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NATIONAL SPRAYER TESTING SCHEME Your questions answered WHY IS A TESTING SCHEME NEEDED? Over the last five years the A.E.A. has run a sprayer testing scheme to meet various requirements, including assurance schemes, processor/retailer production protocols as well as satisfying the desire of many operators to verify the accuracy and overall fitness of their pesticide application requirement. Experience showed that more than half the sprayers tested required repairs or adjustment to achieve the required standard. Therefore, under The Voluntary Initiative*, a commitment was made by the agricultural, horticultural and amenity industries to extend sprayer testing to cover the majority of field sprayers operating in the UK. As a consequence the A.E.A. and the farming unions, together with other key stakeholders, have developed and introduced the National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) - a new independently validated, low cost annual, testing scheme to meet this need. *The Voluntary Initiative is a programme of measures, agreed by Government, to minimise the environmental impacts of pesticides WHO DOES THE TEST? The test will be undertaken by a 'test centre' and conducted by a trained examiner who holds a valid NPTC level 3 Certificate of Competence. A list of all the 'test centres' in the UK is available from NSTS. WHAT DOES IT COST? Although the registration fee (currently £18) is set by NSTS, the cost of the test itself is a matter between the test centre and the owner. It will vary according to the size and complexity of the sprayer. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TESTING A SPRAYER? There are two main benefits: Firstly, it ensures maximum efficiency of your sprayer, reduces costly downtime, aids traceability and increases second hand value. The cost of replacing worn jets that deliver only 5% more than the recommended rate is readily recovered in agrochemical savings and improved efficacy resulting from better and more consistent spray quality Secondly, a valid certificate provides evidence to your clients, crop assurance organisations and the general public of your commitment to keep your machines in sound, well-serviced condition CAN THE TEST BE DONE ON MY FARM? Yes - provided you dispose of any wastewater under the terms of the Groundwater Regulations. WHAT DOES THE TEST COVER? The test covers: Delivery system - tanks and lids, pump, spray controls, pipe work and hoses CAN ALL TYPES OF APPLICATION EQUIPMENT BE TESTED? Yes - although primarily aimed at hydraulic field sprayers most application equipment can be included in the scheme including granular applicators and knapsack sprayers. The scheme is open to equipment used in the amenity, public health and industrial sectors. IS A TEST A LEGAL REQUIREMENT UNDER FEPA? No - however, since the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 is enabling legislation, the requirements for sprayer tests could quite easily be introduced. Statutory sprayer testing is common in other European countries. ARE THE TEST RESULTS PUBLISHED? No - the confidentiality of all information, including test results, is protected under the Data Protection Act. WHO ADMINISTERS THE REGISTER? The Scheme's Management Board is drawn from representatives from application technology, contracting, training and users together with representatives from Government and environmental organisations. The A.E.A. administers the scheme on their behalf. HOW ARE WE DOING? The target for 2004/5 of testing sprayers that accounted for 50% of the sprayed area of the UK was achieved with 50.5%. The target for 2005/6 was 80% of sprayed area. NSTS fell just short at 75.9%. |