The objective of BEST PRACTICE for weed control contract operations in the amenity sector is to provide the client with BEST VALUE whilst at the same time prevent contamination of water, ensure safety to operators and the public and protect the environment. To ensure that this is achieved the highest standard of stewardship must be followed at every step from the preparation of the specification to the completion of the contract.
The specification detail prepared by the client lays down the foundation for the contract service provider to accurately assess the job, prepare a tender that will take account of all relevant costs to meet the current regulations, stewardship standards and ultimately provide the best value weed control for the client.
To comply with regulations Senior Managers with responsibility for contracts should hold the necessary qualification and ensure that all the points in this guidance are covered in the specification for work on behalf of their organisation. The appropriate qualification for managers who have total responsibility and provide the necessary advice is the BASIS Certificate in Amenity Horticulture. If no individual in the organisation has this qualification it is then essential to obtain the services of an independent BASIS qualified advisor and preferably a member of the BASIS Professional Register. In the event that an independent advisor has to be employed it would be beneficial for the manager to hold the BASIS POWER certificate.
These guidance notes contain the information that a Senior Manager with responsibility for a weed control contract should ensure is prepared and used by the department. This will describe the JOB, the details of the PRODUCT used, the standard expected of the APPOINTED CONTRACTOR, the standard for an APPOINTED EXTERNAL ADVISOR and their IN-HOUSE CONTRACT MANAGER.
REMEMBER to achieve the ‘BEST PRACTICE-BEST VALUE’ it is critical to monitor the contractor, external advisor, review complaints and assess the final result.
Type e.g. footpaths, housing estate, sports ground
Area involved
Special Points:
Run-off should be avoided in all areas BUT identify areas where special
care required
Define specific environmental areas
Identify sensitive areas.
Make maps available wherever possible
Time scale of the contract
Years/months/weeks
Start and completion date
Make provision for annual revision where the contract exceeds one year
Define how the standard required will be assessed and agreed with the appointed contractor.
Specify the monitoring and audit procedure for health and safety, operators, product and follow up to complaints.
NOTE: Audit services are available from BASIS, ADAS and other independent
consultants.
Member of a professional trade association e.g. NAAC
Member of an assured contractor scheme e.g. BACCS
Clarify the allowed use or prohibition of sub- contractors
Identity and qualification of the contractor staff
Manager BASIS and/or NPTC registration number
Supervisor NPTC registration
Operatives NPTC registration
Trainees. Supervisor responsible
NOTE: There are Continuous Professional Development registrations for both BASIS
(BASIS Professional Register) and NPTC (National Register of Spray
Operators). It is recommended that personnel with these qualifications are
used whenever possible.
NOTE: The specification should direct contractors to have equipment tested under the National Spray Testing Scheme.
The following are important points to confirm when appointing a contractor:
Satisfactory references to experience in public works contracts
A waste disposal procedure is in place
The arrangements for transport and storage of pesticides
The Emergency Procedure to be followed with the in-house contract manager, advisor and appointed contractor.
Appointed advisor must hold the BASIS Certificate Amenity Horticulture and preferably be a member of the Professional Register.
NOTE: Some contractors have a qualified BASIS advisor
The advisor should sign off the specification including their registration number.
The advisor contract to include assessment of the weed control; audit the contractor and complaint investigation. It is preferable that a joint inspection of the work is carried out with the contractor.
The in-house manager with day to day responsibility for the contract should as a minimum hold the BASIS POWER Certificate.
This will ensure that the manager is aware of the Code of Practice and other regulations. In addition the operation is compliant with the organisation’s own policies.
The Amenity Forum has been established and supported by a wide range of organisations in the amenity sector to encourage the adoption of ‘Best Practice’ to ensure high standards of stewardship for activities to control weeds, plant pests and diseases.
