New rules introduced this year by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will mean an end to 'Grandfather Rights', which currently allow anyone born before 31st December 1964 to use sprayers without the full certificate of competence.

Although HSE said sprayer operators should be "suitably trained and competent for their job," the practice will be allowed to continue until 26th November 2015. However, after this date, the updated The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 will come into force and anyone using Plant Protection Products (PPPs) authorised for professional use must hold the correct certification.

The use of professional PPPS by unauthorised personnel will become an offence when the regulations change in two years' time, as will purchasing these products if the intended end-user is not qualified.  

On Monday (10th June), the HSE released new information on qualifications and programmes designed to ease transition into the new regulatory period. As well as the extended period of exemption for spray operators, City and Guilds Land Based Services is developing a new Level 2 Award in the 'Safe Use of Pesticides', to replace 'Grandfather Rights'.

HSE said on Monday, "If you don't already have a certificate, you will need to get one by 26 November 2015 so that you can continue to use PPPs as part of your job after that date. If you were born before 31 December 1964, and will only use pesticides on your own or your employer's land, you will need to obtain this new qualification."

There are also a number of existing Level 2 'Safe Use of Pesticide' qualifications, which will provide workers with the appropriate certification. However, HSE said the new qualification will be shorter and less costly than existing qualifications, as it takes account of the fact that most workers operating under 'grandfather rights' will have several years' experience and probably some previous training.

The new qualification should be available to candidates from 26th November this year. Registration will be available through local City and Guilds NPTC Assessment Centres. On Monday, HSE said further information on the course will be forthcoming, but in the meantime the industry-led Voluntary initiative has made a series of Frequently Asked Questions available on its website.