Calibration & safety of pesticide application equipmentsturf.lib.msu.edu/article/2012sep20.pdf · application is key to a successful pesticide program. HOW TO USE THE WORKSHEET (FIGURE

20 SportsTurf | September 2012 www.sportsturfonline.com

FieldScience | By Jim Nedin

2. Catch the flow from each nozzle forexactly the same amount of time. The num-ber of seconds used is usually between 20and 60, but make sure that at least 20ounces are collected in each calibration jar(to help reduce error size). It is very impor-tant to maintain a constant operating pres-sure throughout the entire operation. Entercatch times in appropriate boxes.

3. Calculate average nozzle output.4. Determine if any nozzles are signifi-

cantly worn or clogged by verifying that allflow rates are within + or - % of the averagenozzle output. (Typically between 5-10%limit.)

5. Clean, replace or recheck nozzles ex-ceeding the predetermined limit.

Speed Calculator1. Calculate field spraying speed of the

machine by laying out a level test course atleast 100 feet long (Use a turf area, not aparking lot or cart path). Fill machine ½full of water to simulate average load andrecord the exact amount of seconds to travelentire course at operating speed. Use thisdata in the equation provided.

Application Rate** GPM and Speed calculations should

appear in appropriate boxes (from previousformulas).

1. Measure nozzle spacing in inches.Enter number (in inches) in box.

2. Calculate the calibration rate usingthe formula provided. Read the productlabel to determine if this calibration ratefalls within guidelines. Use manufacturer’scatalogue charts to help verify your calcula-tions.

NOZZLE SELECTION AND SIZING (FIGURE 2)

1. Determine the recommended calibra-tion rate. (Refer to product label.)

2. Measure nozzle spacing in inches.3. Determine the spraying speed you

will be using in the field.4. Determine the appropriate nozzle size

from manufacturer's charts.5. Calculate the nozzle flow rate neces-

sary to achieve the desired calibration ratewith the sprayer.

6. Use nozzle manufacturer's catalogueto determine the nozzle identification codethat corresponds to the nozzle style and

Calibration accuracy and personal safety associated with pesticideapplication is key to a successful pesticide program.

HOW TO USE THE WORKSHEET (FIGURE 1)Nozzle Uniformity1. Enter date, nozzle code and sprayer operating pressure in appropriate box. Verify that

all nozzles are the same type and size along the boom.

Calibration & safetyof pesticide applicationequipment

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flow rate chosen for the equipment.7. Follow nozzle manufacturer’s recom-

mendation for proper nozzle height.

BOOM SPRAYER CALIBRATION:KNOWN AREA METHOD (FIGURE 3)

1. Measure a level test course at least100 feet long on a turf area (not a parkinglot or cart path). The width of this testcourse will be the spacing between eachnozzle in feet.

Nozzle Spacing in Inches divided by 12= Test Course Width in Feet. Total squarefeet of the area is Length X Width.

2. Fill machine 1/2 full of water to sim-ulate average load and record the exactnumber of seconds to travel the entire testcourse at normal operating speed. Use acalibration jar to collect the flow from eachnozzle for the same amount of time it tookto cover the test course. Calculate the aver-age nozzle output and replace or clean anynozzle with a flow rate not within 5% ofthe average. Average Nozzle Flow inOunces divided by 128 oz. per gallon = Av-erage Gallons Applied

3. Record all data for future use. Calcu-late your + or - 5% acceptable error range(Target Area vs. Sprayed Area). Each timeyou use your sprayer, the calibration ratemust fall within these values. Either repairor replace components causing calibrationrate inaccuracy.

TIPS: Check for wear more frequentlywhen spraying wettable powders. Verify theaccuracy of your measuring devices.

EASY METHOD SPRAYER CALI-BRATION (128TH ACRE TEST)

1. Fill spray tank with clean water.2. Verify that spacing between nozzles is

equal (record in inches).3. Perform nozzle uniformity test.4. Measure test course. (Use chart

below or formula to determine courselength.) (Formula: 4080 / Nozzle Spacingin Inches = Test Course in Feet.)

5. Drive the test course at your normalspraying speed and record travel time inseconds.

6. Park sprayer while maintaining thesame engine RPM used to drive the testcourse.

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FieldScience

22 SportsTurf | September 2012

7. Set pressure to be used while spray-ing.

8. Collect the output from one nozzlefor the same amount of time it took totravel the course.

9. Each ounce collected equals a gallonper application rate. (Example: 52 ouncescollected equals 52 gallon per acre applica-tion rate)

TANK MIXING (FIGURE 4)1. Determine the recommended appli-

cation rate from the product label. Thisvalue can be in fluid or dry ounces.

2. Enter the calibration rate measuredfrom the sprayer.

3. Calculate the product per gallon ratioaccording to the worksheet.

4. Calculate the amount of product re-quired for each tank or partial tank. Beforeadding product, you should fill the tank1/2 full of water and begin agitation. Afterproduct’s been added, bring tank up to de-sired level/volume.

For planning purposes, it may be usefulto calculate the following:

5. Estimate the area to be treated. Thisvalue will be slightly larger than actualgreen or fairway size due to overspray of ir-regular areas.

6. Estimate the total water require-ments. You can use this figure to determinehow many spray tanks the application willrequire.

7. Estimate the product requirementsand check if supplies are adequate beforemixing.

TIPS: Verify the markings on yourspray tank for accuracy and use a dipstickor flow meter to measure partial tanks. Do

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not mix more solution than is required forthe operation.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THEADVANCED SECTION (FIGURE 5)

You’ve measured the actual calibrationrate of the sprayer. You want to spray a cali-bration rate of 2.0 gallons per 1000 squarefeet. Determine how to make the adjust-ments in question #1 and #2.

1. If you only want to change yoursprayer speed to achieve the new calibrationrate, how fast would you need to go? MPH =136.36 X GPM divided by CR x W

2. Instead of changing your speed toachieve a new calibration rate, you decide tochange only nozzle flow. What is the newGPM? Do you need to select a larger nozzleor just change the pressure? GPM = CR XMPH X W divided by 136.36

3. This is a useful method to calculateyour actual nozzle operating pressure. Theformula allows you to compare field meas-urements to nozzle performance charts. Thiscalculation is used primarily to track theamount of pressure drop in your sprayer.

GPM (1) = Measured nozzle flow fromsprayer (Actual Catch).

GPM (2) = Flow rate from nozzle per-formance chart.

PSI (1) = Actual nozzle operating pres-sure. PSI (1) is X, the unknown value. FindX to solve the equation.

PSI (2) = Nozzle pressure from chart thatcorresponds with GPM (2).

LAWN GUNS, BACKPACKAND BOOMLESS SPRAYERCALIBRATION (FIGURE 6)

1. Pick a level turf area and mark a rec-

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FieldScience

tangular test course (length X width - squarefeet) of approximately: 500-2,000 square feetfor backpack sprayers and lawn guns, and20,000-40,000 square feet for boomlesssprayers.

2. Measure the exact amount of time totravel the test course under normal sprayingconditions. Use a catch can or bag and cali-bration jar to measure nozzle flow in ouncesfrom the machine for the same exact amountof time it took to cover the test course.

Ounces collected divided by 128 ounces= Gallons applied over test course

3. Calculate the calibration rate accordingto the worksheet and use it for tank mixing.

4. Record all data for future use.TIPS: Maintain a constant operating

speed and pressure throughout entire applica-tion. Verify the accuracy of your measuringdevices. Calibrate your equipment at thesame speed, pressure and overlap as you willuse in the field.

SPREADER CALIBRATION (FIGURE 7)

1. Select a level area, preferably coveredwith turf and mark a rectangular test courseof approximately: 1,000-5,000 square feet forsmall spreaders, and 10,000-40,000 squarefeet for larger spreaders.

2. Measure the exact amount of materialapplied over the area.

This can be done by:A. Place a (weighed) known amount of

material in the spreader. Re-weigh the mate-rial left in the spreader after completing thetest course; or B. On larger machines, it maybe necessary to place calibration marks onthe spreader bin or place. A known amountof material in the spreader and measure thetotal area covered after all material is used.

3. Calculate the calibration rate accord-ing to the worksheet.

4. Record all data for future use.TIPS: Maintain a constant operating

speed throughout application. Flow rate anddistance of throw vary according to the sizeand weight of the material. Follow manufac-turer's recommendations for overlap. If un-available, determine the amount of overlaprequired by placing a series of catch cans per-pendicular to spreader travel and measuringthe application pattern or use between 75-100% overlap of the width of throw.

TIPS: Maintain a constantoperating speed andpressure throughoutentire application.Verify the accuracy ofyour measuring de-vices. Calibrate yourequipment at thesame speed, pressureand overlap as youwill use in the field.

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SAFETY—THE “THREE C’S” PROGRAM

Control the spill. Immediate steps mustbe taken to control the spill. Make sure youare properly protected, isolate the area, avoidcontact with the material, drift, or fumes,and evacuate any nonessential people fromthe area. Do not leave the spill unless some-one can relieve you, preferably someone whohas "Three C’s" training. Once the spill isunder control, get help immediately and no-tify your supervisor. Depending on the sizeof the spill, you may need to contact "HAZ-MAT", police, fire and rescue units, and theDept. of Natural Resources.

Contain the spill. Contain the spill inas small an area as possible. Use a rake or a

shovel to make a dam or dike around thespill to keep it from spreading. Block offany ditches or depressions in the area of thespill to insure the spill’s containment. Donot allow the flow of material to reach anybodies of water.

Liquid pesticide spills can be further con-tained by the use of absorbent materials suchas sand, sawdust, kitty litter or absorbentpads. Before using absorbent material, makesure the chemical is compatible with the ab-sorbent material used. A reaction may occurbetween the spill and the material used toclean up the spill. Pesticides with strong oxi-dizers may create a fire when mixed withsawdust, thereby compounding an existingproblem. (Chlorites in some herbicides and

ammonium nitrate in some fertilizers are twoexamples of oxidizers.)

Dry pesticide spills can be contained bylightly misting the material with water, orby covering the spill with plastic.

Clean up the spill. Liquid: Spread ab-sorbent material over the contaminatedarea, sweep it up and place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag. Repeat this procedureuntil the spill is cleaned up.

Dry: Material must be swept up andreused if possible. If material gets wet, be-comes contaminated with soil or other de-bris, it must be swept up and placed in aheavy-duty plastic bag.

To decontaminate or neutralize the area,mix full strength, ordinary householdbleach and hydrated lime. Wear protectiveclothing and work the preparation into thespill area with a course broom. Place thecontaminated preparation in a heavy-dutyplastic bag. Repeat this procedure severaltimes to insure neutralization of the pesti-cide. Never hose down the contaminatedarea to dilute the pesticide. Activated char-coal can be used to minimize significantplant injury in smaller spills. Charcoal cantie up or absorb enough chemical to reducelong-term contamination.

Soil contamination: Remove the toptwo or three inches of soil, cover with atleast two inches of lime and cover the limewith fresh top soil. Dispose of the contami-nated soil.

Clean or dispose of all equipment andmaterials used in the clean up in a mannerconsistent with label requirements and anyEPA, local or state regulations.

All materials used to control, contain,and clean up a pesticide spill must be han-dled as hazardous waste and must be dis-posed of in a manner consistent with thelabel requirements and any EPA, local orstate regulations. ■

Jim Nedin has been associated with theturf industry for 40 years. He began his profes-sional career as a golf course superintendent inthe early 70’s and has taught turf industry re-lated seminars for 30 years. Jim is a privateservice business consultant, and is currentlyworking with select Toro distributors and TheToro Company, providing technical servicesupport and training, [email protected].


FieldScience

Personal protective equipmentYOU NEED TO DECIDE! Read the label. The formulation, signal word, precautionary statements, personal protectiveequipment statements, the application method, and the projected length of exposure indicate the personal protectiveequipment you need.

MINIMUM EXPOSURE• (Such as granular applicationsand many other routine pesticideactivities.)

• Protective suit (such as fabriccoveralls) worn over normal workclothes.

• Chemical-resistant gloves suchas rubber, vinyl, or plastic (neveruse fabric, leather, or papergloves).

• Socks and shoes or boots

MAXIMUM EXPOSURE• (Such as direct contact with drenching spray, mist blower orknapsack applications, or handling very highly toxic pesticides.)

• Chemical-resistant hood or hat

• Goggles or face shield

• Respirator (if the label requires it or if dusts, mists, fogs, or vapors will be generated).

• Chemical-resistant protective suit worn over normal workclothes.

• (A chemical-resistant protective suit may cause heat stressunder some conditions.)

• Chemical-resistant gloves such as rubber, vinyl, or plastic(never use fabric, leather, or paper gloves).

• Chemical-resistant boots or footwear (never wear leather orcanvas footwear).

Routes of pesticide exposureTO EFFECTIVELY GUARD AGAINST PESTICIDE EXPOSURE, we must first realize the risk involvedwhen handling pesticides and how they enter our bodies.

FOUR ROUTES OF ENTRY• Dermal. Studies show that about 97% of all pesticide exposures occur through contact with the skin. This ab-sorption is accomplished by careless handling, while mixing or loading, applying or disposing of pesticides andtheir containers. The most common of these would be splashes, spills, or drift, while mixing or loading (handlingthe pesticide in its most concentrated form).

• Inhalation. We all know that the lungs oxygenate our blood. So if we inhale a sufficient amount of a pesticideinto our lungs, complete and rapid pesticide poisoning will occur when the blood passes through our lungs thenout, to travel in the blood stream throughout the entire body. Poisoning by inhalation is not limited by any means.Damage to tissue in the nose, throat, and lungs can also produce long-term health problems and illnesses.

• Oral. More often than not, children are victim of this type of exposure, greatly due to a careless applicator oreven a parent who has removed a pesticide from its original container and put it into an unmarked bottle or otherstorage container. However, for our purposes, one must realize that oral exposure can occur with a simple lick ofthe lips, smoking, chewing (tobacco or gum), eating or drinking, while handling pesticides.

• Eyes. The eye though very small can absorb enough pesticide to be significantly hazardous. Poisoning here ismost generally accomplished through the rubbing of one’s eyes with contaminated hands. Spills, splashes anddrift are also methods of entry to guard against.

TOXICITY (LD50, LC50)What do we need to know about these two numbers? Simply put, the higher the LD50 or LC50 number, the lowerthe incidence of poisoning has occurred in laboratory testing of that pesticide. On the other hand, the lower thatnumber, the greater the incidence of poisoning has occurred in lab testing, and those pesticides will generallycarry a signal word of “Danger.” Signal words are derived from LD (lethal dose) or LC (lethal concentrate) num-bers, so if you can’t find one of these numbers on the label, or MSDS, follow the signal word precautions. For personal safety, always wear protective gear and always wash up immediately following contact with any pesticide.


Handling Concentrates

• This is the minimum protec-tive clothing and equipment youshould wear while mixing andloading pesticides which aremoderately to highly toxic.

• Protective suit (such as fabriccoveralls) worn over normalwork clothes.

• Chemical-resistant apron

• Chemical-resistant glovessuch as rubber, vinyl, or plastic(Never use fabric, leather orpaper gloves)

• Chemical-resistant boots orfootwear (Never wear leather orcanvas footwear)

• Face Shield or goggles

• Respirator(If the label requires it)

Documents

Calibration & safety of pesticide application equipmentsturf.lib.msu.edu/article/2012sep20.pdf · application is key to a successful pesticide program. HOW TO USE THE WORKSHEET (FIGURE