THE USE OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ON SPORTSTURF

IT IS ILLEGAL - Pesticide manufacture, supply, sale, storage and use is heavily regulated. Prosecution may result in a fine, imprisonment or both. There are various acts of parliament that cover pesticides. These are:

1. Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
   Obliges the employer to provide training, safe equipment and safe working environment for the use of approved hazards and pratices.
   
2. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
   Regulations to control the risks in the workplace, arising from substances hazardous to health e.g. pesticides.
   
3. Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA).
   To protect the health of humans, animals and plants, to safeguard the environment and ensure safe methods of controlling insects, weeds and diseases.
   
4. Control of Pesticide Regulations 1986 (COPR).
   Defines the conditions on those that advertise, advise, sell, supply, store or use pesticides.
   

No product may be used unless it has government approval on the grounds of safety and efficacy. EVERYONE must comply with the conditions of approval. 
The conditions os approval, including recommendations for use, are given on the PRODUCT LABEL ATTACHED TO EVERY PRODUCT PACK.

ONLY PESTICIDES WITH A RECOMMENDATION ON THE LABEL FOR USE ON AMENITY SPORTSTURF CAN LEGALLY BE SUPPLIED, STORED AND APPLIED.

WITHOUT THIS LABEL RECOMMENDATION THE PRODUCT HASNOT BEEN TESTED ON SPORTSTURF IT WILL LEAVE YOU OPEN TO PROSECUTION AND INSURANCE COVER WILL BE VOID.

GREENKEEPERS THAT USE PRODUCTS ON SPORTSTURF WITH NO LABEL RECOMMENDATION FOR THAT USE ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE AND LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED TO PROPERTY, PERSONS AND ANIMALS.

BE WITHIN THE LAW, PARTICULARLY NOW THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO ALLOW THE INDUSTRY TO REGULATE THE USE OF PESTICIDES AND NOT BRING IN A PESTICIDES TAX. THIS COULD CHANGE WITH IRRESPONSIBLE USE.

SOURCE: BAYER ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE.