NSTS Testing From Lloyd Ltd
Do you own a….
- Boom sprayer
- Air blast sprayer
- Vehicle-mounted sprayer
- ATV-mounted sprayer
- Granular applicator
- Slug pellet applicator
- Sprayer fitted to aircraft
- Sprayer fitted to a train
...then your sprayer needs to be tested in compliance with the NSTS legislation.
Sprayer testing from £140 for less than 15m or £170 for more than 15m.
Lloyd Ltd is now an accredited provider of the National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) for the UK, which means all our branches are able to offer stringent sprayer testing to ensure your equipment meets the required legislated standards.
In 2016, however, the requirements for anyone using professional pesticides changed with all active application equipment having to have an NSTS Certificate as of 26th November 2016.
NSTS is now a legal requirement
The UK crop assurance scheme and supermarket protocols require sprayers to be tested to NSTS standards and NSTS complies with the sprayer testing requirements of the Sustainable Use Directive (SUD). The SUD applies to all users of pesticides involved in the agriculture, amenity and horticulture sectors. Together with input from farmers and representatives of growers, as well as the chemical industry, contractors, crop assurance providers and supermarkets, the NSTS was devised by the UK sprayer industry to support the Voluntary Initiative.
In 2016, however, the requirements for anyone using professional pesticides changed with all active application equipment having to have an NSTS Certificate as of 26th November 2016.
From 26th November 2016, all the following sprayers must have an NSTS Certificate:
- Boom sprayer
- Air blast sprayer
- Vehicle-mounted sprayer
- ATV-mounted sprayer
- Granular applicator
- Slug pellet applicator
- Sprayer fitted to aircraft
- Sprayer fitted to a train
Sprayers must be tested again before November 2020, at least every five years, but after 2020 the interval reduces to every three years.
This includes:
- Boom sprayers over 3 metres
- Air blast sprayers
- Aerial application
- Those fitted to trains
The following will need to be tested every six years after 2020:
- Sprayers of less than 3 metres boom width
- Granular applicators
- Slug pellet applicators
- Specialist applicators
What is the test?
The sprayer test comprises 47 test items, of which the first 30 need to be satisfied in order to receive a pass certificate. The following 10 items are classed as advisory while the last 7 are optional. The test comprehensively covers all application components of the sprayer to ensure correct and efficient operation, as well as considering the safety of the sprayer operative and the environment.
The sprayer components which are tested include:
- Control systems
- Hoses and pipework
- Nozzles and nozzle control systems
- Filters
- Pumps
- Tank
- Chemical induction systems
- Booms
- Recommendation: computer control systems should also be checked to maximize efficiency and to satisfy the calibration element of crop assurance schemes
Why get your sprayer tested?
It is now a legal requirement as part of a legal requirement as part of the Sustainable Use Directive to have an NSTS Certificate, but it is also required by:
- Crop assurance and supermarket protocols on an annual basis
- Amenity Assured Contractors’ Scheme
- NAAC Approved Contractors’ Scheme
The test enables you to:
- Be safe – ensures your equipment and agrochemicals are being used safely for the sprayer operative.
- Be fully compliant – NSTS complies will supermarket traceability demands.
- Be environmental – contribute positively towards safeguarding our countryside.
What should you do next?
For more information on the NSTS or on how Lloyd Ltd could help you with compliance, please contact your local Lloyd Ltd branch.