In-farm self-inspection and calibration of sprayers – SPISE ADVICE quick guides and manuals

Sprayers that are operated over long periods between the mandatory inspections (five years after
purchase and at three years intervals thereafter) may be significantly used, and if not properly
maintained they may pose high risk for the operators and the environment. The technical condition
of the sprayer may be checked by the sprayer operator himself by way of self-inspection that can be
performed using simple methods and tools available on the farm. Calibration of equipment is
another obligation of the sprayer operator in order to guarantee that it is operated at appropriate
working parameters ensuring effectiveness and safety of applications. In order to provide the sprayer
users with a comprehensive guidance on self-inspection and calibration of sprayers, two sets of
dedicated instruction materials, for knapsack sprayers and field crop sprayers were developed within
the SPISE TWG activities. Each set consists of two items: (i) two-page quick guide including a checklist
of the self-inspection and calibration instruction to be always at hand of any sprayer operator; (ii) indepth
instruction manual covering and extending the same topics to upgrade competence of
applicators, farm managers, advisors, trainers and supervisors. The materials cover all aspects and
elements of mandatory inspection and adapt them to the in-farm conditions and capabilities. The
manuals include additional information on standards, common faults and possible malfunctions,
maintenance and risks to humans and environment. The materials have special meaning for knapsack
sprayers, that may be exempted from the mandatory inspection, provided that operators are trained
and informed on the proper use and maintenance of the equipment, and on the specific risks linked
to that equipment. The proposed materials help meeting these requirements and may ensure that
the in-farm self-inspection and calibration of knapsack sprayers is carried out properly. This may
reduce the environmental and operator’s risk liked to these sprayers even if they are exempted from
the mandatory inspection.