Public & Environmental safety FAQS

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Is Glyphosate poisonous?

There are no risks of concern to human health from exposure to glyphosate. As long as Glyphosate products are used according to label directions for use, they do not result in risks to humans according to a scientific opinion published by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Are children more sensitive to Glyphosate?

There is no indication that children are more sensitive to Glyphosate.

Can I walk past operatives spraying on footpaths or open spaces?

No. To keep the public safe we try to operate herbicide spraying in public spaces during lower use times of the day. We also avoid spraying near schools at peak times.

What speed do the quadbikes operate to?

The Quadbikes are not designed for speed. Quadbikes operate and spray between 3.7 and 5 mph only on pavements and can travel on the highway legally at 20 mph whilst not spraying.

How do you ensure staff keep public safe?

When pedestrians are encountered on the footway being treated, we stop spraying to allow them to pass  with a minimum 5 metre buffer zone. Pedestrians will always have the right of way. We operate according to our company ‘Code Of Practice’ which ensures good practice whilst working on a client’s land or property.

Am I safe to walk where you have sprayed?

Once the area is dry depending on the surface type and weather conditions, this may be as little as 10 minutes caution will be required not to get any herbicide on the soles of the shoes which could be transferred to sensitive areas such as grass. Once the area is dry no residue will be picked up on footwear.

Why do I see signage stating ‘keep out’?

Where necessary, we will erect signage and fencing stating the area we have treated with herbicide should not be entered.

Are pets safe to use ground we have sprayed?

After 24 hours pets will be safe to use grassy or hard surfaced areas with no risk to their health. This is a soon as the product is dry on most Glyphosate products.

Are other species (such as bees) safe?

The herbicides that we use are carefully chosen to ensure there is no risk to the environment or the species living in the habitats within areas being treated.

How do we protect the environment?

Only approved herbicides are used, and always with a focus on the surrounding ecosystems to ensure no harm is caused by our treatments. If necessary (as with endangered species) we will choose a non-chemical control method such as hand-pulling.

Why do we ride quadbikes on footpaths and public spaces?

With amenity contracts (weed control on public footpaths, pavements, roads and residential amenity areas such as play parks and sports grounds) we are contracted to spray the full areas infested with weeds. With footpath contracts we are required to spray the full width of the pavement which may involve quadbike usage going up and down the road. Our operatives are highly trained to protect the public whilst spraying.

What happens after we do a treatment?

Day 1 – we carry out the treatment.

Day 7 – the herbicide will have moved into the root system, however the weed may not look affected at this point, rest assured the herbicide will be doing its work!

Day 14 – the plant will begin to die back or may have fully died off at this point, appearing discoloured or brown and dried up.

Are we wearing the correct operator PPE?

Not all herbicide treatments require full PPE, so you may see us without full protective clothing or a facemask. When we do need to cover up all of our operatives are trained to know what PPE is required and are supplied with a full pack to use.