International code of conduct on pesticide management: guidance for aerial application of pesticides

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction 13
• 1.1 Background 13
• 1.2 Objectives 15
• 1.3 Target readership 15
• 1.4 Scope 16
• 2. Elements for deciding to register a pesticide for aerial application 17
• 2.1 International trends 17
• 2.2 The International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management 17
• 2.3 Legal considerations 18
• 2.4 Registration of products 18
• 2.5 Cost 19
• 3. Mitigation 20
• 3.1 Aerial spray drift 20
• 3.2 Operator exposure 26
• 3.3 Pilot licensing 26
• 3.3.1 Examples of national certification for crewed aircraft 27
• 3.3.2 National examples of certification for un-crewed aircraft 28
• 3.4 Product selection and registration 30
• 3.5 Training 31
• 3.5.1 Pilots 31
• 3.5.2 Operators and ground support staff 32
• 3.6 Communicating risks 32
• 4. Aerial application equipment 34
• 4.1 Equipment 34
• 4.2 Selection of equipment 35
• 4.3 Precision applications 37
• 5. Safety aspects 39
• 5.1 Product transport and storage 39
• 5.2 Product handling 40
• 5.3 Management of empty pesticide containers 40
• 5.4 Accident management procedures 41
• 5.5 Personal protection and operation and application safety 41
• 5.5.1 Personal protective equipment 41
• 5.5.2 Security 42
• 5.5.3 Flight hazards 42
• 5.5.4 Local emergency contacts 42
• 6. Operational considerations 43
• 6.1 Before application 43
• 6.1.1 Field survey 43
• 6.1.2 Spray equipment 44
• 6.1.3 Sprayer calibration 44
• 6.1.4 Tank filling and mixing 46
• 6.2 Field application 47
• 6.2.1 Meteorological considerations 47
• 6.2.2 Timing of treatment 47
• 6.2.3 Airstrip operation 48
• 6.3 After application 48
• 6.3.1 Warnings after treatment 48
• 6.3.2 Cleaning (“decontamination”) of equipment and personal protective equipment 48
• 6.3.3 Disposal of surplus spray 48
• 6.3.4 Equipment maintenance, repair, and storage 49
• 7. Recording and monitoring 50
• 7.1 Field spray records 50
• 7.2 Equipment repairs and maintenance 51
• 7.3 Surveillance of operators’ health 51
• 7.4 Health and environmental surveillance 51
• Blank Page 2