Why Professional Spray Training Matters
One of the most effective ways to ensure optimal spraying performance is through professional spray training and the use of top-tier equipment.
The long-awaited UK National Action Plan for sustainable use of pesticides has recently been published and coincided with good weather at a time of year when outdoor spaces are starting to become visible again after the quieter winter months. Once again it brings the role of pesticides, in the amenity environment, into sharp focus. The UK National Action Plan – although hesitant in some areas, has reiterated the importance of further prioritising the principles of integrated weed/ pest management practices and as a separate but complimentary aim - reducing overall pesticide use. At the heart of those two ambitions must lie suitable training.
Applying pesticides and fertilisers is not just about spraying a border or car park —it requires knowledge of application rates, droplet size, weather conditions, and safety measures. Professional spray training in LANTRA or City & Guilds NPTC qualifications helps operators:
• Improve Accuracy: Proper training ensures the right amount of product is applied in the right conditions - reducing waste and preventing overuse, which can harm neighbouring plants and the environment.
• Enhance Safety: Misuse of chemicals can pose risks to both the operator and the surrounding ecosystem. Training covers; pre-use checks, correct handling, using the correct protective equipment (according to the label) and importantly are aware of the effects of different weather conditions on the spraying operation.
• Increase Efficiency: Trained sprayers know how to read and interpret a product label, understand the conditions that are optimal for application and know that not all plants respond the same due to biology, ground conditions and temperature. Operators can be more targeted, work faster safely and more effectively, covering ground with fewer errors and less risk.
The Role of High-Quality Equipment
The LANTRA Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide using Hand Held Equipment (PA6) is trained and assessed using knapsack sprayers. A simple plastic tub that sits on your shoulders – they are all the same, right ? Wrong. It is like saying all cars are the same. Businesses will invest time and money to ensure their staff are properly trained and the same investment is true of suitable, reliable equipment. Spraying operations and even the best training is only as effective as the tools used. Cooper Pegler knapsack sprayers are widely recognized for their durability, reliability, and precision. It is no wonder Cooper Pegler is the preferred choice of many professional pesticide trainers and training companies.
By combining expert training with high-quality tools like Cooper Pegler sprayers, spray operators can maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to safe, sustainable practices.
