NSTS granular applicator testing

UK regulation requires that all pesticide application equipment inuse is tested by 26th November 2016.
These measures are legal requirements.Non-compliance could lead to prosecutionand threaten your farm assurance statusand single farm payment. NB. Many farmassurance schemes require annual testing.
Why do you have to do this?
All EU countries are implementing theSustainable Use Directive (SUD)*. TheDirective sets minimum standards for thesafe use of professional plant protectionproducts (pesticides). Due to existing VIschemes: the National Sprayer TestingScheme (NSTS), Integrated PestManagement (IPM) Plans and NationalRegister of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO),many farmers and growers are meetingmost of the requirements of the Directive.However, those not currently having alltheir sprayers, granular applicators, slugpelleters and other pesticide applicationequipment in use tested or checked, willnow need to do so.
What equipment is exemptfrom testing?
Knapsacks, hand held and pedestriancontrolled machines do not require aformal test, however, they should bechecked on a regular basis, against achecklist with a record kept.
Equipment to be tested by thisdate includes:
All boom sprayers over 3m in width,air blast sprayers, train sprayers and equipment mounted on aircraft. mBoom sprayers of 3m or less. mOther forms of pesticide application equipment including, slug pellet applicators, micro-granular applicators, weed wipers, fogging, misting and smoking equipment, seed treatment equipment, sub-surface liquid applicators and other forms of specialist application equipment.Equipment then requires further testing at regular intervals New equipment has until its fifth anniversary to be tested for the first time.Knapsacks, hand-held and pedestriancontrolled equipment DO NOT need to beformally tested but need to be regularlyinspected.The UK’s only recognised testing schemeis the National Sprayer Testing Scheme.
Why does this matter?
A well maintained and regularly testedmachine helps to ensure pesticideoperations are safe for the operator andenvironment, ensuring efficient andaccurate on target application.
Call 01522 801651  England
Call 028 4485 1509 Northern Ireland