Maintain the health of sports turf

This standard is for those who maintain the health of sports turf so that it is suitable for play.

It covers dealing with weeds, moss, pests, diseases and other disorders.

It is suitable for those who can carry out the work described under limited supervision only.

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

You must carry out your work in a way which will minimise the impact on the natural environment and enhance its nature, conservation and recreational value.

1. be aware of hazards associated with the activity to be carried out
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. identify conditions that threaten the health of the sports turf and report these in accordance with organisation procedures
4. select, use, maintain and store tools and equipment required for the maintenance of the health of sports turf safely and correctly
5. apply treatments to sports turf safely and correctly in accordance with instructions and specifications
6. deal with waste safely and correctly in accordance with instructions
7. restore the sports turf site to a clean and tidy condition
8. carry out work to maintain the health of sports turf, in a manner which prevents damage to the surrounding area and keeps environmental pollution to a minimum
9. carry out your work accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies

1. the hazards associated with maintaining the health of sports turf
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
3. the reasons for controlling weeds, pests, diseases, moss and disorders on sports surfaces
4. the conditions that can affect the health of sports turf
5. when and who to inform of conditions affecting the health of sports turf
6. the types of tools and equipment required for maintaining the health of sports turf and how to prepare, use and maintain these safely and correctly

7. the effect of sports turf treatments and how to use treatments correctly

8. the importance of following the approved procedures for sports turf treatments

9. why the treatments should be applied in a timely fashion
10. the use and application of different pesticides when maintaining the health of sports turf
11. how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with relevant legal and organisational requirements
12. how to clean and store tools and equipment needed to control conditions that affect the health of sports turf and why safety measures are important
13. the potential impact of your work on the environment and ways to minimise it
14. the importance of restoring the sports turf site to a clean and tidy condition
15. the relevant legislation and codes of practice governing the use of treatments to sports turf
16. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment
17. your responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies

A.      identify and deal with the following threats to the health of sports turf:

1. weeds
2. pests
3. diseases 
4. disorders 
5. moss 

B.      use the following treatments to maintain the health of sports turf:

1. physical 
2. chemical
3. cultural

Controlling pests diseases and disorders, weeds and moss in sports turf by physical, cultural and chemical methods using manual and powered equipment.

Specifications: drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies