Control weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation

This standard is for those who control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation. There is a range of techniques and tools available for control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation across all environments: terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine. Techniques can include, prevention, monitoring, control, eradication. Unwanted vegetation can include, invasive, harmful or toxic species.

You will be working in accordance with instructions and specifications and not expected to make decisions about the most appropriate methods of control to use.

You must carry out your work in a way that takes account of the impact on the environment.

This standard is suitable for those controlling pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation at different sites in different situations.

If you are working with chemicals or machinery you should be trained in line with relevant legislation and hold relevant certification where appropriate.

1. be aware of hazards associated with the activity to be carried out 2. carry out all work in accordance with instructions and specifications 3. maintain site bio-security to prevent weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and unwanted vegetation being imported, spread or taken off the site 4. maintain appropriate levels of site and personal hygiene 5. confirm the methods of control to be used 6. prepare and use equipment that is appropriate for the control weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and unwanted vegetation, safely and correctly, including personal protective equipment (PPE) where required 7. clarify any relevant site restrictions or designations in place 8. check that any necessary permissions, consents or licences are in place before commencing work 9. check that you have or know where to access relevant sources of information or expertise 10. maintain communication with colleagues and those involved in, or affected by, your work 11. handle all materials carefully, safely and correctly in accordance with instructions and specifications 12. implement methods of control in a way that minimises the risks to non-target species and the environment 13. dispose of waste safely and correctly in accordance with instructions to maintain site bio-security and unwanted spread 14. complete records in accordance with instructions 15. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and company policies

1. the hazards associated with controlling weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and unwanted vegetation 2. the importance of completing activity in accordance with instructions and specifications 3. the purpose, scope and objectives of the activity 4. the context of the site in the wider environment e.g. what risk the site poses to the wider environment and how the wider environment can affect the site 5. methods of maintaining bio-security and the reasons why it is important to help prevent weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation being imported, spread or taken off the site 6. the implications of the relevant legislation that affects your work, including any constraints e.g. public access 7. the implications of relevant site restrictions or designations and how to obtain any relevant permissions, consents or licences for the activity to take place 8. safe handling and correct use of materials, equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE) where required and chemicals during the control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation and the importance of following instructions for use 9. different methods of controlling weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation in different situations 10. the sources of information to aid the control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation 11. methods of maintaining site and personal hygiene and why it is important 12. the potential impact of your activities on the environment and how to minimise this 13. how the location, current or past uses and the habitats found on the site may impact on the likely weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation present 14. the high priority invasive species currently found in the UK 15. the weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation that are a priority for the site 16. how the time of year may affect the presence and the control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation 17. the impact of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation, how they can spread and damage the surrounding environment, structures or surfaces 18. safe working practices for handling or managing weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation and the dangers of any toxic species 19. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done 20. the records that need to be kept and the importance of completing them 21. the different agencies involved in controlling weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation 22. the limits of your own expertise and where to seek advice 23. the importance of public liability and professional indemnity insurance 24. relevant protocols, codes of conduct and relevant legislation associated with controlling weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation 25. how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with relevant legal and organisational requirements and the importance of bio-security 26. your responsibilities under relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and company policies

A. use the following methods to control weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation:

(i) chemical

(ii) biological

(iii) cultural

 

B.      prepare and use equipment:

(i) relevant to the control method being used

(ii) personal protective equipment

Specifications: work plans; drawings; schedules; method statements; Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); manufacturers' guidelines; good practice guidelines; customer requirements; organisational policies

Instructions: verbal or written.

Pests may include insects, slugs, snails, rodents for example.

Diseases may be fungal, viral or bacterial.

Disorders may include nutrient deficiencies (e.g. nitrogen or calcium deficiencies).

Control methods may be manual, mechanical, biological, cultural, chemical, eradication, prevention, mitigation

Weeds may be invasive species, harmful/toxic species, common weeds

The GB Non-native Species Secretariat hosts an information portal for non-native species present in the UK. It contains full details, impact and methods of control for over 300 species.

Also available on the GB Non-native Species Secretariat is the NBN search facility for monitoring where non-native species can be found in the UK, you can also link to the RICS recording facility to record any new arrivals and note the spread of existing non-natives.