FAQ - Pest Management Trained Professional Users - September 2017
Q. I completed a training course but it is not on the list on the registration website, what do I do?
A. Select ‘Other’ and enter details of the training course. DAFM may contact you to provide information on the course content.
Q. Where can I find details of the CRRU Wildlife Aware Courses?
A. Details of the CRRU Wildlife Aware Courses are on their website.
Q. I am thinking of moving to another company or setting up my own business, how does this affect my registration?
A. You register as an individual rather than an employee of a company, if you move companies your registration will remain valid. However, if you supplied company specific contact details (email, address, and mobile) these will need to be updated to ensure you receive communication.
Q. I am new to the industry and need a PMU No to purchase product. I am undergoing training but it is not complete, can I register?
A. You can register and receive a Conditional Approval as soon as you complete a recognised training course, you will be required to complete the CRRU Wildlife Aware Course within 4 months of receiving Conditional Approval. However, you cannot purchase product until you receive your full approval, you must be supervised at all times during your training by an approved Pest Management Trained Professional User.
Q. Why do I have to participate in CPE?
A. CPE is essential for the application of Best Practice. Training programmes are in place in many EU Member States for those who offer a commercial service of pest control to third parties. It provides Pest Management Trained Professional User the opportunity to keep abreast of upcoming changes that will affect the industry and allows them the opportunity to change practice and react in a planned structured manner. DAFM will recognise CPE schemes that meet the requirements for continued registration as a PMU in Ireland.
Q. I am a farmer and use rodenticides during the course of my work; do I have to register as a trained professional user?
A. No, farmers can purchase professional use products for use indoors and outdoors around buildings. You will be required to supply your herd number when purchasing the products and follow the instructions for use on the product. If you wish to provide a service to others, you must complete the required training courses and register as a Pest Management Trained Professional User.
Q. I am a gamekeeper and use rodenticides during the course of my work; do I have to register as a trained professional user?
A. Gamekeepers can purchase professional use products for use indoors and outdoors around buildings. If rodenticide is required in open areas, you will have to contract in a Pest Management Trained Professional User to control rodents in open areas, or complete the required training and register as a Pest Management Trained Professional User to carry out this task yourself. A PMU number will be required to purchase trained professional use products.
Q. Is there any standard that Professional Pest Control Operators should adhere to?
A. EN 16636:2015 (Pest management services – requirements and competences) was published in 2015. Annex A of this standard identifies the required competences for professional pest management services; these are detailed in Table A.1. This standard specifies the requirements, recommendations and basic competences under which pest management servicing companies must operate to meet the needs of their customers, be they private companies, public authorities or the general public.
This Standard will contribute to controlling unprofessional use of biocidal products, facilitate the availability of a labour force working at an agreed industry standard across the EU and ensure the implementation of Best Practice in all aspects of pest management, including the application of rodenticides.
The CRRU Ireland Best Practice Requirements for Rodent Control and Safe Use of Rodenticides, available at http://www.crru.ie/best-practice/ and published in 2016, highlights best practice to be followed by individual professional and trained professional users of rodenticides. Compliance with the prescribed best practices facilities the identification of situations in which the use of rodenticides is warranted, facilitates the effective use of rodenticides and minimises potential impacts on non-target species, including birds or prey and mammals. Labels of rodenticide products for both professional use and for trained professional use, require that rodenticide users abide by the CRRU Ireland Best Practice Requirements for Rodent Control and Safe Use of Rodenticides.
Q. Why should we comply with this standard?
A. Compliance with this Standard and with the Best Practice Requirements will contribute to controlling unprofessional use of biocidal products, facilitate the availability of a labour force working at an agreed industry standard across the EU and ensure the implementation of Best Practice in all aspects of pest management, including the application of rodenticides.