Pesticide Handling, Mixing, Loading, and Application Equipment
Pesticide Handling, Mixing, Loading, and Application Equipment
This domain tests contamination prevention, correct mixing order, and equipment care at the fill site.
Core rules
- Read the label at the mixing site; confirm rate, site, PPE, and restrictions.
- Protect water: use an air gap or backflow preventer; never submerge a hose in a tank.
- Mix in a well-ventilated area, away from wells, streams, and drains; use a spill kit.
- Add products in the label or compatibility order; keep agitation as required.
- Calibrate and maintain equipment; check nozzles, screens, hoses, and pressure.
- Triple-rinse containers and add rinse water to the tank if allowed; puncture containers for disposal.
- Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling; wash before breaks.
Worked example
A 100-gallon tank is to receive 1.5 pints of product per acre at 20 GPA. The area is 2 acres. Reasoning: total carrier = 20 × 2 = 40 gallons; product = 1.5 × 2 = 3 pints. Add water to about half, add the product per label order, then bring to 40 gallons with agitation. Do not fill to 100 gallons just because the tank is large.
Traps
- Filling the tank to the top before adding product.
- Leaving the hose in the tank while filling.
- Mixing near a private well.
- Using a damaged nozzle "because it still sprays."
- Rinsing containers into a drain.