Safe Work Method Statement – Air Blast Sprayer

The person operating this equipment must possess the required certificate/s (Chemical User’s Certificate is required for some chemicals) and must be trained to operate the tractor and spray outfit

Process Steps / Potential Hazards / Hazard Control Measures
1. Attach the air blast sprayer to the tractor and connect the PTO shaft / Crushing between tractor and sprayer / Ensure sprayer is safely supported on a sturdy stand
Exclude other people from area, reverse tractor into position, engine closed down & handbrake applied before getting off tractor
Do not connect or disconnect the sprayer with tractor running
Manual handling – sprayer to tractor / Ensure the tractor draw bar is aligned with sprayer hitch.
Adjust the height of the sprayer hitch with an adjustable stand or a jack to minimize manual handling
Entanglement on PTO shaft / Ensure that P.T.O. shaft cover and universal joint covers are in place, in good condition and correctly fitted
Chain the PTO cover so that it does not rotate with the PTO shaft
Do not go near shaft while it is operating
Do not service the shaft unless tractor is turned off
2. Place the required chemicals in the spray vat
/ Poisoning from inhalation or absorption / Where possible purchase chemicals as dry flowable or liquid and in measured quantities if possible
Read the MSDS and any risk assessment that has been completed - follow recommendations and instructions
Always wear protective equipment- gloves, overalls, face shield, safety glasses and breathing equipment – as per the MSDS
Use closed, chemical transfer systems
Do not mix around animals or unprotected persons
Ensure clean water is available – if not, carry 20 litres of clean water when spraying
Wash hands and equipment after use
Mix chemicals in a well ventilated area
Contamination of the environment / Avoid spillage – keep a spill kit on hand in case of spillage
3. Apply chemicals to the vines/citrus
/ Poisoning from inhalation or absorption / Always wear protective equipment - gloves, overalls, face shield, safety glasses and breathing equipment – refer to MSDS
Do not spray around animals or unprotected persons
Operate from inside the tractor cab away from the spray
Fit and service tractor cab air filters regularly
Contamination of the environment / Do not spray when spray drift is excessive – check wind velocity
Poisoning of non target plants / Shield non target plants from spray drift
Adjust direction of spray nozzles to target only plants to be sprayed
Entanglement in fan blades / Ensure the mesh fan cover is in place at all times when the fan is operating
Do not place fingers through fan cover while it is operating
Disengage P.T.O when changing fan speeds
Do not put hands in fan air vents while the fan is operating
4. Clean the spray equipment / Poisoning from chemical inhalation or absorption / Always wear the PPE, as per the MSDS recommendations, during clean-up
Thoroughly clean all items of PPE before placing items in a clean, secure storage area
Inspect tractor charcoal filters – if serviceable return to sealed storage packet
Contamination of the environment / Drain any unused chemical from the vat into a chemical container for future use or for disposal using the correct methods
Wash the spray outfit in a wash bay where the spray residue can be collected in an interceptor trap and transferred into a chemical container
Do not enter the spray vat for cleaning
Avoid splashing chemical residue outside the wash bay
Clean the wash bay after the sprayer has been washed down