Control weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation

This standard covers the control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation, including invasive, non-native, harmful or toxic species.

There is a range of techniques and tools available for the control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation at different sites and situations (land- or water-based, wild or cultivated, open or enclosed). Methods can include prevention, monitoring, control or eradication.

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 its 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 the relevant legislation and hold current certification where required.

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1. assess the risks associated with the site and the required activity
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. carry out all work in accordance with instructions and specifications
4. maintain site biosecurity to prevent weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation being imported, spread or taken off the site
5. confirm the methods of control to be used
6. select, prepare, use and maintain tools, equipment, machinery and the PPE required, keeping these in a clean and serviceable condition throughout the work
7. clarify any relevant site restrictions or designations that are 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 the relevant sources of information or expertise
10. maintain communication with colleagues and those involved in, or affected by, your work
11. handle all materials 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 surrounding environment
13. dispose of waste safely and correctly in accordance with the relevant legislation and organisation requirements to maintain site biosecurity and prevent unwanted spread
14. complete records as required by the relevant legislation and your organisation
15. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and policies of your organisation

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1. the hazards associated with controlling weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
3. the importance of completing the activity in accordance with instructions and specifications
4. the purpose, scope and objectives of the activity
5. the context of the site in the wider environment, what risk the site poses to the wider environment and how the wider environment can affect the site
6. the methods of maintaining biosecurity 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
7. the implications of the relevant legislation that affects your work, including any constraints e.g. public access
8. the implications of relevant site restrictions or designations and the importance of checking that any required permissions, consents or licences for the activity are in place
9. the safe handling and correct use of materials and equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE) and chemicals, where required, for the control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation and the importance of following instructions for use
10. the methods of controlling weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation in different situations
11. the sources of information to aid the control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation
12. the potential impact of your activities on the surrounding 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 weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation present and the methods of control
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
18. the 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 these
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. the relevant legislation, protocols and codes of conduct associated with controlling weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation
25. how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with the relevant legal and organisation requirements, and the importance of biosecurity
26. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and policies of your organisation

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

Diseases may be fungal, viral or bacterial.

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

Instructions and specifications could include:

• drawings/plans
• site maps/aerial image assessment
• schedules
• method statements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• manufacturers' guidelines
• legal requirements
• good practice guidelines
• customer requirements
• standard of outcome required
• verbal instructions

Invasive, non-native species - A list of high priority species is available on the GB National Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) and the Invasive Species Ireland websites together with advice on action to take and a system to report findings.

Pests may be invertebrate or vertebrate e.g. insects, rodents, birds.

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

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​LANCS76 Arrange management of invasive or harmful species

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4

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30 Mar 2025

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Current

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Original

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Lantra

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LANCS54

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Forestry, Estate Worker, Gardener, General Farm Worker, Greenkeeper, Groundsman, Nursery Worker, Park Ranger

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9112

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insects; slugs; snails; fungal; viral; bacterial; plant; invasive; harmful; species; non-native; toxic

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