Have You Taken Part In The National Sprayer Testing Scheme Yet?

You may have heard people mention the National Sprayer Testing Scheme but not got round to getting it done.  However it is best practice and will save you money and time in the long run so is beneficial to your business.  UK Amenity offer NSTS inspections carried out by our fully qualified examiner.

What is the National Sprayer Testing Scheme and why should I have my sprayer tested?

The National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) is an annual inspection of sprayers working within amenity and groundscare in the UK.  The test is carried out by a qualified personnel who holds a National Proficiency Test Council Certificate of Competence in Sprayer Examining.  But why should you have the test done?  Besides showing commitment to best practice and the Voluntary Initiative, having an annual inspection of machinery and equipment ensures that it will work to maximum efficiency and can reduce costly periods of  inaction and downtime.  It will also ensure that you receive accurate application, therefore improving operator safety and protection of the environment.

Which machines are covered under the scheme?

NSTS is aimed at all application machinery working in the amenity sectors whether vehicle-mounted, pedestrian-controlled, hand-held and knapsack based.

Who carries out the test?

Tests are carried out by UK Amenity’s qualified examiner, who was one of the first in the country to qualify in NSTS testing.  If faults are found we can supply the necessary parts and also repair anything that needs fixing.  

What does the test consist of?

Our examiner, who was one of the first in the country to qualify in NSTS testing, will carry out 40 checks, the first 30 must be passed in order to qualify for a certificate.  The remaining ten checks will receive a cautionary note if a fault is found.

Where will we carry out the test?

The test can be carried out at your premises, or any convenient location, providing there is a provision for sprayed-out water to be disposed of under the terms of the Groundwater Framework.

How much do we charge for the test?

The general cost is approximately £150 plus any extra repairs or parts that may be needed.

How can I book a test?

Visit http://www.ukamenity.co.uk/index.php/services/nsts-testing to find out more and give UK Amenity a call on 01480 412572 or email mike@ukamenity.co.uk

An Interview with UK Amenity Director Mike Dyer.

Here at UK Amenity, we have recently launched our first ever blog ‘It’s all about Grass’, and for our first post what better than to chat to the founder and director of the company Mike Dyer.

What does UK Amenity do?


MD-   As our slogan says ‘It’s all about grass,’ and that is quite simply what UK Amenity is all about.  UK Amenity provides a complete range of grass management services including improvements to soil conditions, increased health of your grass, eradication of various types of weeds and elimination of fungal infections.
We are a chemical supply and contract services company supplying to golf courses, cricket clubs, sports fields, colleges, industrial estates, large gardens- you name it.  Our aim is to supply the chemical and then apply and maintain.  We offer the complete service, from the agronomist, to supply, application and maintenance including GPS Mapping and we work all year round, including the winter month’s.
We offer NSTS Testing (National Spraying Testing Scheme).  We also have an online shop on our website, www.ukamenity.co.uk where we sell chemicals and parts, as well as used sprayer sales. We can usually get them to you via next day delivery.
UK Amenity also provide’s a full sprayer maintenance and repair service, either under contract or as and when required.

When did UK Amenity start?

MD- We started out as UK Sprayers over 20 years ago and over the years we have evolved and diverted into this specialist area of the industry.  We changed to our current name in 2009 as we felt that the name ‘UK Amenity’ fitted the sector we are in more.

What is your background and what made you get into the industry?


MD- I have come from a farming and agricultural background.  My father was a farmer and my brother is in the farming industry himself so I was bound to get into it myself!  I diversified into this sector because I found I had an interest in the chemical and spraying side of things, and I soon developed a passion for it.  All in all I have been involved in the industry for 35 years, 25 years doing the spraying alone.

What is your favourite part of the job?

MD-  I would have to say that there are two parts that I find the most enjoyable.  Firstly I enjoy meeting new people and I find that no two days are the same.  One day I could be at a job on a golf course, the next I could be spraying at a stately home or a school- I find the work very varied.  The second part I enjoy most is the spraying. 

Who is your most high profile client?

MD- I would say that the most high profile client’s that UK Amenity deal with would probably be the Club Company whose golf courses include Castle Royal in Berkshire and Benton Hall in Essex.  Also Woburn whose courses are The Duke’s, The Duchess’ and Marquess’ Courses and Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Godolphin Management Company in Newmarket.  However we do work all over the UK for many different types of clients including golf courses, cricket clubs, stately homes, hotels and schools.



What machines do you use the most?


MD- We have a wide variety of machines at UK Amenity, dedicated to doing the best job possible.  Some of our machinery includes ATV’s with associated equipment, John Deere Self Propelled Equipment, TMA2 Air-blown spreader, Toro Workman with 900Lt sprayer and 10m booms with full RDS spray controller, 4WD tractor and spreader for accurate application of fertilisers using GPS and SISIS Variseeder for over seeding.



What can we expect to find in the UK Amenity shop?


MD- You should visit the UK Amenity shop for competitive prices on Nozzles, Nozzle holders, Pipes, Pumps, Knapsacks, Chemicals and much more.  Some of our suppliers include Sherriff Amenity, UAP, Mastock Amenity and Frontier, as well as Hypro, Omex, TeeJet, Rigby Taylor, Enduramaxx, Duel Pumps and many more.  We aim to deliver the next day. Click here to view our shop




So there you have it, a quick introduction to the driving force behind UK Amenity, Mike Dyer.  We hope you enjoy our new blog, and why not visit our website and online shop www.ukamenity.co.uk  We are looking forward to discussing the industry and meeting new industry contacts.