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Sprayer Safety

May. 13 2022 Miscellaneous By South Country Equipment

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Practice safe procedures this spraying season! Your health is your top priority!

 

Carbon filter maintenance is easy but very often overlooked. Talk to your local South Country team to match your machine with the right filters.

Air quality is key – a pressurized cab means nothing if the air inside is contaminated.


Tips to practice:

  • Before entering the cab, remove dirty/contaminated gloves, footwear, masks, etc.
  • Whatever you bring in the cab, stays in the cab.
  • Change footwear at the ladder; leave gloves at the trailer or in the toolbox.
  • Have extra clothes available in the event of a spill.
  • When using a mask, make sure it is bagged when you get in the cab as it can leach vapours.


PPE you should be using:

  • Face shield
  • Carbon filtered mask
  • Rubber gloves
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Rubber boots
  • Waterproof jacket


 





Handwash station:

Fill your handwash tank with a clean hose, to mix soap and a small amount of ammonia. Ammonia neutralizes many chemicals. Alcohol based hand sanitizer is the cab is also encouraged. Use before consuming any food or drink, as well as touching controls and the steering wheel. End your day by wiping down the inside of the cab with cleaning wipes.


Plan your spraying by wind direction:

Always begin spraying on the downwind side and work into the wind. It will limit the amount of chemical taken into the cab filter, and the amount of chemical settling onto the machine.

In the case of a breakdown, you will be upwind of sprayed crop, minimizing exposure.

Park with the driver’s door into the wind and the sprayed crop behind the sprayer. This assures the tank vents downwind and assures fresh air going into the cab at entry and exit. 

Measure your exposure:

Set up an appointment with your local healthcare provider every few weeks. Having bloodwork taken at the start of the season and measured continually throughout the year, allows you to measure the levels of exposure you are experiencing.

If you have an exposure or are “feeling off”, get tested between your scheduled appointments.


Practice safe procedures and have another safe year!