Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6.5 Using a backpack sprayer for spot applications of herbicides
(courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Extension).
2.
On a Vehicle
Persons applying pesticides from a vehicle are, in general, separate from
the immediate proximity of the pesticide being dispensed. Often they are lo-
cated above and in front of the point of pesticide release. This factor, com-
bined with the forward motion of the vehicle, reduces the probability that pes-
ticide drift or runoff will contact them. Figure 6.6 show a person in a vehicle
applying a contact herbicide with a directed applicator.
In standard practice, however, the vehicle-mounted applicator sometimes
must exit the vehicle and walk to the rear of the application rig to repair, ad-
just, or monitor the equipment or the pesticide dispersal. When this occurs,
the applicator often is climbing down from and back onto a contaminated rig
and/or walking through newly treated areas. Depending on the size and type of
vegetation the applicator must traverse, the applicator may receive significant
exposure to the pesticides, ranging from exposure to the feet and lower legs to
whole-body exposure from overhead fallout. In addition, the applicator may
receive further exposure due to the activity to be performed, such as unclog-
ging nozzles or hoppers and adjusting boom height.
The heat-stress factors for pesticide users on vehicles are generally lower
than those for users on foot. The obvious factor is that the equipment is re-
placing the energy-demanding activity of walking while simultaneously push-
 
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