Page 6 - ALG Issue 1 2019

Legal
STOP PRESS
Outdoor
Use of Metaldehyde to be banned from 2020
A ban on the outdoor use of metaldehyde, a pesticide used to control slugs in a range of crops and in gardens, is to be introduced across Great Britain from Spring 2020.
The decision to prohibit the use of metaldehyde, except in permanent greenhouses, follows advice from the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that metaldehyde poses an unacceptable risk to birds and mammals.
Changes for rodent baits – March 2018
The changes are coming into force via the European Chemical Agency. Assessments have revealed that some health issues may occur when higher concentrations of rodent baits are used by the general public.
The new legislation came into force on 1st March 2018 and reduces the maximum level of active ingredient from 0.005% to 0.003% (50 parts per million ppm to 30 ppm).
The pack sizes are also changing along with active concentrations, so that all amateur / consumer baits will have a maximum pack
size. Bait blocks will be subject to a maximum pack size
of 300g for rats and 150g for mice. Grain, Pasta or
Pellet baits will be subject to a
maximum pack size of 150g for
rats and 100g for mice. This is
so that there is a great distinction between
professional and amateur products. It also helps to prevent people from buying and storing huge quantities of bait, which could be dangerous for the environment.
These new requirements only apply to anticoagulant baits. Traps and fast-acting mouse killer are not affected by these changes and will continue as they are.
Please see Rentokil’s' guide to secure baiting www.thinkwildlife.org.
Guidance on the bulk sales of garden pesticides
Head Office have received a number of enquiries relating to the bulk purchase of slug pellets for distribution via on site shops to plotholders for use on allotments. The following advice has been given by the Chemical Regulation Directorate (CRD), a department of the
The above is covered under the Plant Protection Product Regulations 2011, which state that to sell or supply a plant protection product not in its original labelled container would contravene Regulation 9. Under these regulations this would be
Health and Safety Executive.
The CRD takes a robust line with anyone where people or animals are put at risk.
a prosecutable offence under Regulation 23 of the Plant Protection Product Regulations 2011.
Also, to sell or supply a plant protection product not in its original labelled container would not be taking all reasonable precautions to protect human health and the environment and this would contravene the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use)
The CRD strongly discourages the practice
of bulk purchase and the separation into
smaller packages. There have been many
incidents of overdosing and poisoning by
slug pellets, particularly of dogs. These make
up a considerable portion of the incidents
referred to the Wildlife Incident Investigation
Scheme (WIIS). The CRD, therefore, takes a robust line with anyone where people or animals are put at risk. As a result, the CRD would actively support enforcement action by Local Authorities in these circumstances.
Regulations 2012 and would also be a prosecutable offence. To distribute products of this kind can lead to the possible
poisoning of animals and young children.
Introducing Tyler Harris, our new Legal Assistant
Hello ALG readers, my name is Tyler and I am the new Legal Assistant for the National Allotment Society. I just want to introduce myself, touch on my experience, and briefly explain my role.
Firstly, I grew up in Corby, Northamptonshire and eventually went to study Law at the University of Cumbria’s Fusehill street campus based in Carlisle. Whilst attending university I worked as a Student Ambassador and over the summers I worked in a factory. Following my time at university, I worked for an agency and worked a few varied jobs from waiting tables to customer service. Finally, I joined the team here at the National Allotment Society back in July. I applied for this job largely for the same reason that I decided to study law, so that I can help
people that are in challenging situations however I can. So far, I have found the work quite satisfying, and far more varied than one might expect, when taking legal enquiries regarding allotments.
In terms of what I actually do for the NAS, my main
role is to answer any new legal enquiries. I speak to members over the phone and via email about all kinds of legal issues ranging from tenancy agreements to health
& safety issues. I have also recently started to produce responses on behalf of the NAS to applications to dispose of allotment land. If you have any legal issues or questions then please do get in touch with me.
Tyler Harris, Legal Assistant
A wide range of products to
assist with all your needs
Slim line water tanks, water butts, puncture proof tyres, wheelbarrows, garden carts & the well known & established Globe Shredders
0121 243 3687 info@greenshredder.co.uk www.greenshredder.co.uk
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