Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the requirements and test methods for inspection of the use of knapsack sprayers carried on the back or shoulder of the operator for use with plant protection products (PPPs). The requirements relate mainly to the condition of the sprayer with respect to its potential risk to the operator and the environment and its performance to achieve good application. It is applicable to lever-operated knapsack sprayers, knapsack compression sprayers and knapsack sprayers driven by an engine or electric motor using hydraulic pressure atomisation of the spray liquid, intended for use primarily in agriculture, forestry and horticulture, with a nominal volume of more than 6,0 l.

This document does not apply to

— knapsack combustion engine-driven air-blast sprayers, which are covered in ISO 28139

— controlled droplet application equipment utilizing rotary atomisers, or

— portable application equipment for spatial application (such as foggers). 

Purpose

There are three main reasons for inspection in use of knapsack sprayers which are the most widely used means worldwide of applying Plant Protection Products (PPPs):

- less potential risk to the operator;

- less potential risk of environmental contamination by PPPs; and

- good control of pests with the minimum possible input of PPPs.

In order to use PPPs in agricultural production safely, it is necessary to define the requirements and test methods for knapsack sprayers in use.

This is a relevant step after having standardized minimum requirements for new knapsack sprayers, in respect of safety hazards and potential risks of environmental contamination (see ISO 19932 Parts 1 and 2).

Standardising the requirements and methods for inspection of sprayers in use takes into consideration not only the original performance of the sprayer, but also its use, care and maintenance. This is the logical link to ensure the continued benefit arising from the supply of new sprayers of good quality.

The inspection of sprayers in use can be a mandatory requirement or adopted on a voluntary basis. In both cases further requirements, outside the scope of this standard, are necessary for the management of inspections. These include, for example, requirements for the competence of persons carrying out inspections and the frequency of inspections.

NOTE: National or regional regulations may also apply concerning the qualifications and competence of inspectors.

Knapsack sprayers are within the scope of SC 6 and are the most widely used means worldwide of applying PlantProtection Products for crop protection.