New guides tackle sprayer hazards

The technology used to spray pesticides in most developing countries reflects technical standards of 40 years ago, resulting in pesticides waste and environmental damage, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned. FAO has called for the adoption of minimum standards for the safe and efficient application of agrochemicals through good quality equipment and a better training of farmers. 
    According to FAO, farmers and equipment operators have insufficient knowledge about pesticides and correct methods of application. Extension services rarely have technicians with any specialised knowledge of application technology. "In many countries the only specialists offering advice to farmers on application technology, handling and calibration of their equipment are representatives of pesticide companies," said Theodor Friedrich of the FAO Agricultural Engineering Branch. "Many farmers still believe in high volumes, high pressure and high doses, as the most appropriate way to apply pesticides." 
    To assist governments and others, FAO has launched guidelines on agricultural pesticide sprayers and their use. The guidelines cover areas such as minimum requirements for agricultural pesticide sprayers, technical standards and test procedures for sprayers, guidance for the introduction of:

• certification schemes for new sprayers based on standards,
• sprayer inspection schemes for used sprayers
• training and licensing schemes for spray operators as well as guidance on good practice for ground and aerial sprays.

These guidelines are a revised and updated version of the previous FAO sprayer standards and are in print in English, Spanish and French. They can be found on the internet at:
www.fao.org/waicent/faoinfo/agricult/ags/agse/activity.htm#pesticideapplication
    A pilot project to introduce legislation following these guidelines into African countries started in Cameroon in 2001.

Source: FAO website and Theodor Friedrich, pers. comm.

[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 55, March 2002, page 9]