A Health & Safety Executive (HSE) letter to local authorities highlights the legal requirement to target pesticide application.
The letter was sent on April 12 from the Director of Policy for the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (a division of the HSE) to all Local Authority chief executives. It outlines some of the key legislative requirements for those using plant protection products and particularly highlights the need to target pesticide application.
The letter emphasises the responsibilities of Local Authorities, whether they use their own staff or external contractors to carry out weed control operations. It details the requirement to ensure pesticide use is carried out in accordance with legislation and best practice.
It also outlines key elements of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012, including taking all reasonable precautions to protect human health and the environment Targeting application by confining treatment to the intended area Ensuring that when used in public spaces, the amount of pesticide used and the frequency of use is as low as reasonably practicable Avoiding water pollution through appropriate use, storage and handling of pesticides.
The letter is welcomed by Mark Phillips, Managing Director of Nomix Enviro: "This letter is a key way to ensure some of the most important messages from the Sustainable Use Regulations are understood and followed by local authorities. It is critical that the amenity sector continues to strive to improve standards in the safe use of pesticides, to protect both human health and the environment, particularly water quality. We welcome HSE taking the lead on promoting pesticide Best Practice amongst amenity users."