56
5-4
Before any spraying takes place, check the following:
Is the pesticide the correct one for the crop?
Is the dose, volume or both correct?
Is the weather suitable at present and going to remain so? (You do not want half a tank of pesticide left should it
rain.)
Ensure the wind speed and direction will not blow any drift to other crops, waterways, private gardens or
members of the public.
If the above criteria are satisfactory, the following should be observed:
Always use acceptable methods of swathe matching (tramlines, marker pegs etc.)
Before starting to spray, correctly calibrate the machine.
Set the boom to the correct height. Spray fans or cones from alternate nozzles should just overlap above the
target.
Spray round the headlands and reverse into the corners.
Spray the longest side first, if possible. If not, spray so that the wind takes the spray away from your spraying
direction.
Whilst spraying keep a constant look out for blocked nozzles and a change in wind speed, direction etc.
PESTICIDE SPRAYING - FIELD CRAFT
USEFUL INFORMATION - PESTICIDE USE
The following website address is the official HSE website for Pesticides. It is recommended to visit and
understand the information provided - http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/guidance/industries/pesticides
The following publications are recommended as useful references in the field of pesticides use.
Health and Safety Executive Booklets
Crop Spraying AS6: Poisonous Chemicals on the Farm HS (G)2
Prevention of Accidents AS12: Storage of Pesticides on the Farm As18
Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Guidelines for Applying Crop Protection Chemicals -
Booklet 2272 published by HMSO
Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Guidelines for the Disposal of Unwanted Pesticides
and Containers on Farms and Holdings published by DEFRA
The UK Pesticide Guide (Annual) published by CAB/BCPC
Revised Draft Code of Practice for the Agricultural & Commercial Horticultural Use of Pesticides published by
DEFRA
Agricultural Training Board (ATB) Leaflets
Controlling Weeds, Pests and Diseases in Crops
Crop Spraying - Trainee Guide 3000-7/80 M9D2
Preparing Field Crop Sprayers - Trainee Guide 1000-7/87 M9D1
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 Leaflets
Introducing Assessment IND(G)64(L)
Introducing COSHH IND(G)65(L)
Hazard and Risk Explained IND(G)67(L)
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