As of November 26 2016, all pesticide application equipment requires an NSTS certificate under the Sustainable Use Directive or SUD.
An annual inspection apart from showing best practice, also ensures maximum sprayer efficiency and can reduce costly down time whilst satisfying industry protocols.
All self-propelled, trailed or mounted equipment with a boom width over 3 metres will require testing. A test must be carried out every 5 years from 26 November 2016 and every 3 years from November 2020.
For boom sprayers 3 metres and under as well as granular applicators, the test needs to be carried every 6 years.
Handheld (including knapsack) sprayers should be regularly checked and a record kept. This checklist can be found on the
www.nsts.org.uk website. The test will be carried out within the national network of test centres; the nearest one to you can be found the NSTS website via postcode locator.
To win a KUHN Manopul D15 knapsack, please answer the following question:
How often should you check your knapsack?- Never
- Regularly & records kept
- Prior to every use
Email your answer to competition@landscapeandamenity.com
Alternatively, post answer to: Kellie Wake, TSP Media, Grosvenor House, Central Park, Telford, Shropshire TF2 9TW.
Closing date for entries is April 6 2015. Usual terms and conditions apply.