Practical Air Weapon Use for Pest Management

The programme is aimed at anyone that participates in the use of airguns for pest management and control. It covers the use of an airgun, the setting up of an airgun, sights, trigger techniques, ballistics, windage and pellet choice.

The course is being run in partnership with the Airgun Training and Education Organisation (ATEO).

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Overview

This one-day course will be split into two sessions, classroom and practical.

Classroom session

• Methodology of Risk Assessments (generic and job based)
• Due diligence documentation
• Legal aspects of equipment use
• Wildlife and Countryside Act considerations
• Safety across all types of airgun rifles and pistols
• Ballistics (internal and external)
• Point of impact considerations
• Use of sighting systems.

Practical session

• Fitting of equipment
• Shooting positions (styles and techniques)
• Trigger and breathing techniques
• Practical shooting tuition.

On successful completion of this programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• Good and bad practice in risk assessments and the importance of record keeping
• An understanding of legislation around the use of airguns
• Safe loading and storage of airguns
• Different sighting and adjustment methods
• Different shooting styles and holds and the positives and negatives of each
• Understand trigger safety and demonstrate good trigger technique
• Use the correct method of gun fit
• Calculate distance and wind and make necessary adjustments
• Understand the effects of different projectiles.

Candidates are welcome to bring their own firearms to the course as long as they are able to provide evidence of the correct licensing documentation.

Level: Core
Prerequisites: 16 years old+
Delivery: Classroom 
Classroom Duration: 1 day
Assessment: Practical and theory exam
BPCA Registered CPD points: 10.5 
BASIS Prompt CPD points: TBC

This BPCA course is open to novice and experienced marksmen as an introductory course or a refresher.

After completing the Level 2 in Pest Management - General Pest Control (GPC) programme, you may wish to study:

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Technical Programmes

Technical Programmes

• Practical Vertebrate Trapping
• Practical Insect Control 
• Bed Bug Control

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Plus+ Programmes

Plus+ Programmes

• Starting and Managing Your Own Pest Management Business
• Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace

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Delivery

Classroom programme

This is a one day, classroom-based course.

9 am for coffee, 9.30 am start, 5 pm finish.

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Assessments

Assessment will be a through a written multiple choice test at the end of the course and a practical marksmanship test.

Upon completion of the course, candidates will receive a Certificate of Completion accredited by both ATEO and BPCA.

You must be at least 16 years old to take this course.

Minimum Age Statement

Young persons under the age of 18 years are often exposed to risks to their health and safety when using work equipment as a consequence of their immaturity, lack of experience of absence awareness of existing or potential risks. Therefore, such young people should not be allowed to operate equipment without supervision unless they have the necessary competence and maturity, as well as having successfully completed appropriate training and be accompanied by a competent person over the age of 21 years. (The Health and Safety (Young Persons) regulation 1997).

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Fees

The course fee includes morning and afternoon refreshments and lunch.

Please note: accommodation is not included in this course.

Cancellation Terms:

Course cancellations will only be accepted on receipt of written instruction and are effective from the date received by the BPCA.

• More than 15 working days prior to course: No charge
• 15 working days or less: 100% of fee

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