Sprayer Operator Workbook

ISSUES I NS IDEAS Arable Delegate Workbook 2018 – 2019

Arable Delegate Workbook 2019 – 2020

Delegate Name

Delegate Name

Arable

This training was developed by: Paul Aldridge John Priscott Mike Wells Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge the kind support, advice and ideas from: Trevor Johnson City & Guilds The Voluntary Initiative Crop Protection Association Agricultural Industries Confederation Agricultural Engineers Association National Farmers Union Amazone UK RES Tractors De Sangosse BASF Iain Robertson 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.

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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.

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 Water Conditioning Sprayer Maintenance Technology and Top-Tips Review and Reflection 3

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Introduction Course Outline Welcome to the 2019/2020 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 Water Conditioning.

In this section we will look at water quality, its effect on pesticide performance and the role of water conditioners.

The third section is Sprayer Maintenance.

In this section we will look at sprayer routine maintenance and filtration.

The final section is Technology and Top-Tips.

In this section we will look at application technology and a collection of top tips from Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) finalists.

Accreditation NRoSO: 10 points BASIS: 8 points 5

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Activity: As a whole group exercise, complete the following multiple choice quiz based on last year’s presentation.

1.

What was the title of last year’s course? a)

Check, Protect, Reflect.

b) Sprayer Care and Technology. c)

Pedestrian, Protection & Pellets.

d) Sprayers, Water, Application & Tips.

2.

Waste packaging arising from pesticide application should be stored a)

securely inside the pesticide store.

b) securely in a separate undercover area. c)

outside in an uncovered waste skip.

d) outside in a designated waste pile.

3.

HSE guidance is that a pesticide store bund (in normal circumstances) should be capable of retaining a minimum of a)

90% of the total volume stored.

b) 100% of the total volume stored. c)

110% of the total volume stored.

d) 120% of the total volume stored.

4.

The OSR herbicides that are most frequently being detected in water are a)

diflufenican, flufenacet, triallate, prosulfocarb and pendimethalin.

b) metazachlor, propyzamide, carbetamide, quinmerac and clopyralid. c)

metazachlor, propyzamide, carbetamide, clomazone and flufenacet.

d) triallate, prosulfocarb, pendimethalin, quinmerac and clopyralid.

5.

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is said to deliver a more consistent application than using a nozzle switching system because a)

it avoids the changes in pressure that occur when one nozzle reaches its limits and the next is selected.

b) it works at a higher pressure than a conventional system. c)

it works at a lower pressure than a conventional system.

d) it enables the application to be carried out at higher forward speeds.

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

Activity: At the end of the Technology and Top-Tips section we are going to look at a selection of top-tips provided by the Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) finalists. Throughout todays training event please record any top-tips you feel may benefit other operators. These can be recorded below and shared at the end of the session.

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Current Issues 2019/2020 Within the Current Issues section, the following will be covered:

Codes of Practice and Legislation.

Integrated Pest Management.

Products/Active Substances Update.

Reduced Volume Applications.

BeeConnected Update.

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

Safety When Working Near Power Lines.

Are You Qualified?

Local/Specific Issues.

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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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Codes of Practice and Legislation Government Departments have produced guidance to help those working

SQC STANDARD 2.1

with pesticides meet the requirements of legislation.

The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 came into force on 18 July 2012, replacing the previous UK legislation governing the use of pesticides.

Guidance on the safe use and storage of plant protection products already exists in the Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products. All professional users of plant protection products must follow the guidance.

The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 is a statutory instrument and has therefore been passed as legislation in the UK. However, there is often confusion regarding the legal status of the Code of Practice for using Plant Protection Products.

• The code gives you advice on how to use

pesticides safely.

• The code has a special position in law. If you follow its advice you will be doing enough to keep within the law. But you may be able to work in a different way from the code as long as that way is just as safe.

• If you are prosecuted for not following the code, a court will find you guilty unless you can show that you have obeyed the law in some other way.

A new Code of Practice may be issued in due course.

In the meantime, although some of the underlying legislative framework has changed, the general guidance contained in the existing code remains appropriate.

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A few questions/activities based on the COP: 1.

When filling equipment, what height does the “Code of Practice” state you should not lift pesticide containers above?

2.

List three things that the Code of Practice states are dangerous practices (for the operator) when pesticides are being used:

3.

What are the minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements when handling a liquid concentrate?

4.

What do EN numbers on an item of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) indicate?

5.

What does a coverall that is labelled as both Type 5 and Type 6 provide protection from?

6.

On most product labels the following statement appears.

‘However, engineering controls may replace PPE if a COSHH assessment shows they offer an equal or higher standard of protection.’ What might constitute an Engineering Control?

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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Record Keeping

SQC STANDARD 2.2

With more emphasis being placed on how we, as individuals/businesses, demonstrate that IPM is being carried out, going-forward there may be a need to look at implementing records of decision making.

This could be something as simple as notes on a field plan:

Activity: What other methods of recording IPM decision making could be used?

Make a list below.

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SQC STANDARD 2.2

IPM Training/Certification At an agronomy level, BASIS courses/awards include reference to IPM practices.

The awards are now titled with reference to IPM, e.g. BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection IPM. Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) offer the LEAF BASIS ‘Introduction to IFM’ and LEAF Marque training.

At operator/supervisor level, City & Guilds offer the Level 3 Award in Responsible Pesticide Management.

This qualification is designed specifically for anyone who currently supervises or manages a pesticide team or wishes to develop their career further.

This qualification is split into four mandatory units: • Managing the Health, Safety and Welfare of Operators Applying Pesticides • Minimising the Environmental Impact of Pesticide Operations • The Selection, Storage and Effective Use of Pesticides • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Growers are being urged to demonstrate IPM practices. Part of this qualification covers the principles, methods, implementation and effectiveness of IPM. For more information please visit www.nptc.org.uk and click on the 14

‘qualifications’ link.

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Products/Active Substances Update Glyphosate

SQC STANDARD 2.6 2.7

The current EU licence for glyphosate expires on 15 December 2022.

A meeting of EU member state representatives in April decided on how an application for the reauthorisation of the active substance glyphosate will be dealt with in the coming years.

Representatives endorsed a commission proposal for the relevant authorities of four member states to review the application to re-authorise glyphosate in the EU when it is forthcoming. The four that will jointly carry out the review are France, Hungary, The Netherlands and Sweden.

The decision states that the regulatory authorities of these countries must “endeavour to reach consensus during the evaluation.�

Chlorothalonil Chlorothalonil, a highly effective multi-site fungicide that has been used across the world for over 50 years, has been banned by the European Union.

Draft regulation for the non-renewal of the approval of the active was tabled at a meeting of an EU Standing Committee on 21-22 March and was supported by a majority of Member States in a subsequent vote.

Key dates: Sale and supply of products containing chlorothalonil ends on _____________ The latest date for disposal, storage and use of existing stocks is ____________ The loss of chlorothalonil will come as a huge blow to farmers as our climate makes our crops particularly susceptible to fungal diseases.

Chlorothalonil, with its multiple modes of action, plays a vital strategic role underpinning control and resistance management of fungal diseases in UK crops. As a consequence there will be a significant increase in the risk of rapid development of resistance to other fungicides.

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SQC Metaldehyde STANDARD 2.6 2.7

The legality of the ban was challenged and has been declared unlawful.

Metaldehyde is back on the market and the sell-out and use-up periods no longer apply.

9 Evaluation and forward planning

8 Monitoring 7 Record Keeping

6 Treat if required

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1 Farm appraisal

Consider these IPM steps:

5 Thresholds

2 Soil & stubble managment 3 Planting

4 Trapping

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Chlorpropham (CIPC) Chlorpropham (or CIPC) is being withdrawn in Europe on 8th January 2020 with a short use-up period to follow.

CIPC is widely used as a sprout suppressing agrochemical applied to stored potatoes.

SQC STANDARD 2.6 2.7

Treatment of potato stores involves, in most cases, application of CIPC as a hot fog which is introduced into the storage building under pressure using specialist thermal fogging equipment. Best practice requires use of the store ventilation system to help to distribute this fog evenly throughout the crop to optimise the suppressant’s activity and to minimise residues.

An additional problem is that CIPC remains present in the construction material of potato storages. Even after industrial cleaning, CIPC persists in the building, and the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) is 0,01ppm.

Even years later, CIPC can migrate from the building materials to the potatoes stored in that building. And should CIPC be found in a sample, all potatoes in the store would have to be destroyed.

Ethoprophos Ethoprophos, the active substance in Mocap 15G, has been banned by the European Commission.

Mocap 15G is a popular insecticide and molluscicide among UK potato farmers and its loss will seriously deplete their crop protection toolkit.

The decision to ban Ethoprophos was made at a recent meeting of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed after the Commission had put forward the draft regulation for a vote.

The published Commission regulation banning Ethoprophos gives a maximum date of until 21 September 2019 to sell or distribute existing stocks of product, and a maximum use up date for products of 21 March 2020.

Member States are left to set their withdrawal dates within these boundaries but the UK has yet to publish its withdrawal notice for Mocap 15G.

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SQC Packaging STANDARD 2.4

Operators need to be very aware that quite different products often come in similar cans and/or have similar labels. Some current examples as follows:

There is a need for vigilance when mixing and handling. The consequences of selecting the incorrect product are likely to be very costly!

These issues are being fed back to the manufacturers but it is a very slow job to change global branding.

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SQC STANDARD

Reduced Volume Spraying

2.8

What is a Reduced Volume Application?

It is when the concentrated product is applied with a lower volume of water than the product label recommends for the dose stated.

2.9

2.10

What are the risks associated with Reduced Volume Spraying?

• Smaller droplet size (finer spray quality).

• Increased drift potential.

• A more concentrated solution, possible increased risks to people and the environment.

In the following example, applying 3 l/ha of product in 100 l/ha would be a ‘Reduced Volume Application’.

Dose Rate

Water Volume

3 l/ha

150-250 l/ha

However, applying 2 l/ha in 100 l/ha would not be considered a ‘Reduced Volume Application’ as the product has been reduced in proportion to the water volume.

150 l/ha ÷ 3 l/ha = 50 litres of water per litre of product.

2 l/ha x 50 = 100 l/ha How can we tell if we are allowed to make a ‘Reduced Volume Application’?

With reference to the product label or relevant notice of approval, the following situations would mean that a ‘Reduced Volume Application’ could not be made.

•

If it states that there is a minimum application volume, e.g.

Dose Rate

Water Volume

3 l/ha

Apply in a minimum of 200 l/ha

•

If there is a requirement to use PPE when the product is applied.

•

I f any of the following statements, or associated hazard symbols appear on the product information.

’Risk of serious damage to eyes’ or ‘Corrosive’

’Toxic’ or ‘Very Toxic’

Carcinogenic

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If you are able to make a ‘Reduced Volume Application’, you must comply with the following.

• The ‘reduced volume’ must not be greater than 10 times the maximum concentration stated on product information.

• Spray quality must be no finer than a ‘fine’ droplet.

• Risk to human health and the environment must be assessed and adequately controlled.

• All conditions of the product approval must be observed.

• Comply with PPE requirements as in Annex E of the current Code of Practice.

Situation

Reason

Wear

Reduced volume spraying To avoid increased Face-shield, coveralls, outdoors by a vehicle exposure from using a more gloves and boots without a cab or when using concentrated spray solution hand-held applicators Hood for ‘harmful or ‘irritant’ products Reduced volume spraying To avoid increased exposure from using a more by indoor sprayers and concentrated spray solution outdoor equipment on a vehicle without a closed cab

Face-shield, RPE, hood, an apron for ‘harmful or ‘irritant’ products, and coveralls, gloves and boots

Other situations when ‘Reduced Volume Applications’ may be made.

• If an item of equipment is specified for use within the product approval, e.g. a weed wiper or stem injection equipment.

Activity: Your presenter will give you some product label information.

For each product please complete the following information: Product name:

Statements/hazard warnings Water volume range (state if minimum specified): Maximum dose rate:

Maximum dose rate at the following water volumes:

20

80 l/ha

100 l/ha

150 l/ha

200 l/ha

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Product name:

Statements/hazard warnings Water volume range (state if minimum specified): Maximum dose rate:

Maximum dose rate at the following water volumes:

80 l/ha

100 l/ha

150 l/ha

200 l/ha

80 l/ha

100 l/ha

150 l/ha

200 l/ha

Product name:

Statements/hazard warnings Water volume range (state if minimum specified): Maximum dose rate:

Maximum dose rate at the following water volumes:

Please use this space to record any other information regarding reduced volume applications:

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SQC STANDARD 2.11

BeeConnected Since its launch, there have been in excess of 2900 user registrations so far.

These are broken-down as follows: Beekeepers

June 2018

June 2019

Number of hives registered:

3010

3517

Number of beekeepers registered:

1839

2141

Number of fields registered:

1404

5392

Number of farmers/managers registered:

587

788

Farmers/Growers

Based on 2019 figures, about 73% 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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National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) – Update The following pie charts provide information on NSTS inspections from

SQC STANDARD 2.17

2.20

2016 to 2018:

2016 No faults 46% 1 fault

18.6%

2 faults

12.8%

3 faults+ 22.6%

2017 No faults 50% 1 fault

34%

2 faults

12%

3 faults+ 4%

2018 No faults 53% 1 fault

18.0%

2 faults

12.0%

3 faults+ 17.0%

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Number of tests completed (2018):

Number of tests by sector (2018):

Sprayer

16,557

Agriculture

14,397

Micro-granular

1,120

Amenity

670

Fogging

51

Horticulture

497

Slug pellet applicator

808

Fruit

993

Additional information: • The number of sprayer tests has declined since 2017.

• The number of amenity sprayers has dropped by about 25%.

• Figures for all sectors except horticulture, sprayer tests have dropped, and in particular in the amenity sector.

Activity: Please complete the table below showing the 10 most common faults found in 2018.

Ranking 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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Test Item

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Safety When Working Near Power Lines On average two people are killed and many more are injured every year when they come into contact with overhead power lines (OHPLs) during agricultural work.

Contact with OHPLs can result in death by electrocution or serious injuries such as burns.

If a piece of machinery or equipment gets too close to or comes into contact with an overhead cable, then electricity will be conducted through the machine or equipment to earth.

It may also pass through anyone who is touching it.

Electricity can arc, i.e. jump across gaps, so you (and your equipment or machinery) do not have to touch the lines to get a serious or fatal shock.

Familiarise yourself with minimum clearances for power lines. Also be aware that power lines can ‘sag’ between poles – particularly during warmer weather.

Source HSE Activity: How can you reduce the risk of machinery (e.g. sprayers) coming into contact with overhead power lines (OHPLs). Make a list below.

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SQC STANDARD 2.14

2.15

Are You Qualified?

We have covered operator certification in previous annual training events. In recent months there have been a significant number of enquiries regarding the certification requirements for operators of spraying bowsers.

For operators who are transporting water in a tank /bowser with an attached mobile pesticide store, certification is not required.

If operators are mixing and transferring pesticides then operator certification is required.

The current certification requirements are as follows: • City & Guilds Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides (PA1). • City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Mixing and Transferring of Pesticides (PA8).

COP 3.3.3.

You should make sure that all pesticides are safely transported to where they will be applied and stay safely stored at the site.

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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. Your trainer may present up to three topics; you can make notes below: 1.

2.

3.

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Sustainable Use Directive Boom sprayers over 3 metres, air blast, train and aircraft sprayers - Tested by 26th November 2016 or first test due before the machine is 5 years old - Re-test due within 5 years up to 2020 - After 2020 re-test every 3 years Boom sprayers 3 metres and under and other types of PAE, incl. slug pellet and micro-granular applicators, weed wipers, seed treatment and other specialist application equipment - Tested by 26th November 2016 or fi rst test due before the machine is 5 years old - Re-test every 6 years Knapsack, handheld and pedestrian sprayers - Do not require a formal test but need to be inspected regularly - Make any repairs necessary - Keep a record of the inspection, a checklist is available from the NSTS website

Sprayer Testing • Year tested Next test due • 2016 By 26/11/2020 • 2017 By 26/11/2020 • 2018 By 26/11/2021 • 2019 By 26/11/2022 • Then every three years thereafter

11.3 The PPP (SU) Regulations 2012 require all users of pesticide application equipment to ensure it is inspected: once before 26 November 2016; at intervals of no more than 5 years until 2020; at intervals of no more than 3 years thereafter. New equipment must be inspected within 5 years of the date of purchase. Only equipment that has passed inspection must be in use after 26 November 2016.

Assurance Protocols Assurance Protocols valid until October 2021: Sprayers - Crops & Fresh Produce - Annual test (boom over 3 metres) Livestock Schemes - as SUD SQC - every 3 years Granular applicators - Nematicides - Annual test - Other (e.g. Avadex) - SUD Slug pellet applicators - as SUD 28

Fogging (CIPC) - Annual

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Water Conditioning Within the Water Conditioning section of this workshop, we will cover the following: Background to Water Quality Cation Exchange Alkaline Hydrolysis Source Water Quality Humectancy

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Background Pure water is almost a myth.

Reservoir and ground water supplies nearly always have something dissolved in them e.g. Carbonates, Bicarbonates, Sulphates or Nitrates of Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Iron etc.

This can influence the following: • hardness • pH • taste In this section we are going to look at the effects that water quality can have on the effectiveness of the overall spray solution.

Cation Exchange A characteristic of hard water is the high proportion of charged cations (dissolved minerals) that affect the performance of agrochemicals by locking up a proportion of its active ingredients.

These cations bind with some herbicides, including

This map does not account for borehole sources which can be incredibly hard (>600ppm CaCO3).

glyphosate. These ‘bound’ herbicide compounds are unable to bind to the site of action in the target weed and the herbicide will be less effective.

This is known as the cation exchange.

The UK hard water area corresponds closely with the combinable crop production area where most PPPs are used.

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The glyphosate molecule was originally patented as a descaling agent to be used for cleaning out drain pipes where mineral deposits of calcium, magnesium and iron accumulate. As glyphosate is a chelator it will grab onto these metal ions and remove them.

When glyphosate is mixed into hard water (with high levels of Ca, Mg or Fe) it will grab onto these metal ions. The result is a strong complex which is not bio-available.

Only the remaining unbound glyphosate is fully available to act as a herbicide.

Solutions If Cations in the water are the problem, then the most effective solution would be to ‘negate’ the effect of the cations before adding the pesticide.

This can be achieved by pre-conditioning the water with a product (e.g.

X-Change).

These products lock-up (chelate) the cations.

The result is a spray solution in which all the herbicide is ‘active’.

Activity: List the commonly used active substances/products that are affected by hard water. Record them below.

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Alkaline Hydrolosis The pH of the spray solution can also affect chemical efficacy. Spray solutions with a high alkaline score will promote alkaline hydrolysis – where the molecules in the active solution become deactivated.

Solutions By adding a water conditioner (e.g. X-Change) into the tank first, ahead of the agrochemical the pH is reduced to around 4.6 preventing hydrolysis from occurring.

X-Change Concentration:

pH

pH

0% (Water)

8.49

7.47

0.05% w/w

4.83

4.82

0.10% w/w

4.69

4.67

0.15% w/w

4.63

4.62

0.20% w/w

4.62

4.60

0.25% w/w

4.59

4.58

0.50% w/w

4.54

4.53

Alkaline degradation of pesticides is almost always associated with hard water. Many pesticides are less stable in alkaline solution.

Activity: List the commonly used active substances/products that are affected by alkaline hydrolysis. Record them below.

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Source Water Quality The source of water used for spraying can vary from farm to farm.

The main sources are as follows: • Mains • Borehole • Reservoir • Rainwater Activity: Working in small groups, compare the hardness and pH of a range of water samples. Record your findings below.

Humectancy A further benefit of some water conditioners is their humectant properties.

A humectant is a chemical agent which prevents the final part of the spray droplet from drying out totally. Only when moist can the active penetrate the plant’s cuticle.

Humectant – increased time in % for uptake into the leaf

If the spray droplet dries out too quickly the active ingredient could precipitate into solids which will not be able to penetrate the leaf cuticle, particularly in hot conditions.

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Summary Water conditioners do not directly enhance the performance of an agrochemical, but by improving the properties of water they allow the active ingredient to perform as it is expected to do so.

Where a water conditioner is not used its performance can be impaired as a result.

It is important that water conditioners are added to the tank before the pesticide.

The correct order for filling the sprayer when using a ‘Cation Complexer’ water conditioner such as X-Change is as follows:

It is important to note that water conditioners are not classified as adjuvants or pesticides as they have no inherent pesticide activity.

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Notes

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Sprayer Maintenance Within the sprayer maintenance section of this workshop, we will cover the following: Sprayer Routine Maintenance Sprayer Filtration Cab Filtration

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SQC STANDARD 2.18 2.19

2.20

Sprayer Routine Maintenance It is commonplace for operators to carry out their own sprayer servicing and routine maintenance. Many non-routine maintenance tasks may need to be referred to the dealer and/or sprayer specialists.

Activity: Make a list of all checks / routine maintenance tasks that should be carried out on a sprayer and state the frequency (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly, yearly).

Check / routine maintenance:

Frequency:

There are many additional checks / maintenance tasks that need to be carried out at the end of season – usually prior to winter storage.

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season’ for the sprayer!

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You will now be shown a video covering the checks / routine maintenance required on a sprayer.

Please make any notes below or add to your list on the previous page.

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SQC STANDARD

Sprayer Filtration

2.19

Filters are an important part of the sprayer. They are there to protect many components of the sprayer and aid towards accurate application of plant protection products.

2.18

2.20

The general rule for checking the mesh size of the filters is the coarsest filter will be located at the suction end progressively getting finer through the system down to the finest filters at the nozzles.

Filter related troubleshooting Activity: Please complete the table below showing the causes and corrective action for each of the filtration problems.

Problem

Cause

Corrective Action

Frequent nozzle blockage

Pump will not suck

Pressure gauge fluctuates and nozzles splutter

Output falls across one boom section

Main pressure gauge falling

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NB. It is possible to “screen off� certain chemicals if filtration is too fine.

Always check chemical label for specific advice on filtration.

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Recommended filters for different flow rates:

Source: HYPRO Nozzles – Crop Spraying Pocket Guide Incorrect or no filtration causes many problems such as down time, damage to components, repair costs, unnecessary environmental issues, calibration and application issues and ineffective operation of the sprayer.

Your presenter will show you a selection of images that are the result of poor filtration.

Always refer to your sprayers operating manual for further information on the filtration system.

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Cab Filtration Are you sufficiently protected from chemical vapours when in your sprayer cab?

Nanoparticles, being small in size (10 – 100 nm), can be absorbed through the body’s airways, the skin and the alimentary canal and then spread throughout the body by circulating blood. To prevent any risk to the machine operator’s health, highly effective filtration of the cab air is vital.

EU regulation (last revised in January 2018) sets-out specific standards for cabs on agricultural equipment to protect the operator from hazardous substances. This includes plant protection products.

Categories of filtration are as follows: • Category 1 – no defined level of protection against hazardous substances • Category 2 – protection against dust • Category 3 – protection against dust and aerosols • Category 4 – protection against dust, aerosols and vapour It is mandatory for any machine applying plant protection products to have Category 4 filtration. Dusts, aerosols and gaseous contaminants that arise as a result of using toxic substances are not permitted to enter vehicle cabins.

There are a number of self-propelled sprayer manufacturers offering Category 4 as a ‘standard’ fitment. However, many tractor cabins are built to Category 2 standards.

Some manufacturers offer an option to upgrade but not always to the highest level of filtration.

If you’re unsure about the level of protection offered by your cabin, you should speak to your dealer.

What options are there for increasing the level of cabin protection?

Existing cabin filters can be upgraded.

This does rely on being able to maintain suitable cabin pressure. Cabins have to be over pressured as internal cabin pressure is important to minimise the risk of dirty air being able to flow-in.

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Some manufacturers are unable to increase protection standards due to a low internal cabin pressure.

This is mainly due to the number of air gaps (e.g. cable routing etc.).

To be able to achieve Category 4 filtration, activated and impregnated carbon filters (ABEK) are required.

Active carbon dust (originating from peat, coal and coconut shell) has an enormous surface area and can therefore absorb organic substances.

Inorganic fumes are collected with special impregnated coals. To this activated coal a chemical substance is added, to collect these fumes by using chemisorption (instead of adsorption).

EN12941 provides a clear classification of the various chemical substances and their adsorption and chemisorption requirement.

• A: Organic vapours and gases • B: Inorganic vapours and gases • E: Acid gases • K: Ammonia compounds Remember….. not all cabins are able to be upgraded to Category 4 filtration and you should always check with the manufacturer or dealer.

A cabin filtration system can be retrofitted. Some of the aftermarket systems are designed to be fitted externally (e.g. on cabin roof) whereas some can be integrated into the cabin roof.

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Technology and Top Tips Within the Technology, Operator and Tips section, the following will be covered: 4 Star Drift Reduction Nozzle Rating Closed Transfer System (CTS) – Update Spot Spraying - Update A collection of Top Tips provided by recent Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) Finalists Annual Training Event - Top-Tips

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SQC STANDARD 2.8 2.9

4 Star Drift Reduction Nozzle Rating The star-rating classification originally included 1, 2 and 3 stars, which relate to 25%, 50% and 75% drift reduction. It became clear, soon after this was introduced, that both equipment manufacturers and users were most interested in 50% and 75% levels of drift reduction, and 25%, or 1-star, was not seen as of value.

As we have covered in previous annual training events, other European member states introduced higher levels of drift reduction in their schemes – 90% and 95% - and there has been pressure to follow suit.

The UK has therefore now introduced a 4-star rating (90%) and the first 4-star ratings have been awarded in 2019.

Nozzle

Supplier

Pressure

BFS ExRay XC 025

Billericay Farm Services

Up to 2 bar

BFS ExRay XC 04

Billericay Farm Services

Up to 2.5 bar

BFS ExRay XC 05

Billericay Farm Services

Up to 3 bar

In addition to the above list, each nozzle will have operational settings and conditions for it to qualify as 4 star rated: Operational Settings and Conditions for BFS ExRay XC Nozzle 05

For further information or to search for spray equipment that has received official recognition as having a LERAP low-drift rating, please visit: 46

https://secure.pesticides.gov.uk/SprayEquipment/Search.aspx

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Closed Transfer System (CTS) – Update Testing is being carried out across the country for a closed transfer system

SQC STANDARD 2.8 2.9

which is being developed by Hypro. The system is based around the use of an ezi-connect cap. The aim is for all agrochemical manufacturers to use this cap, which is a key component of the system.

As with the majority of CTS units, the can is inverted and attached to the unit. A lever locks the can in place to avoid operator and environmental contamination. The product container contents can then be dispensed either in full or part with the aid of the vacuum created by the induction hopper venturi system.

Clean water rinsing of fully dispensed containers can also be carried out whilst the container remains attached to the system.

Your presenter will provide more details on this system. Please record any notes below:

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SQC STANDARD 2.8 2.9

Spot Spraying – Update As part of last year’s annual training event we covered spot spraying and the capabilities of chlorophyll sensing boom mounted technology.

Kuhn, working in partnership with Carbon Bee, is developing a new sprayer mounted system that uses artificial intelligence to identify weeds within a growing crop.

The I-Spray system uses hyperspectral sensors to target the weeds.

The images are processed by a computer, which sends a signal to open and close individual nozzles to spot-spray weeds. The goal is to develop a system that is accurate at speeds of up to 15km/hr.

The main advantage of the Carbon Bee-developed system is that plant protection products are only applied where they are needed. This could lead to up to 80% saving in chemical costs.

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Carbon Bee agronomists are teaching the system to recognise a number of weeds.

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FSOOTY Top-Tips In this section we are going to present some top-tips from the 2018 Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) finalists.

There is space to record the top tips below.

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Annual Training Event - Top-Tips At the start of today’s training event we asked you to record any top-tips you feel may benefit other operators. Please share these with the group. There is space to record top-tips provided by the group below.

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Notes

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Review Activity: As a whole group exercise, complete the following multiple choice quiz based on this year’s presentation.

1.

What is the legal status of the code of practice for using plant protection products (PPP)? a) It must be strictly followed at all times when using PPP. b) If you follow its advice you will be doing enough to keep within the law. c) It must be followed if a company has more than 5 employees. d) 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) If an air induction nozzle is used for the application. b) If the product does not require PPE when in a diluted state. c) If a suitable adjuvant is added to the tank mixture. d) If a respirator is used in addition to label recommended PPE.

3.

Alkaline degradation of pesticides is almost always associated with a) water hardness. b) water volume. c) water temperature. d) water pressure.

4.

What level of protection does category 4 cab filtration provide? a) No defined level of protection against hazardous substances. b) Protection against dust. c) Protection against dust and aerosols. d) Protection against dust, aerosols and vapour.

5.

What level of drift reduction does UK 4 star rated equipment offer? a) 75%. b) 85%. c) 90%.

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d) 95%.

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Personal Reflection Activity: Following this annual training event, list three things that you will do differently at work. Record them below.

1.

2.

3.

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Notes

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Notes

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Your life can be lost within seconds if you come into contact with electricity.

out, Look Every year, people are killed or seriously

look up

injured when they come into contact with high voltage electricity.

This can have a far-reaching and devastating effect on family, friends and colleagues.

Distractions, working long hours, rushing to get the job done, can all impact on how we work and our safety.

Taking time to plan, being prepared and focusing on the ukpowernetworks.co.uk way we work can help keep us safe.

Where equipment or machinery is used near overhead power lines the risk must be considered and controlled in the interest of everyone.

Know the location of overhead electricity power lines and underground electricity cables on your land prior to starting work Contact UK Power Networks for copies of plans showing where equipment is and mark this information on your farm map. Ensure everyone working on your land, visitors, contractors and casual workers, are aware of the location and voltages of the overhead power lines before starting work

For further advice and cable maps visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/

Plan your work so it avoids high risk areas. You should manage the risks if you intend to work within a distance of 10m. Contact UK Power Networks for advice on shrouding or disconnections before starting work Assess your safe working clearances to overhead power lines. If in doubt, contact the electricity network operator Never stack anything directly under or near to overhead power lines Use alternative access points and routes to fields which avoid crossing under overhead power lines Find out the maximum height and vertical reach of all your machinery and equipment

NATIONAL POWER CUT HELPLINE

Train staff to be aware of the risks associated with overhead power lines and underground electricity cables Ensure everyone on site is aware of the national power cut and emergency number 105 and they have the number in their mobile phone

ADD THIS NUMBER TO YOUR TELEPHONE CONTACTS LIST

How can we help?

If you work or live in the UK Power Networks area contact us or look on our website. We provide free information and advice about the precautions and safe working practices to be followed when working close to electrical equipment.

Further advice and guidance is available from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE): GS6 - Avoidance of Danger from Overhead Lines HSG47 - Avoiding danger from underground services

What to do in an emergency If your machinery touches an overhead line:

• Stay inside the vehicle • Call UK Power Networks, dial 105 and call the emergency services

• Never assume electrical equipment

is dead, even if it is fallen or broken

• If it is not possible to stay inside

the vehicle JUMP WELL CLEAR - so that no contact is made between you, the vehicle and the ground at the same time. DO NOT CLIMB DOWN

• Run well clear making leaping

strides so that one foot is off the ground at all times

• Do not return to the vehicle.

Stay clear - keep everyone away until assistance arrives

To request your FREE vehicle cab stickers visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/ internet/en/safety/ If you are unsure who your network operator is then please visit www.energynetworks.org

WOODEN POLES CAN CARRY TELEPHONE AND ELECTRICITY WIRES. NEVER ASSUME THE WIRE IS A TELEPHONE WIRE

400,000

VOLTS LINES CAN BE RE-ENERGISED AT ANY TIME

ELECTRICITY SYSTEMS CARRY VOLTAGE UP TO 400,000 VOLTS. EVEN 230 VOLTS (DOMESTIC VOLTAGE) CAN BE LETHAL

RUBBER BOOTS WILL NOT PROTECT YOU!

OUR NETWORK DISTRIBUTES ELECTRICITY THROUGH UNDERGROUND CABLES, PYLONS, OVERHEAD POWER LINES, SUBSTATIONS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT

National power cut helpline

OR CALL US 24 HOURS A DAY ON

0800 31 63 105

TAKE NOTICE

OF ANY YELLOW ‘DANGER OF DEATH’ WARNING SIGNS. AND STAY WELL AWAY!

REMEMBER ELECTRICITY

CAN JUMP GAPS

TREES, STRING, ROPES, SUSPENSION LINES, FISHING RODS AND WATER CAN ALL CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

OVERHEAD POWER LINES ARE OFTEN UNINSULATED (BARE) TOUCHING ANYTHING IN CONTACT WITH ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, EVEN THE LOWEST OF VOLTAGES, CAN BE FATAL

CARRY OBJECTS AND EQUIPMENT

HORIZONTALLY AND AT LOW

LEVEL TO THE GROUND

The electricity network is designed to keep you safe.

But how safe are you when you are working?

UK Power Networks is the country’s biggest electricity distributor, making sure the lights stay on for more than eight million homes and businesses across London, the South East and the East of England.

The safety of our customers and staff is our top priority.

Overhead electricity power lines run across the countryside, supplying local communities with power.

The wires can be on wooden poles as well as metal pylons and carry voltages from 230 volts (domestic supply) up to 400,000 volts. Depending on the voltage the wire will be at different heights above the ground.

Overhead power lines should be 5.2 metres (17 feet) above the ground. However, live equipment fitted on poles may be as low as 4.3 metres (14 feet).

REMEMBER, ATTACHMENTS SUCH AS ARIELS CAN INCREASE THE FULL HEIGHT OF YOUR VEHICLE

Keep well away Electricity can kill You could be at risk when: • Using farm machinery such as combine harvesters, tractors and telehandlers • Loading or unloading vehicles • Using long objects such as irrigation pipes and ladders • Stacking materials • Using lorries, wagons or tipper trailers • Working in poor visibility

Look out, look up #bebrightstaysafe @UKPowerNetworks

/ukpowernetworks

National power cut helpline

Or call us 24 hours a day on

0800 31 63 105

For safety advice about overhead power lines, disconnections and general enquiries, go to: www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/ To request your FREE vehicle cab stickers visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/internet/en/safety/ If you are unsure who your network operator is then please visit www.energynetworks.org

Your life can be lost within seconds if you come into contact with electricity.

out, Look Every year, people are killed or seriously

look up

injured when they come into contact with high voltage electricity.

This can have a far-reaching and devastating effect on family, friends and colleagues.

Distractions, working long hours, rushing to get the job done, can all impact on how we work and our safety.

Taking time to plan, being prepared and focusing on the ukpowernetworks.co.uk way we work can help keep us safe.

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