A risk assessment must always be carried out prior to commencing work and records of this must be kept according to COSHH requirements. Protective clothing must be worn when attempting control. Strimming or composting must not be undertaken.
Chemical control - you must only spray during the growing season when there are green leaves present and most of the plants are visible. You must use one of the approved range of Glyphosate based herbicides according to the Code of Practice and the instructions on the label. You must spray a minimum of two times in one growing season; further spraying may be needed and is allowed during the growing season. Annual follow-up spraying must be undertaken to kill seedlings.
The herbicide must be applied before the plant flowers and sets seed. Don't apply the herbicide until the plant is between 50 cm and 1 metre 50 cm tall. After spraying, the plant must be monitored regularly for signs of re-growth. Any re-growth must be sprayed when the plant reaches 50 cm tall. Every time you spray you need to spray both the top and underside of the leaves.
If you want to spray near water - like a river, loch or burn SEPA must agree to the spraying before you start. If you want to spray on or near a designated area, SNH must agree to the spraying before you start.
Cutting/mowing - You must wear protective clothing and only undertake this method following careful consideration of the results of the COSHH risk assessment.
Digging out - SEPA must be consulted before this method can be used. Above ground leaf/stem material must be removed along with soil and earth and other ground material fibre, roots and seeds. The soil for a four metre radius around each plant must be considered as infested and must be removed. The crown must be dug out below ground to prevent re-growth. Roots must be cut by hand, a minimum of 1½ inches below ground. It is important to make sure that it is the root that is cut and not the stem, otherwise the plant will re-shoot. Any plant re-growth during your agreement period must be sprayed with herbicide as detailed in the Giant hogweed chemical control method.
Disposal - Giant hogweed infested material must be removed from the site for disposal, unless otherwise agreed with SEPA. Any Giant hogweed infested soil or plant material that is intended to be discarded is classed as "controlled waste" and must be removed form site for disposal by a SEPA licensed haulier to a licensed or permitted land fill site. The waste must be accompanied by appropriate waste transfer documentation prepared by the haulier. All container/bags containing Giant hogweed or infested soil leaving the site must be covered to avoid spread along public roads.