Certificates - legal requirements- help and advice please

Hi,  the wet weather has found me trawling the internet and scaring myself about legals,H & S etc.  I know I am going to sound like a total amateur - but can anyone point me in the right direction for the definitive answers as to what is a legal requirement and what is a "desirable" as far as ceritifcation is concerned.  I am new to this after setting up as a sole trader recently, doing domestic gardens.  I dont do high tree-work. I am not a cowboy - have a lot of horticulture knowledge and experience and want to provide a professional service to customers.

Customers ask me to spray their block paving to keep the dandelions down, and also to apply granular lawn treatments.  I am very H & S conscious and discuss what is used, child/pet safety etc.  I only use over the counter stuff from stores (Roundup, Evergreen etc). I use a mask, gloves, overalls.

Do I need a PA1/PA6 certificate for this - and can anyone advise about costs/renewals etc. 

Is there anything else I should have as a legal requirement.  (I have my public liability).

Apologies for a long post.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Phil Voice on May 1, 2012 at 13:08

Just received this from the HSE:

The grandfather rights exemption is due to be removed by 26 November 2015. In future, controls on the use of plant protection products, which are currently regulated nationally, will be governed by Directive 2009/128/EC on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. The Directive is due to be transposed by the UK before the Summer of 2012.

The Directive includes a requirement that sales of professional products are restricted to those who hold a certificate after 26 November 2015. After this date, anyone who buys a product for professional use must either hold a certificate themselves or, if they are buying it for someone else to use, must be reasonably sure that person holds a certificate. This means, in effect, that the grandfather rights exemption can continue until 26 November 2015, but not any longer.

Permalink Reply by Dave Lockney on May 1, 2012 at 15:16

Thanks Phil. I still think the grey area is whether grandfather rights extends to work done for profit or not.   I think that I am going to do the PA1 anyway next week so that I have my theory cert, and then decide on the PA6.  I know its good to have the certs and the additional knowledge it will give me - its just the £400+ is a bit of a pain.  I dont earn much to start with at the moment!  

Thanks also to everyone who has added to the discussion - its certainly given me plenty to think about! 


PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Phil Voice on May 1, 2012 at 15:31

Hi Dave

I've just clarified this with HSE. If a person applies pesticides - whether that be as a spray or solid form - then they are required to hold a certificate of competence.


Dave Lockney said:

Thanks Phil. I still think the grey area is whether grandfather rights extends to work done for profit or not.   I think that I am going to do the PA1 anyway next week so that I have my theory cert, and then decide on the PA6.  I know its good to have the certs and the additional knowledge it will give me - its just the £400+ is a bit of a pain.  I dont earn much to start with at the moment!  

Thanks also to everyone who has added to the discussion - its certainly given me plenty to think about! 

Permalink Reply by Justin Hemming on May 1, 2012 at 20:01

Dave

I'm doing the course on May 9th too. Houghall are letting me pay £205 up front, then two installments of £100 monthly after that.

See you there

Justin

Permalink Reply by Dave Lockney on May 1, 2012 at 20:30

Hi Justin,

well I will try for the instalments too!  Mind you they said I couldnt register for Pa6 till I had passed Pa1.  See you there.

Dave

Permalink Reply by Craig Downey on May 1, 2012 at 21:52

I heared recently that they were bringing in a rule that regardless of grandfather rights you would need to show your certs just to purchase the chemicals?? 

Permalink Reply by Kevin Barnett on May 8, 2012 at 19:54
Why would you need grandfather rights to use on YOUR OWN LAND ? It applies commercially and you will have to be able to demonstrate competence within the rules in any case if not certified. Your Public Iiabilty insurer might well want to explore that if you have an accident.

Kevin
www.gardencoaching.blogspot.com

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Ian @ Red Barrow East Sussex on July 3, 2012 at 11:13

I'm a 'Grandfather', and PA1/6a training/cert currently costs £577 at my local Agri College (Plumpton).

I know the SE is an expensive part of the country, but seems a heck of a lot more than other areas, as quoted on this thread.

Anybody know of a cheaper provider in the SE?

Thanks.

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