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There has been an increase in the number of sprayers tested under National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) in NI ahead of the introduction of the compulsory testing requirement at the end of last month.
On enquiry, Duncan Russell from the Agricultural Engineers’ Association said that 178 sprayers have been tested in NI from April 2016 to 26 November 2016, compared with 92 in the previous 12 months. However, the total number of sprayers NSTS accredited in NI remains unclear, as some are tested more often than others due to quality assurance schemes.
The new law requires all boom sprayers over five years old in the UK to be tested and certified under NSTS for use. For boom sprayers under 3m wide, follow up inspections need to take place once every six years. Follow up inspections for sprayers over 3m wide must take place once every five years until 26 November 2020, and then once every three years after that. Knap sacks and other handheld spraying equipment do not require testing.
Sprayers in the Republic of Ireland need to be tested under different requirements by a certified, Department-registered inspector.
Several companies are accredited to carry out the tests in NI, with an on-farm test typically costing around £150. Repairs are made to sprayers at the time of the test, meaning a re-test is not needed. Examiners indicate that leaks and drips are the most common issue with machines.
The video below outlines sprayer test requirements:
Sprayer test requirements in Northern Ireland
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