All those involved with the introduction of the Register of Accredited Metallic Phosphide Schemes UK (RAMPS UK) have been working away, such that the first courses for operators to enable them to go forward for certification will be ready for off in September.
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Officially launched at the Pest Control News Workshop held during PestTech on 3 November, RAMPS (UK) aims to ensure a future for the metallic phosphides by keeping a register of accredited stockists and certificated users of these useful, but potentially very dangerous, products. See the full report by clicking here. Key to all the training activity has been the preparation of a practical Workbook. Entitled The Application of Aluminium Phosphide for Vertebrate Control it was commissioned by City & Guilds with its content co-ordinated by Richard Strand (Pest Information Technology) with input from industry specialists, Home Office and City & Guilds Designed to be a practical manual for both trainers and trainees, it covers the full requirements of aluminium phosphide activity. Sections are, legislation, personal safety and contamination, environment and wildlife, product labels, container storage and transport, application equipment excess pesticide and container disposal, product use – preparation, target species, application, cleaning, storage and record keeping. The completed course syllabus was reviewed by the Chemical Regulation Directorate (CRD) before submission to the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) for its approval. The Level 2 Award in the Safe Use in Aluminium Phosphides has now been approved. The training of assessors for the Award has begun, with over 50% having completed their course, further courses have been organised to train the trainers later in July. As of Monday 15 August registration for the Award will be opened, with training courses beginning on 1 September. As David Cross, Chairman of RAMPS UK explained: “There has been a lot of hard work undertaken by numerous committed people to achieve Level 2 accreditation in such a relatively short time. From September the training really starts to roll-out. It remains our objective to have each and every user who wishes to use aluminium phosphide certified and RAMPS registered by 2015 so as to allow them to buy the prodfuct.” Full details on courses, dates and venues will be advised by relevant training providers.
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