A new Statutory Code of Practice for users of pesticides has been introduced in England and Wales, replacing the three earlier codes as follows:
- Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Pesticides on Farms and Small Holdings ("the Green Code").
- Code of Practice for the use of Approved pesticides in Amenity Areas and Industrial Areas ("the Orange Code") a voluntary code produced by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors and the British Agrochemical Association.
- Those parts of the Code of Practice for the safe use of Pesticides for Non-Agricultural Purposes - The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 ("the Blue Code") which deal with forestry.
The new Code of Practice includes the pesticide code for amenity areas, which up until now has been a voluntary one.
England and Wales are the first to receive the new code. The Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department will issue it's own code. The Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland have their own code at present, which they are considering updating.
Some features of the new Code of Practice are as follows:
- The Code of Practice is for people who work in the horticulture, agriculture, forestry or the amenity sector, to help them have a better understanding of pesticide use within Legislation.
- The statutory basis of the new code means that it can be used in evidence if people are taken to court for offences involving pesticides.
- An important feature in the code is the reference to the need, by law, to keep records of pesticide treatments as a result of the two new EC regulations, which came into force on 1 January 2006.
- The Code of Practice sets out both what is required by law and the best practice for the use of pesticides which are controlled under this legislation.
- The Code of Practice covers protection of wildlife and the environment as well as human health.
Lord Bach, Sustainable Farming and Food Minister commented:
"I am delighted to launch this new and up to date code. It is an important development as it will help all professional users of pesticides, whether they work in agriculture, horticulture, forestry or the amenity sector, to better understand and operate within the legislation.
"The latest code provides information on the new legal requirement to keep spray records and advises on the new laws regarding protection of ground water and waste management. We are delighted that our close working with the Plain English Campaign has resulted in a code which is clearer, more focused and easier to read and understand."
Further information for the Code of Practice use of plant protection products can be obtained from the Pesticides Safety Directorate Website by clicking the following:
Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) Webpages
The National Assembly for Wales Website will make available a Welsh language version of this code, which can be accessed by clicking the following:
Further information on pesticides can also be accessed from the HSE Webpages by clicking the following:
HSE Industry sector - Pesticides
Article by Alexandra Johnston
