Training of sprayer inspectors – a Swedish approach

Sweden has a national regulated system with voluntary inspection of sprayers since 1988. As the purpose with sprayer inspection is risk reduction and reduced use of pesticides, also advising and minor repairs can be made by the inspector. Swedish sprayer inspectors’ training consists of two parts:

A four day course for pesticide users, with approved results in written exam. The training shall be refreshed every five year by a one-day course with written exam. A four day technical course for sprayer inspectors with approval in written and oral exams. The training shall be refreshed every second year by a one-day course. Participation in refresher courses are demanded to keep approval as inspector. The training is guided by regulations from the Board of Agriculture who is also responsible for the training course and examination. Inspectors training course has on the agenda; regulations on inspection, environmental background for sprayer inspection, test-methods and test-equipment, practical exercises with test protocol, different test equipment and sprayers, application technique theory and practical on nozzle choice, drift reducing techniques, sprayer maintenance and sprayer calibration, as this is a part of the inspection. A special material for training of sprayer inspectors has been developed based on EN 13790 part 1.