Before spraying

• Identify the pest and
  ascertain the damage done
  

• Use pesticide only if it has exceeded the Economical Injury Level.
  

• Use only the recommended pesticide which is the least toxic.
  

• Read instructions manual of the pesticide and equipment.

• Check the spraying equipment and accessories which are to be used.

• Ascertain that all components are clean, especially filling and suction strainer, sprayer tank, cut off device and nozzle.

• Replace worn out parts such as 'O' ring, seal, gasket, worn out nozzle tip, hose clamps and valves.

• Test the sprayer and ascertain whether it pumps the required output at rated pressure. Check the nozzle spray pattern and discharge rate.

• Calibrate the sprayer. Set spraying speed and nozzle swath by adjusting spray height and nozzle spacing.

• Make sure that appropriate protective clothing is available and is used.

• Train all concerned with the application and also understand the recommendations. Ensure that soap, towel and plenty of water is available.

• Take only sufficient pesticide for the day's application from the store to the site.

• DO NOT transfer pesticides from original container and packing into the containers.

• Recheck the use instructions of pesticide and equipment.

• Make sure pesticides are mixed in the correct quantities

• Wear appropriate clothing.

• Avoid contamination of the skin especially eyes and mouth.

• Liquid formulation should be poured carefully to avoid splashing.

• Do not spray in high wind, high temperature and rain.

• Avoid drift by selecting proper direction of spraying and also holding nozzle and boom at a proper height.

• Start spraying near the down wind edge of the field and proceed upwind so that operator moves into unsprayed area.

• Never eat, drink or smoke when mixing or applying pesticides. NEVER blow out clogged nozzles or hoses with your mouth.

• Follow correct spray technique. Spray plant crop thoroughly by operating sprayer at correct speed and correct pressure.

• Never allow children or other unauthorized persons to be nearby during mixing. NEVER leave pesticides unattended in the field. Never spray if the wind is blowing towards grazing livestock or pastures regularly used.

• Remaining pesticides left in the tank after spraying should be emptied and disposed off in pits dug on wasteland.

• Never empty the tank into irrigation canals or ponds.

• Never leave unused pesticides in sprayers. Always clean equipment properly. After use, oil it and then keep away in store room.

• Do not use empty pesticide containers for any purpose.

• Crush and bury the containers preferably in a land filled dump.

• Clean buckets, sticks, measuring jars, etc. used in preparing the spray solution.

• Remove and wash protective clothing and footwear. Wash yourself well and put on clean clothing.
  

• Keep an accurate record of pesticide usuage.
  

• Prevent persons from entering treated areas until it is safe to do so.
  

• Mark the sprayed plots with a flag.