using hand-held and knapsack equipment. Requires PA1.
Description
Accurate pesticide application depends on preparation, calibration, and disciplined working practice.
This Level 2 PA6A course provides practical, assessed training for operators who apply pesticides using hand-held applicators with hydraulic nozzles, including knapsack sprayers.
Course overview
Hand-held applicators are widely used across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and grounds management. Their apparent simplicity can obscure the risks involved. Safe and effective use depends on understanding equipment function, spray quality, calibration, and strict control of exposure and environmental impact.
This course develops safe, competent application practice through hands-on training using hand-held and knapsack equipment. It focuses on preparing equipment, selecting and applying the correct nozzle and pressure settings, achieving accurate application, and minimising risks to operators, bystanders, and the environment.
PA6A is a practical assessment unit and must be taken in conjunction with PA1. Successful candidates receive a Level 2 Certificate of Competence, confirming their ability to apply pesticides using hand-held applicators.
Key benefits
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Apply pesticides accurately using hand-held and knapsack equipment
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Reduce the risk of operator exposure and environmental contamination
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Calibrate equipment to achieve correct spray output and coverage
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Apply pesticides in line with label instructions and legal requirements
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Demonstrate practical competence through recognised assessment
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Meet certification requirements for professional pesticide application
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
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Prepare hand-held applicators for safe use
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Select appropriate nozzles, pressures, and spray settings
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Calibrate equipment to achieve accurate application rates
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Apply pesticides safely using correct technique and control
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Minimise spray drift and off-target contamination
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Apply label instructions and safe systems of work
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Carry out post-application procedures, cleaning, and storage
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Respond appropriately to spills or contamination incidents
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Demonstrate practical competence under assessment conditions
Who should attend
This course is suitable for:
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Operators who apply pesticides using hand-held or knapsack sprayers
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Those who have successfully completed, or are completing, PA1
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Grounds maintenance, horticultural, and land management staff
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Experienced operators requiring formal certification
PA1 is a mandatory prerequisite for this course.
Prerequisites
PA1 is a mandatory prerequisite for this course - search for available PA1 courses offered by Green Skills Training.