STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE:MIST BLOWER

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Pros: ■ Uses a lower volume of water per application - this helps conserve water and saves on water transport costs. ■ Misting effect improves the coverage for contact products on target pests. ■ Good choice for fungicide and insecticide applications, as well as for pest control in a nursery setting.

Cons: ■ Can result in over-application of products if the operator is not trained. ■ Wind greatly affects applications, due to the fine droplets. ■ Not ideal for herbicide applications.

1. Report sickness

2. Emergency cleanup kit

Heavy duty plastic bag

Shovel/spade

Dedicated spills kit

Broom

3. Control checks

4. Setting harness

5. Well-being

Access to clean drinking water

PRE-APPLICATION

WHILE OPERATING

5. Spray coverageRubber gloves

Chemical container

Harness

Throttletrigger

Fuel tank

Nozzle

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1) Sickness – report to supervisor if you are feeling ill. If treatment is sought, ensure the pesticide label is taken along to the medical facility.

2) Emergency clean up kit – ensure there is one on-site in case of spills. This should comprise the following: ■ Strong plastic bag with label ■ Designated spills kit ■ Broom ■ Small shovel /spade ■ Rubber gloves

3) Control checks – done before every spray. ■ All engine components are secure and not damaged ■ The on/off switch works ■ The throttle control works ■ The mist blower nozzle, hoses and connections have no leaks or any other defects ■ Gaskets on the tank lid are not leaking ■ The harness is in good working order ■ The valve on the mist blower does not leak ■ The lids on the chemical tank and fuel tank are secured and do not leak ■ The anti-vibration rubbers are not damaged

4) Setting the harness - adjust the harness straps so that the back-plate fits snugly and securely against your back, by adjusting the height and angle of the straps.

5) Checking coverage – use water sensitive paper (WSP) to ensure the correct coverage when applying pesticides with a mist blower. ■ Fill mist blower with water ■ Create a diagram of the tree that will be sprayed ■ Clearly mark where WSP will be placed on the tree, ensuring: ■ The distribution of the WSP covers areas where pest damage is found and/or in areas where coverage will be difficult to achieve. ■ Enough WSP is used to get an accurate depiction of the spray coverage. ■ Label WSP in accordance to their position on the tree diagram, then attach using staples or bulldog clips on the corresponding areas of the tree ensuring: ■ The sensitive side of the WSP is facing outwards ■ There is no dew on the tree, which could activate the WSP and skew the results. ■ Start the operation, making sure the operator operates in their normal fashion. ■ Collect WSP and check the spray pattern against the diagram below. ■ If the WSP is representative of 85 drops per cm2, pesticide application is correct. If not, repeat the steps adjusting how the operator applies the mix.

PLEASE NOTE: WSP is not fool proof and the denseness of the trees foliage can skew the results.

6) Well-being ■ Have an adequate supply of drinking water to avoid dehydration. ■ Do not eat, smoke, drink or take toilet breaks while handling, working with or applying pesticides. Diagram 1: WSP comparison chart,

taken from Dropleaf Deposition Analysis

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APPLICATION

1) Production rate – dependent on walking speed, nozzle height and type of terrain.

2) Water volume & mixing – make sure the equipment is filled with the right amount of water for the concentration of pesticide. The prescribed dilution rates will be stated on the label in litres, as litres per hectare (l/ha). A percentage mixture is often recommended too. Pesticides need to be mixed in accordance with label specifications and percent-age application rate.

3) PPE – minimum PPE listed below is required at ALL times when spraying. Check the pesticide label to see whether additional PPE is required. ■ Safety helmet – if working under a tree canopy ■ Eye protection ■ Hearing protection ■ Gloves/mitts ■ Leg protection ■ Safety boots ■ Mask/respirator – in accordance with the label of the pesticide being applied.

4) Carrying or moving with the mist blower - the mist blower should be turned off when being carried for a distance. It should always be worn as a backpack and not over one shoulder. Harness should be correctly fitted.Diagram 1: WSP comparison chart,

taken from Dropleaf Deposition Analysis

1. Production rate

2. Water volume & mixing

5. Starting

7. Refuelling6. Operating

4. Carrying/movingmist blower

8. Spray plan

9. Spray environment

10. DO NOT SPRAY WHEN

3. PPE (always refer to the label)

Eye protection

Safety helmet

Hearing protection Gloves/mitts

Safety boots

Leg protection

Mask/respirator( see label )

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5) Starting the mist blower ■ Place the unit securely on the ground and make sure that bystanders are well clear of the mist blower outlet. ■ Make sure you have a firm footing. ■ Hold the unit with your left hand on the housing and put one foot against the base plate to prevent it from slipping. ■ Pull the starter grip slowly with your right hand until you feel it engage and then give it a strong brisk pull. Do not pull out the starter rope to full length – it may break. ■ Do not let the start-grip snap back. Guide it slowly back into the housing so that the starter rope can rewind properly.

If the engine is cold: ■ Turn the choke knob to ‘N’ and continue cranking until the engine runs.

If the engine is warm: ■ Continue cranking until the engine runs. ■ As soon as the engine is running, return engine to idle speed. Operate the throttle trigger; the choke knob will automatically move to the run position.

6) Operating the mist blower - mist blowers are designed for single-handed operations. Fingers should wrap tightly around the handle, keeping control of the handle by cradling it between thumb and forefinger. ■ Ensure sound footing and stable posture at all times. ■ Workers should move forward at a STEADY pace, ensuring the mist blower is kept at an even spray height, trying to keep to the same distribution pattern to ensure even pesticide coverage. ■ Operators need to spray upwind of the area just treated such that the wind blows drift away from the operator. DO NOT allow spray drift to be a risk to downwind bystanders, crops, and/or animals.

7) Refuelling – this should be done in an area that has been cleared of debris to prevent accidental fire/spillage. A fire extinguisher must be present when refuelling.

8) Spray plan – this is required to ensure all areas are covered effectively, efficiently and only once. It will also reduce the risk of workers walking through sprayed areas. No entry signs should be erected to inform others of recently sprayed areas; also indicate the time when it is safe to re-enter. ■ Plan refuelling so as to avoid walking long distances. ■ Ensure sufficient pre-mixed fuel is available for the days production.

9) Spray environmentEnsure there are no people or animals in the target area.Prevent pollution of any water supply, river, dams, ponds etc..

10) Do not spray when ■ Target vegetation is wet or it is about to rain. ■ In high wind speeds. ■ If the ambient temperatures exceed the range stated on the label or by the spray equipment manufacturer.

■ Collect WSP and check the spray pattern against the diagram below. ■ If the WSP is representative of 85 drops per cm2, pesticide application is correct. If not, repeat the steps adjusting how the operator applies the mix.

PLEASE NOTE: WSP is not fool proof and the denseness of the trees foliage can skew the results.

6) Well-being ■ Have an adequate supply of drinking water to avoid dehydration. ■ Do not eat, smoke, drink or take toilet breaks while handling, working with or applying pesticides. Diagram 1: WSP comparison chart,

taken from Dropleaf Deposition Analysis

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Refer to SOP Disposal

RINSING(including filters)

clean water

WASH 1. Wash PPE separately. 2. Wash hands and face before eating or drinking.

3. Wash from top down.

STORE SAFELY:

DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS

Never store with pesticide left inside.

Refer to SOP Disposal

1) Disposal of surplus containers – refer to SOP Disposal.

2) Rinsing of mist blower tank – refer to SOP Disposal. When cleaning the filters, ALWAYS use clean water and clean the mist blower after every use. Mist blowers should NEVER be stored with pesticides still inside, as parts will become corroded and the spray will not operate properly.

3) PPE cleaning – the washing of shirts and trousers should be done at a designated laundry facility and separately from other clothing. Boots, gloves and other PPE equipment should be washed inside and out and be fully air-dried.

4) Personal hygiene – wash hands and face properly before any food or drink is consumed. Bodies should be washed from the top down to ensure contamination doesn’t occur during the washing process.

5) Equipment maintenance – as described by the manufacturer. If servicing is required, ensure that this is done within the allotted time frame.

POST-APPLICATION

Diagram 1: WSP comparison chart,taken from Dropleaf Deposition Analysis

Direct sunlight

Children Animals