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Abstract

Nilsson, E. (1), Eriksson, A-M. (2) & Svensson, SA. (2) (1) Visavi AB, Lund Sweden (2) SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, dept of Horticultural Technology, Alnarp, Sweden ABSTRACT Previous research indicates presence of pesticide contamination at external surfaces of sprayers and tractors. That appears to be a risk for environment if equipment cleaning is carried out at wrong places. Pesticide contamination inside tractor cabins could cause major risks for operators. Within the presented project, we performed a screening study of sprayers and tractors, used on farms during 2002. The purpose of the study was to identify safety and environmental risks connected to cleaning routines, sprayer parking places, and need for personal protective equipment (PPE) in different situations. Nine sprayers and seven tractors have been studied. All sprayers and tractors have been cleaned with pesticide cleaning agent and high pressure cleaner. Samples of cleaning water have been analysed for pesticides used on the farms during the season. On two sprayers rain has been simulated to detect if pesticides are washed off by rain.On internal surfaces of tractor cabins on three tractors, limited areas has been cleaned with methanol to detect contamination. Results so far indicate that sprayers and tractors are contaminated during spraying. Pesticides can be washed of by rain. Cleaning of sprayers and tractors could cause point sources for contamination of environment if it is done one wrong place. Tractor cabins are contaminated on internal surfaces. Filters with active carbon reduce contamination. The use of PPE is important as well as cleaning of tractor before other use. There is a need for discussion on measuring methods, on result interpreting, as well as further research contribution. Moreover, the results should be transferred to and discussed with farmers and sprayer manufacturers to develop better cleaning procedures and sprayer parking places

Published in

Publisher: Universita degli Studi di Torino, Italy

Conference

VII Workshop on Spray Application Techniques in Fruit Growing

SLU Authors

UKÄ Subject classification

Horticulture
Agricultural Science
Environmental Sciences and Nature Conservation

Publication identifier

  • ISBN: 88-88854-10-X

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/2233