Transport, Storage & Cleaning

NRoSO 2020/2021 Delegate Workbook

Transport Storage Cleaning

Promoting Responsible Pesticide Use

This training was developed by: Paul Aldridge Mike Wells Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge the kind support, advice and ideas from: Anglian Water Agricultural Engineers Association Agricultural Industries Confederation City & Guilds Corteva Agriscience Crop Protection Association Interagro National Farmers Union Syngenta The Voluntary Initiative Trevor Johnson The National Register of Sprayer Operators was established at the request of The Voluntary Initiative (VI). The VI is a programme of measures which promotes responsible pesticide use.

Disclaimer While City & Guilds seek to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate at the time of printing, no warranty is given in respect thereof and, to the maximum extent permitted by law accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused (including that caused by negligence) or suffered directly or indirectly in relation to information and opinions contained in or omitted from this document.

Reference herein to trade names and proprietary products without stating that they are protected does not imply that they may be regarded as unprotected and thus free for general use. No endorsement of named product is intended, nor is any criticism implied of other alternative, but unnamed products.

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Copyright Please note that the photographs and drawings contained in this workbook or the accompanying presentation are the property of City & Guilds or the authors. They may not be used without the prior permission of City & Guilds or the authors. In the first instance contact City & Guilds to seek permission and to contact the appropriate copyright holder.

Workshop Contents: •

Introduction

•

Current Issues

•

Road Traffic Law and Sprayers

•

Application and Technology

•

Review and Reflection

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INTRODUCTION Course Outline Welcome to the 2020/2021 NRoSO annual training event.

This year’s event is divided into four sections.

The first section is Current Issues. This covers items that are in the national news and that we feel are worth discussing in more detail. This section will also cover specific local issues that your presenter will tailor to your geographical area or crop production system.

The second section is Road Traffic Law and Sprayers. In this section we will look at the current rules and regulations regarding driving agricultural tractors and machinery on the public highway, with an emphasis on spraying machinery.

The final section is Application and Technology. In this section we will look at best practice in relation to filling and cleaning. We will also look at factors affecting spray quality and how apps can help the operator with decision making.

Accreditation NRoSO: 10 points BASIS: 5 points

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Please complete the following multiple-choice quiz based on last year’s presentation.

1. What is the legal status of the code of practice for using plant protection products (PPP)? a) b) c) d)

It must be strictly followed at all times when using PPP. If you follow its advice you will be doing enough to keep within the law.

It must be followed if a company has more than 5 employees.

It is law for agriculture and a guide for other sectors.

2. Which of the following would permit a pesticide to be applied at reduced volume? a) b) c) d)

If an air induction nozzle is used for the application.

If the product does not require PPE when in a diluted state.

If a suitable adjuvant is added to the tank mixture.

If a respirator is used in addition to label recommended PPE.

3. Alkaline degradation of pesticides is almost always associated with a) b) c) d)

water hardness. water volume. water temperature. water pressure.

4. What level of protection does category 4 cab filtration provide? a) b) c) d)

No defined level of protection against hazardous substances.

Protection against dust.

Protection against dust and aerosols.

Protection against dust, aerosols and vapour.

5. What level of drift reduction does UK 4 star rated equipment offer? a) b) c) d)

75%.

85%.

90%.

95%.

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Activity: What have you carried out differently at work, based on subjects covered in last year’s annual training event? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

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CURRENT ISSUES 2020/21 Within the Current Issues section, the following will be covered: •

NRoSO membership information.

•

Products/active substances update.

•

Water UK update.

•

Professional use and amateur use products.

•

Pesticide application equipment – planters/cultivators

•

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

•

BeeConnected update.

•

Emergency spill kits.

•

Grain store treatments

•

Rodent control update.

•

Local/specific issues relevant to you.

Activity: What pesticide related items have been in the news in the last year that have affected you, as a sprayer operator? Make a list below. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

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NRoSO membership information Continuing professional development (CPD) points Activity: Please list below all the methods of obtaining NRoSO CPD points. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Your presenter will give you further information regarding methods of achieving CPD points. However there are only a certain amount of points that can be achieved per year/total depending on the type of event.

A full description of the point totals can be found on the website: www.nroso.org.uk Online training - Ei Operator FREE to NRoSO members NRoSO members can access a FREE training module worth 2 NRoSO points.

Need more points? To access additional training with a further 6 NRoSO points you can become an EiO subscriber for just ÂŁ30 a year (UK). Follow the EiO subscription link as follows: https://eioperator.com/eio-members/

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Once completed, NRoSO/BASIS points will automatically be added to your CPD record.

Additional content includes the NRoSO Know-How section which includes further application advice and information, all supplied as part of your NRoSO membership and supported by City & Guilds.

Member responsibilities It is the member’s responsibility to ensure they achieve their 30 points in a three year term. There is no set amount to be achieved per term year but ideally some form of CPD activity must be undertaken each year. It is acceptable for all 30 points being achieved in full in the first, second or third year.

It is the member’s responsibility to keep their details up to date so we can ensure you receive any correspondence including the pro-operator magazine. If you move address or you are no longer spraying please contact us so we can update your membership.

If you are taking time away from spraying, please contact us so we can update your records. It is better to be cancelled and to re-join the scheme than it is to be cancelled due to lack of points, as you will have to wait one full year before you are allowed to rejoin the scheme.

Keeping on track The best way to stay on track is to provide your email address to us (email nrososupport@cityandguilds.com). This way you will be able to access your account at any time to check your CPD record. You can also check to make sure that events are being added (usually within a month of the event taking place). You will also receive email communications instead of post.

Submit any evidence of Agronomist meetings and NSTS tests as soon as these have taken place. Do not wait until you receive a suspension or cancellation letter. If you sign up to the NRoSO website you can submit this evidence online which ensures points are added to your CPD record more promptly.

You can carry a maximum of ten points over into a new term so don’t worry if you think you will lose points if you have attended more events than usual. This will also put you in good stead for your new term.

If you are in a position in which stops you spraying i.e. a medical condition, please contact us in the first instance to discuss so that we can offer help. Please don’t wait until you are either suspended or cancelled. We can work with you to ensure your membership stays active thus satisfying your farm assurance.

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Products/active substances update Epoxiconazole The approval of epoxiconazole ended on 30 April 2020. CRD have allowed the full grace period available and set the timescales for withdrawing authorisations as follows: • •

Authorisations for sale and supply end on 31 October 2020 Authorisations for disposal, storage and use end on 31 October 2021

CRD have raised a concern about a risk to birds and is recommending that users follow a voluntary measure to not apply products containing epoxiconazole at 83g as/ha or higher to cereals before growth stage 40, to mitigate this risk.

Fenpropimorph - reminder • •

Authorisations for sale and supply end on 31 October 2019 Authorisations for disposal, storage and use end on 31 October 2020

Mancozeb The European Commission has published draft regulations regarding the non-renewal of mancozeb. The draft regulations propose that existing authorisations of plant protection products containing mancozeb will be withdrawn and such products can then no longer be placed on the market.

The proposed date of adoption is 3rd quarter of 2020.

Bromoxynil The European Commission has published draft regulations regarding the non-renewal of bromoxynil. The draft regulations propose that EU Member States shall withdraw authorisations for plant protection products containing bromoxynil as an active substance.

The proposed date of adoption is 4th quarter of 2020.

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Water UK update Information has been shared from 20 water companies for the period 1 st January 2020 to 30th April 2020.

Key headline is Propyzamide.

Propyzamide is a key herbicide used (but not exclusively) in oilseed rape. The permitted application window for oilseed rape is 1st October through to 31st January.

Recorded Propyzamide detections by 20 water companies as follows: • • • •

1123 detections recorded between 1 Jan and 30 April 2020 161 (15%) above 0.1ug/l 729 (65%) after 1 February 111 detections over 0.1 after 1 Feb (10%)

The drinking water standard is 0.1ug/l (0.1 micrograms/litre).

Your presenter will show you both the combined and individual information from the water companies.

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Activity: Please suggest reasons for increased water company detections of propyzamide during winter and spring 2020. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Activity: Using information provided, list the steps that can be taken to avoid risks to water when using Propyzamide. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Additional steps may be required in high risk areas. Please refer to the Water Protection Advice Sheet for Propyzamide – available on the VI website: www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk

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Professional use and amateur use products Amateur use Users of pesticides which are approved for amateur use in the home, garden or allotment for example do not require specific training or a certificate of competence.

The label will be worded in a way to make it easily understood so that the product can be used safely.

These products are most likely to be found in the local garden centre, DIY store or supermarket. They are often supplied ready to use.

Professional use Pesticides, such as those used on farms, or in public areas are approved for use in much larger commercial situations.

The labels of these 'professional' products can be more complicated, and by law must only be used by those who have had the appropriate training and hold the correct certificate of competence.

Professional products should never be used by the untrained amateur gardener.

Activity: Can amateur (home/garden) products be used in areas outside of this area, for example in areas generally accessed by the public? Give reasons for your answer. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

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Activity: Can a professional product be used in a home garden situation? Give reasons for your answer. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ If someone is employed or self-employed and uses pesticides as part of their work, can they use an amateur (home garden product) at their place of work?

Yes. If they already use pesticides as part of a work activity then they should have undergone appropriate training in the use of pesticides and be able to undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to identify the risks associated with using the product. This applies to any situation in which you might wish to use an amateur product.

If the person using the amateur product as part of their work has not been trained then, as an employer, or self-employed person you must undertake a risk assessment to identify people who might be harmed by the use of the product. This includes employees, other workers and members of the public. This assessment may identify the need for training to ensure the competence of the person using chemicals in areas accessed by the public to safeguard themselves and others.

If amateur products are to be used alongside professional products then a COSHH assessment may need to be undertaken.

The Plant Protection Sustainable Use Regulations states that: No person shall use a plant protection product authorised for professional use unless they hold a specified certificate or work under supervision.

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Pesticide application equipment – planters/cultivators The following covers the operator certification requirements for cultivator/planter mounted pesticide application equipment. The aim of PASC Unit 233 is to qualify the operator to operate all of the cultivator/planter mounted pesticide applicators by undertaking one assessment only.

Cultivator/planter mounted in-furrow liquid application (e.g. boom or band application of fungicide): • •

PASC Unit 233 PA2A (if it is a horizontal boom)

Cultivator/planter mounted powder application: • • •

PASC Unit 233 – if mechanical PA12 – if mechanical PA6MC (or old PA6D) if applying by hand

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Cultivator/planter mounted granular application: • •

PASC Unit 233 PA4G (or old PA4)

Cultivator/planter mounted slug pellet application: • •

PASC Unit 233.

PA4S (or old PA4).

Please note that the specific applicators that are assessed for the PASC Unit 233 are not transferable. E.g. a candidate assessed using a cultivator/planter mounted in-furrow, powder and granular applicator will be awarded PASC Unit 233 only and not the individual units relating to each applicator (where applicable).

Operators achieving PA2 prior to June 1994 will also be qualified in respect of PA4 and PA6.

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National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) – Update The following charts provide information on NSTS inspections from 2017 to 2019: 2017

No faults = 50.0 % 1 fault = 18.0 % 2 faults = 12.0 % 3+ faults = 20.0 %

2018

No faults = 53.0 % 1 fault = 18.0 % 2 faults = 12.0 % 3+ faults = 17.0 %

2019

No faults = 52.0 % 1 fault = 19.0 % 2 faults = 12.0 % 3+ faults = 17.0 %

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Number of tests completed (2019): • • • •

Sprayer Granular Fogging Slug pellet applicator

16,177 1,081 49 541

Number of tests by sector (2019): • • • •

Agriculture Amenity Horticulture Fruit

13,937 717 494 1,029

The number of applicators tested in 2019 is slightly less than in 2018 (approx. 2.5% lower).

Activity: Your presenter will ask you to rank the 10 most common faults found in 2019.

Please complete the table below.

Ranking

Test Item

% of Tested Sprayers With Fault

1

23.66%

2

20.55%

3

17.63%

4

16.44%

5

13.19%

6

11.05%

7

9.22%

8

8.65%

9

7.73%

10

7.54%

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Analysis of most common faults (2019) • •

5 of the faults relate to leaks and drips 1 of the faults (hose condition) will become a leak or drip

So 60% of faults are all attributed to this one similar issue!

These are all relatively simple, straightforward and quick to rectify, and should be done when they occur to ensure environmental problems are avoided whenever possible.

Activity: What is the most effective method of checking for leaks on your sprayer?

Record your answer below. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ How many of you use this method to check for leaks? Please discuss.

Quite often, it seems faults that have recently occurred before a test are left for the machine examiner to rectify at the time of the test. So the NSTS test is also a service on the machine, which should not be the case.

NSTS operator check sheet The NSTS operator check sheet has been updated to reflect the Red Tractor requirement for the sprayer to be calibrated each year.

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BeeConnected Since its launch, there have been in excess of 3400 user registrations so far. These are broken-down as follows: Resource

Apr 2019

Sep 2019

Apr 2020

Farmers

751

833

1034

Fields

5203

5675

6914

Beekeepers

2059

2264

2430

Hives

3386

3710

3960

Based on 2020 figures, about 70% of the user registrations have been from beekeepers.

This is the sort of proportion anticipated given the number of beekeepers in relation to farmers/growers.

You can register at www.beeconnected.org.uk

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Emergency spill kits Spillages can be a major cause of long-term environmental contamination as well as causing risks to personal health and safety through slips and falls. It is important that chemical spillages are dealt with quickly and efficiently in order to avoid injury and possible legal action.

How many of you carry a spill kit on the sprayer/prime mover?

Always plan for the worst-case scenario and make sure that your spill kit can deal with the full range of pesticides likely to be encountered on the farm. The spillage risk should be assessed and appropriate treatment kits should be available for employees to use so that all pesticide formulation types can be cleaned up quickly and safely. It is useful for example to have a smaller spill kit on the sprayer as well as one at the store.

Remember that the spill could be concentrate or dilute, it could also be liquid, powder or granules Activity: List below the equipment which could be required to deal with a pesticide spill 1 _______________________________________________________________________ 2 _______________________________________________________________________ 3 _______________________________________________________________________ 4 _______________________________________________________________________ 5 _______________________________________________________________________ 6 _______________________________________________________________________ Arable

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Dry spills such as powders and granules will be easier to clean up and, in some cases, may be suitable to be saved and applied as required. Always remember to wear the appropriate PPE including a respirator when clearing up dry spills.

Disposal of any waste materials which have been collected must always be dealt with by a Reputable Licenced Waste Disposal Contractor. Always ask for a Waste Transfer Note as your proof of legitimate disposal.

The Pesticides Code of Practice Emergency Procedures section A3 gives detailed information for dealing with spillage.

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Grain store treatments Primary grain store insect pests

Activity: Insert the common name of each insect pest in the table below. The list of common names is provided in the table.

Pest:

Common Name:

Pest:

Common Name:

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Store preparation and monitoring Grain store preparation is a crucial job, and must be done meticulously to ensure that grain is kept in the best possible condition, and has the least chance of being destroyed by insects.

• • • • • • •

Remove all debris and dust from the cracks and crevices in the floor, walls and roof space.

Don’t forget to clean machinery and conveyors as they provide ideal harbourage for pests.

Monitoring insect activity with sticky traps inside the store is a key essential; Ensure the building is waterproof and that all doors are well sealed to prevent rodents accessing the store.

Ensure that there will be adequate space above the grain for ventilation.

Ensure that when air is blasted through the store for cooling, that the stale air is extracted from the store to prevent condensation.

Consider treating the fabric of the store with a spray application of an approved insecticide several weeks before filling to control any active insect pests.

Following thorough store cleaning and treatment (pre storage), place insect attractant bait bags and check weekly by shaking over white paper. Take remedial action if insects identified.

Once the store is filled with grain, pitfall insect traps can be used to detect the presence of insects. Pitfall Traps are used in pairs, with one at the surface and one placed approximately 8-15cm down into the grain. The traps should be placed approximately 56 metres apart.

The traps should be checked regularly and any insects found should be carefully identified and remedial action such as cooling or fumigation carried out as required.

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Methods of application and certification requirements Application of insecticides to the grain store (following thorough cleaning) is quite often the responsibility of the farm sprayer operator. There may also be a requirement to use insecticides to treat the crop itself. There are a range of methods of application methods with differing operator certification requirements.

Activity: Using information supplied, complete the following table detailing operator certification requirements.

Application method: Hand-held (knapsack) sprayer

Operator certification:

Mist blower

Fogging machine

Smoke generator

Conveyor applicator

Please remember that the application of pesticides to grain store/grain must be recorded.

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Calculation of store area/volume When treating grain stores or grain, the product may require the operator to calculate one of the following: • • •

Surface area (in the case of store ‘fabric’ treatments Building volume (in the case of mists, fogs or smokes) Crop flow (in the case of continuous flow treatment of grain)

Surface area Length (m) x width (m) = surface area (m2).

This usually applies to roof, walls and floor; however, the floor and roof surface area calculations in a round silo are as follows: πr 2 (π = 3.142)

Example: A round silo floor has a radius of 6m.

3.142 x (6 x 6) = 113 m2 Building volume (rectangular) Building to eaves: length (m) x width (m) x height to eaves (m) = volume (m3) Roof area: length (m) x width (m) x eaves to apex height (m) / 2 = volume (m3) Add both volume answers together to give you total volume of building (m3) Building volume (round silo) Building to eaves: πr 2 x height to eaves (m) = volume (m3) Roof area: πr 2 x eaves to apex height (m) / 3 = volume (m3)

Add both volume answers together to give you total volume of building (m3).

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Crop flow Most admix products are applied at a rate per tonne. Some products are supplied in a dilute (ready to use) form making calculating overall application rate more straightforward than products that require dilution.

Grain conveyors usually have a nominal output in tonnes per hour and products usually have an application rate in litres per 100 tonnes.

Label application rate litres per 100 tonnes / 100 = application rate litres per tonne.

Tonnes per hour to be treated x litres per tonne = litres per hour Example: A grain conveyor has a rated output of 30 tonnes per hour. The product application rate is 4.2 litres per 100 tonnes.

30 tonnes per hour x 0.042 litres per tonne= 1.260 litres per hour Therefore 1.260 divided by 60 mins = 0.021 litres per min.

So, to check flow rate collect the nozzle output for 3 minutes (3 mins x 0.021) = 0.063 litres (63ml).

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Rodent control update Positive changes noted in the recent report from the rodenticide regime’s Government Oversight Group show that more than 23,000 pest control technicians, gamekeepers and farmers have completed approved training courses and become certified as competent users.

There are 17 stewardship-approved farm assurance schemes whose 94,000 members are inspected against standards for rodent pest management that comply with the CRRU Code of Best Practice.

Nearly 1,300 premises selling stewardship label, professional use only, rodenticides have undergone independent BASIS point-of-sale audits.

During the first two years with all stewardship elements in place there have continued to be significant rodenticide residues found in Barn Owls, this is known as secondary poisoning. The report states that government is expecting lasting reductions in rodenticide residues carried by non-target wildlife.

Without good evidence of this we can anticipate more restrictions on how rodenticides can be obtained, used and by whom.

Secondary poisoning is said to be the main cause of non-targets being infected by rodenticides. In order to reduce the incidents of secondary poisoning in non-targets farmers could adopt an Integrated Pest Management approach which uses a variety of methods to control rodents Secondary poisoning is when a predator eats a dying rodent that has been poisoned, or a scavenger eats a dead carcase of a poisoned rodent and is affected.

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Activity: List below some control methods which would form part of an Integrated Pest Management control programme for rodents. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Remember the preferred order of control Habitat management Âť Physical control Âť Chemical control

The CRRU Code of Best Practice has a seven-point action plan for the safe use of rodenticides: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Always have a planned approach Always record the quantity of bait used and where placed Always use enough baiting points Always collect and dispose of rodent bodies Never leave bait exposed to non-target animals and birds Never fail to inspect bait regularly Never leave bait down at the end of the treatment

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Local / Specific Issues This part of the Current Issues section will be tailored to your course based on any local issues that affect you, or any specific issues which your trainer(s) feel are relevant to you.

Extracts from the SQC Standards full standard available https://www.sqcrops.co.uk/documents/farm-documents/

Sprayer Calibrations

Training and competency Training and competency are important, some of the reasons for this are: It is an obligation of the Health and Safety at Work Act to protect (as far as reasonably possible) the Health, Safety and Welfare of their employees whilst at work.

The Control of Pesticides Regulation 1986 requires that operators must have the knowledge, skills and experience needed for the duties they will perform

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The SQC Standards require that staff and contractors are competent.

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An Integrated Pest Management Plan is designed to help the grower on that land to make the best possible sustainable use of the all available methods of managing pests, weeds and diseases, whilst benefitting both the farming business and the environment.

The Sustainable Use Directive defines IPM under the following. The VI believes that most UK growers will be implementing some if not all of these measures depending upon the farm enterprise. The prevention and/or suppression of harmful organisms should be achieved or supported among other options especially by: • crop rotation, • cultivation techniques, • use of resistant/tolerant cultivars and standard/certified seed/planting material, • use of balanced fertilisation, liming and irrigation/drainage practices, • hygiene measures (e.g. cleansing of machinery) • protection and enhancement of important beneficial organisms, • Monitoring of Harmful organisms • Application of plant protection based on monitoring data • Use of biological, physical and other non-chemical methods must be preferred to chemical methods if they provide satisfactory pest control • Application of pesticide should be as Targeted as possible • The professional user should keep the use of pesticides and other forms of intervention to levels that are necessary and that do not increase the risk for development of resistance in populations of harmful organisms • Anti-resistance strategies should be applied to maintain the effectiveness of the products.

• Review the success of plant protection measures. (source https://voluntaryinitiative.org.uk/schemes/integrated-pest-management/)

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Integrated Pest Management Plan

The following items you may see considered in an IPM plan 1. Targeted use of PPPs 2. Crop rotation 3. Soil Health 4. Seasonal review of overall practice and selection of control measures Biodiversity Action Plan

The following items you may see considered in the Biodiversity Action Plan 1. A map of areas important to biodiversity on the farm – (this map can be useful all staff, operators, advisors and contactors) 2. Details of how provision is made for wildlife habitats 3. Identification of ecologically sensitive areas

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ROAD TRAFFIC LAW AND SPRAYERS Within the road traffic law and sprayers section, we will cover the following: •

Licence requirements

•

Trailer tests

•

Width and speed limits

•

Weight limits

•

Vehicle roadworthiness

•

Health and safety law

•

Mobile phones

•

Driver courtesy

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What licence do I need to drive a self-propelled sprayer on road?

Machines such as telehandlers and self- propelled sprayers are officially classed as agricultural machines and require a driver to have passed a category B driving test to be legal on road. The minimum age at which a category B test can be taken, and a licence obtained is age 17.

However, the passing of a category B test does not give a person aged 17 the ability to drive all agricultural machines such as sprayers straight away. There are age-based restrictions to consider up to the age of 21 yrs. Vehicle weights and age requirements are: •

3.5 tonnes limit between ages __________ and __________

•

7.5 tonnes limit between ages __________ and __________

Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes can only be driven under a category B licence legally on road by persons aged 21 years or over.

It is important to check the weights of vehicles younger drivers are asked to drive to make sure that drivers are at the correct age for the weight of the vehicle driven.

What licence do I need to drive a sprayer towed by a tractor?

There are 2 options as regards licence qualification to drive tractors on road.

Option 1: Under the current rules a 16-year-old can obtain a provisional category F driving licence and if the F tractor driving test is passed, legally drive an agricultural tractor and trailer on the road. However, there are restrictions on type of the tractor and trailer a 16 yr. old person can drive on the road. Important points to remember are: • • • •

A category F licence will only allow the holder to drive an agricultural tractor and trailer on the road. A category F licence does not allow the holder to drive any other type of vehicle (e.g. telehandler) on the road.

At age 16 a person with a category F licence is restricted to driving an agricultural tractor with a maximum width of 2.45m. This width restriction applies to both the tractor and the trailer.

A 16 year old can tow either a two wheeled trailer or a 4 wheeled close coupled trailer. A close coupled trailer is one with axle centres no more than 840mm apart.

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the road at 16 is either when they are travelling to or from the place where the category F test is held.

If a 16-year-old is caught driving a tractor and trailer wider than 2.45m in width they could be prosecuted and given up to 6 penalty points and a ÂŁ1000 fine.

At 17 years the width restrictions on driving tractors and trailers no longer apply.

Option 2: The entitlement to drive a tractor is automatically awarded to holders of a category B licence – in other words the ability to drive an agricultural tractor comes automatically when a category B test is passed.

Trailer tests Tractors: Agricultural tractors and trailers are treated as one unit. This means that the entitlement to drive a tractor automatically includes the entitlement to drive a tractor and trailer combination. With no additional testing or licence qualification needed Other agricultural machines e.g. self-propelled sprayers: The general rule is that a category B driving license allows holders to drive agricultural machines and a towed trailer weighing a maximum of 750kgs laden weight. To tow a trailer over 750kg behind an agricultural vehicle an additional licence qualification is needed (category E). To gain a category E licence entitlement an additional test must be taken and passed.

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Width and speed limits The speed limit for agricultural vehicles varies according to the vehicle type and the width of the vehicle.

Activity: Using information from your presenter, please complete the table below: Tractor type: High specification tractor – e.g. Fastrac and Unimog

Width of vehicle:

Speed:

High specification tractor – e.g. Fastrac and Unimog High specification tractor – e.g. Fastrac and Unimog All other tractors All other tractors All other tractors

All other agricultural machines e.g. telehandler sprayer, combine All other agricultural machines e.g. telehandler, sprayer, combine

Remember a speed limit is not a target that must be reached. Speed should be adjusted to the road conditions at the time and so a lower speed may well be appropriate.

Weight limits The weight limit for an agricultural tractor/trailer combination is __________ tonnes.

Within the overall weight limit of __________ tonnes the weight of a laden trailer can be no more than __________ tonnes.

Towed sprayers are classed as a towed appliance up to a weight of 14.23 tonnes. Over that weight limit towed sprayers are treated in the same way as trailers. This means that the maximum permitted weight of a tractor and sprayer combination on road is 31 tonnes and the weight of the sprayer can be no more than 18.29 tonnes.

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Vehicle roadworthiness Mainstream goods vehicles used entirely on road are subject to a high degree of regulation to ensure that they are well maintained and safe to use on road. The main purpose of agricultural vehicles is to perform agricultural operations on field and so it is considered that it is not appropriate to have the same high level of regulation e.g. HGVs have an annual MOT but agricultural vehicles are not required to have annual MOTs. However, the law says that all agricultural vehicles must be safe and roadworthy every time they are used e.g. brakes and lights must work etc.

Drivers who take unroadworthy vehicles on road can face enforcement action and be sanctioned by penalty point, fines, and imprisonment for serious offences. Persons who cause or permit unroadworthy vehicles on road can face similar sanctions.

Health and safety law Under health and safety law employers have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of people who work for them and anyone else who may be affected by their business operations. Employees have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their work activities.

Employers have a duty under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment regulations (PUWER).

Activity: List the duties of the employer under PUWER: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Employers and employees have a duty to work safely and protect all others in the workplace.

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Mobile phones Mobile phones are a proven cause of driver distraction and a cause of many road accidents every year.

The use of mobile phones while driving is banned. Offences attract fines of £200 and 6 penalty points per offence.

12 penalty points results in the loss of a driving licence.

Newly qualified drivers are in a probationary period for the first two years of qualification. In that probationary period if 6 points are acquired the person involved loses their full licence. They revert to learner status with the need to retake a driving test. Persons of learner status can only go on the road if L plates are displayed and they are accompanied by a qualified driver.

Driver courtesy Driver courtesy is essential to establish good relationships with other users of rural roads and with rural residents.

Important points to remember are: • • •

Adjust speed to the road conditions at the time. A speed limit is not a target that must be reached at all times but something to comply with if the conditions are right.

Do not use mobile phones as these are a cause of driver distraction and given the high visibility of drivers in agricultural vehicles noticed quickly by other road users.

Take care to protect the road environment by not driving on kerbs or banks of ditches etc.

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APPLICATION AND TECHNOLOGY Within the Application and Technology section, the following will be covered: •

Effective sprayer cleaning

•

Sprayer filling

• Spray droplet size and volume • Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) •

Spray Assist mobile phone/tablet application

•

Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) competition

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Effective sprayer cleaning Effective sprayer cleaning avoids risks to other crops sprayed and ensures the sprayer is always ready for the next job. This is particularly important after using herbicides where even small traces can damage sensitive crops.

Always check the label as the product may require special cleaning procedures.

Activity: How do you ensure your sprayer is clean prior to moving on to a different crop (e.g. spraying oilseed rape following controlling brassica type weeds in cereals)? Record your answers below. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Thorough sprayer cleaning procedure (NOT following the use of sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides): 1. Rinse the inside of the tank with clean water and flush out at least one tenth of the spray tank volume through the boom and hoses. (If the sprayer is fitted with a separate clean water tank this initial flush can be performed in the field and the dilute washings sprayed onto untreated areas of the target crop). Drain the tank, sump and pipework as much as possible. Wash down the outside of the equipment to remove any contamination.

2. Fill the tank with a small volume of clean water and add the cleaning agent at the recommended rate. The amount of water should be at least 10% of the spray tank volume but on wide-boom machines a larger volume may be needed because of the greater hose capacity. For 24m booms do not use less than 120 litres.

3. Start the tank wash nozzle(s). Open spray valves and operate until spray lines are full of cleaning solution (remember that it will take several seconds for the cleaning solution to reach the furthest nozzle). Close spray valves and recirculate the cleaning solution through the tank wash nozzle(s) for 10-15 minutes.

4. Flush the boom and hoses and drain the system as much as possible.

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5. Remove nozzles and filters and soak in a bucket containing cleaning agent and water.

6. Repeat steps 3 and 4.

7. Rinse tank again with clean water and flush at least one tenth of the tank volume through the booms and hoses. Turn off the boom and recirculate the water through the tank wash nozzle(s) for 10-15 minutes. Spray out as much as possible and drain the system.

8. Dispose of the washings in accordance with legislation and industry best practice (e.g. sprayed back onto crop or via an approved biobed/biofilter.

Thorough sprayer cleaning procedure following use of sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides: 1. Immediately after spraying, drain tank completely. Any contamination on the outside of the spraying equipment should be removed by washing with clean water.

2. Rinse inside of the tank with clean water and flush through boom and hoses using at least one-tenth of the spray volume. Drain tank completely, including the sump.

3. Half fill the tank with clean water and add the cleaning agent at the recommended rate. Agitate and then flush the boom and hoses with the cleaning solution. Top up with water making sure the tank is completely full and allow to stand for 15 minutes with agitation. Again flush the boom and hoses and drain tank completely.

4. Remove nozzles and filters and soak in a bucket containing cleaning agent and water.

5. Rinse the tank with clean water and flush through the boom and hoses using at least one-tenth of the spray volume. Drain tank completely.

6. Dispose of the washings in accordance with legislation and industry best practice (e.g. sprayed back onto crop or via an approved biobed/biofilter.

Note: If it is not possible to drain the tank completely, step 3 must be repeated before going to step 4.

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Activity: Using the table below, please list the key areas (hot spots) where spray solution can remain after the initial clean.

Hot Spots Interior

Exterior

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Workload planning to minimise cleaning Spraying operations can be planned to ensure that any tank residues do not cause harm to the following crop. This can also save a lot of unnecessary washing time.

It is always good practice to carry out a water rinse after every application is completed.

However, by planning your order of spraying you may be able to reduce the frequency of thorough sprayer cleaning (as detailed earlier in this section).

Activity: Please suggest the most efficient order to carry out the spraying jobs to minimise the need to carry out thorough sprayer cleaning.

Please indicate if a wash is required between jobs and specify the type of wash (e.g. water rinse or cleaning agent) Spraying plan 1 – suggested order: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Spraying plan 2 – suggested order: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

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Sprayer filling Here are some useful reminders regarding sprayer filling.

•

Always ensure the sprayer is thoroughly clean before starting – as there may be residues of incompatible products from the previous job.

•

The sprayer tank must be at least half full of water before you start adding products.

•

Always add water conditioning products to the tank first.

•

Add more water as products are added.

•

Allow one product to completely clear the induction bowl before adding the next product. This avoids concentrates coming into direct contact with each other with the potential for disastrous results.

•

Recirculate the spray solution and give cans an initial rinse.

•

Once all product is in the sprayer carry out the final can rinsing with clean water during the final top up.

•

Spray solution immediately.

Formulation Mixing Order: 1 Water Conditioning Products 2 WSB - Water Soluble Bags 3 WG - Water Dispersible Granules 4 WP - Wettable Powders 5 SC - Suspension Concentrates 6 SE - Suspo-Emulsions 7 EC - Emulsifiable Concentrates 8 EW - Oil in Water Emulsions 9 SL - Soluble Liquids 10 Adjuvants Never assume that the products on the recommendation sheet are listed in the correct filling order!

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Spray droplet size and volume The size of a spray droplet is usually a measurement of its diameter in microns.

One micron = 1/1000 millimetre = 0.0001mm There is a simple but important relationship between droplet size and droplet volume.

This is known as the spray volume rule of eight.

The relationship between size and volume is cubic. Therefore, by halving the diameter of any given droplet, eight droplets would be needed to carry the same volume.

Activity: How many 200-micron droplets would have the same volume as a 400-micron droplet? ________________________________________________________________________

Activity: If eight 200-micron droplets were halved how many 100-micron droplets would there be? ________________________________________________________________________

Activity: Is a droplet with a diameter of 400 microns more likely or less likely to be retained on a leaf than a 200-micron droplet? ________________________________________________________________________

Activity: Is a droplet with a diameter of 400 microns more likely or less likely to drift than a 200-micron droplet? ________________________________________________________________________ Arable

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Volume Median Diameter The term Volume Median Diameter is used as a method for quantifying the type of droplet spectrum a particular nozzle produces The term is defined as the droplet size at which 50% of the total sprayed volume is made up of droplets larger than the median and 50% of the total sprayed volume is made up of droplets smaller than the median.

Relationship between VMD and spray quality Activity: Complete the Retention, Penetration and Drift Potential sections of the table below for fine, medium and coarse nozzles: Spray Quality

Droplets size (microns)

Relative Retention coverage/litre % of fine

Fine F110/0.85/3.5

VMD 200

100

Medium F110/1.44/2.5

VMD 250

63

Coarse F110/2.58/2.0

VMD 340

50

Penetration

Drift Potential

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Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) When purchasing a replacement sprayer there are many choices to be made, one of which is “what nozzle spacing do I go for?”

For quite some time sprayers have been sold with standard 50cm nozzle spacing which when used with 110˚ fan nozzles at 50cm above the target will give the correct coverage.

There is now an option to go for 25cm nozzle spacing, but are there any benefits from this, or is it just an excuse to get the farmer to spend more money?

Activity: In the spaces below include as many advantages and disadvantages for each option that you can think of.

Advantages of 50cm spacing ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Disadvantages of 50cm spacing ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

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Advantages of 25cm spacing ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Disadvantages of 25cm spacing ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

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Spray Assist mobile phone/tablet application Syngenta Spray Assist is a new App created to help sprayer operators to select the most appropriate application techniques for different crops, situations and timings on-the-fly.

The simple to use app links to live local weather data, to analyse the factors that influence accurate application and potential risk of spray drift, including wind, rain or frost. The app suggests techniques to enable sprayer operators to mitigate risks or alter practices.

Spray Assist utilises data and provides guidance for: • • • •

16 different crop types Over 45 application timings and targets More 10 leading nozzle manufacturers Over 600 different nozzle types

Crop types covered include cereals; oilseed rape; potatoes; maize and vegetable crops, with advice on applications including different fungicide timings; weed control - at preemergence, peri-emergence; autumn or spring post-emergence; insecticides and desiccation.

Syngenta application trials research has shown the potential for even small tweaks in sprayer set-up and operation to make significant differences in results achieved, including grass weed control and fungicide treatments. Spray Assist will further help them make better informed decisions and tailor their application techniques to optimise results.

Users can enter plans for cropping, locations, and product use and application timings.

Further personalising the data with the farm’s application equipment enables advanced algorithms to provide guidance on the most appropriate available sprayer setup in any selected situation, for the forecasted weather conditions.

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Selecting a proposed spray time up to four days in advance, the app will indicate if conditions are likely to be best to spray; if spraying could be undertaken - possibly with suggested mitigating measures - or if the application is not advisable.

With planned spraying operations for specific crops and treatment targets, the Spray Assist will suggest the most appropriate nozzle selections and sprayer operation, adjusting speed and water volume, for example, to deliver the best possible results.

Spray Assist is free to download from the App Store or Google Play.

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Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) competition The aim of FSOOTY is to find the best Farm Sprayer Operator in the UK. The award seeks to reward the country’s top sprayer operators - whilst also sharing the practical tips and best practice that can help all operators enhance results and protect the environment.

The application of crop protection products is one of the most complex challenges faced on farm. From filling the sprayer, through applying the spray to disposing of the empty containers, the operator is faced with many possible ways of doing the job.

The use of plant protection products is under constant scrutiny, so it is important to use them safely and efficiently in a way that meets crop needs, as well as public, operator and environmental safety.

It’s a tricky balance, but for many operators, it comes as second nature. The Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year award aims to recognise this professional approach and help encourage further improvements.

It’s not about having the latest kit. If you can demonstrate ingenuity and an ability to meet these varying objectives by using agrochemicals sensibly, then you are in with a chance of winning.

As part of the application process, entrants are required to answer a series of questions and submit a useful top tip.

The application window for the 2021 competition is ______________________________

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Below are examples of FSOOTY applicant questions with the correct answers highlighted in bold.

1. What output (l/min) do you get from a 05 Defy 3D nozzle at 3 bar pressure? a) 1.6l/min b) 1.8l/min c) 2.0l/min

2. The recommended boom height for a 1100 Fan Jet is 50 cm above the crop. If the boom is operated at 70cm above the crop, by how much will drift be increased? a) b) c) d)

More than 7x More than 4x More than 2x More than 1.4x

3. The single most important aspect for improved chemical efficacy is: a) b) c) d)

Timing Water Volume Spray quality Forward speed

4. If your chemical store has a maximum capacity of 60,000m3 what should your bunding be able to contain? a) b) c) d)

55,000m3 60,000m3 66,000m3 80,000m3

5. When tank mixing a range of formulations, which one should you always add last? a) Trace Element (Manganese Sulphate Powder) b) Suspension Concentrate (Amistar) c) Emulsifiable Concentrate (Axial) d) Water dispersible granule (Aphox)

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City & Guilds, 4 Red Hall Court, Paragon Business Village, Wakefield, WF1 2UN, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 24 7685 7300 Email: nrososupport@cityandguilds.com

www.nroso.org.uk