Recording the use of pesticides
The purpose
Having a pesticide logbook allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment so that you can minimise the use of these substances in the future (see The next step ). You can also look back to see what was applied, in case of any product alert or complaint, and demonstrate that you took reasonable care. It’s recommended by Defra that you keep a record of pesticide application.
Tip 1. The logbook should be used for all pesticide use, i.e. any occasion where substances are used to kill weeds, pests and moulds on your land.
Tip 2. Your grounds contractors are likely to keep their own records, in which case you could either ask them to provide a copy each time or to also fill in your logbook.
Note. Where you’re applying pesticides to crops you’ll need a more detailed logbook, the contents of which can be obtained from Defra. This is the only circumstance you’re currently legally obliged to keep pesticide records.
What to write down
There are seven columns in the table, varying from the easy to interpret, such as “Area treated” , to those only understandable by trained personnel.
Tip. Use one record sheet for each location and begin by writing the address or name of the area in the space provided at the top. On each occasion when a treatment is sprayed the operative should complete one row of the form.
Who should do it?
Staff undertaking this work should be properly trained to prevent mistakes, e.g. applying too high a dose, spraying in windy conditions, contaminating nearby areas, etc.
Tip. The best training option is usually a City & Guilds approved course (see The next step ). This will not only ensure that staff know how to safely apply the substances, but will understand the questions being asked on the document, including the dose of product applied and the purpose of the application.
About the product
In the second column the operative should write the product name and the “MAPP or HSE number” . These numbers are unique product registration codes which show that the material has been approved for storage and use in the UK.
Note. MAPP stands for ministerially approved pesticide product. Substances approved before 1999 should have a Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) number instead.
Warning. If there is no MAPP, HSE or MAFF number on the product packaging, it’s unlikely to be legal.
In the final column, additional comments and notes can be added, such details of the weather conditions and windspeed.
For a pesticide logbook and a link to details of City & Guilds courses, visit http://tipsandadvice-environment.co.uk/download (EN 14.09.05).
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