SAFETY MEASURES AND MAINTAINANCE OF SPRAY PUMPS

INTRODUCTION
- The use of Insecticides/Pesticides in Public

Health is by toxic in nature. - Usually it effects a low toxicity to mammalian. - Even then, handling of Insecticide is to be done with due care.

FACTORS INFLUENCE HAZARD

     

Type of formulation Type of packaging Concentration Method of application Surface area to be treated Association of human or animal population with treated surface area.

SAFETY PRECAUTION WITH SOME KNOWN PESTICIDES



DDT:- Operators should wear protective clothing such as overalls and some form of head covering. Washing is necessary after a days work. Malathion:-Spray men should wear brimmed hats and shoes. Use of contaminated gloves should be avoided. Washing is necessary after a days work. Synthetic Pyrethoid - In addition to the above measures mixers should wear face masks.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF POISONING BY INSECTICIDES

Early symptoms of poisoning due to insecticides include excessive sweating, headache, blurred vision, lacrimination, weakness, giddiness, hyper salivation, vomiting, stomach pain, blurred speech. Later there may be diarrhea, convulsions, coma, loss of reflexes . Immediately remove contaminated clothing. Wash the affected area with soap and water and flush with large quantity of water

In the event of respiratory collapse, artificial respiration should be given. The patient should be transported to medical. Field supervisors should be trained in emergency treatment of insecticides

- To achieve maximum control over targeted species with minimum of chemical use. - Five important factors should be considered while selecting insecticide control equipment. Effectiveness Safety Acceptability Cost Durability - Safety should be made primary consideration to eliminate health hazards to the operators as well as the general public.

STORAGE :- Insecticides in any type of packing or containers should be kept in a properly locked store room. - It should be away from the reach of the children and pet animals. - Should not be kept along with the food stuff. - To safe guard from weather conditions, insecticides should be stored in a dry place with provision of ventilation.

The stacking of bags should be kept in such a manner that first stocked to be taken out first for use. Should not be exposed to direct sunlight either in the storage or at dumping site. The stock ledger of stores is to be maintained & all incoming stocks as well as issued stock to be neatly written along with the name. A mark of caution Poison, Danger, Keep away be placed at the store room. should

TRANSPORTATION : Insecticides should not be transported in the vehicle carrying food materials.

same

DURING SPRAY OPERATION: Good quality & good condition of sprayers are to be used for proper application.


Protective gear such as goggles ,gloves, apron, gum boots & cloth hats should be used. Smoking ,drinking, or eating should be avoided.

Do not allow insecticide droplets to fall on the body. When ever due to spillage or splash , the insecticide falls on skin that part body should be thoroughly washed with soap & water. Proper distance from surface to nozzle is to maintained Advance intimation to be given to inmates to cover the edibles & water etc.

The spray nozzle is not not be directed against wind direction as this may bring insecticide drop lets to spray man. Nozzle,whose discharge rate exceeds the prescribed limit should be replaced immediately.

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In case of appearance of poisoning symptoms by chance, medical advice is to be sought immediately.

After operation :At the end of the days work, remaining suspension & washed residue should be poured in pit latrines or in dogged hole especially for this purpose


Never pour the the suspension in to rivers, pools or drinking water sources. All the empty packaging should be returned to supervisors for safe disposal. Never reuse the empty insecticide containers.

 

ROUTINE MAINTAINCE OF EQUIPMENTS & REPAIRS

The spray pumps are subject to wear & tear because of the corrosive action of the insecticide. Hence it is very essential to maintain the equipments with due care.

MAINTAINANCE

Following activities should be ensured : The discharge line should be disconnected at delivery out let.  The bucket & discharge line should be emptied.  The spray pump should thoroughly rinsed with clean water.  Filter assembly should be rinsed & cleaned.  Reassemble all the clean parts except the

 Put clean water in the tank ,seal the tank & pump air in to it to flush the hose,filter, central valve & lance.  Clean the nozzle tip by washing ,remove any dirt with a fine bristle with a brush.  Never use metal wire to clean the nozzle tip

REPAIRING AND MAINTENANCE OF SPRAY PUMPS

The repairing of equipments in three Places:-

 

Field level repair Truck level repair Work shop repair

FIELD LEVEL REPAIR

    

Nozzle- tip cleaning Strainer cleaning ( in discharge lines) Hose clamp tightening Gasket tightening ( in discharge lines) Cut-off valve compression nut tightening. Nozzle tip replacement.

TRUCK LEVEL REPAIR

     

Hose replacement Damaged lance replacement Pump gasket replacement Plunger shaft repacking Foot valve cleaning or replacement Cup leather replacement on plunger shaft

WORKSHOP REPAIRS
      

To bent or damaged barrel To bent plunger shaft To strainer on sprayer inlet Repair or replacement of cut off valve Reforming bent lance Examination of all rejected nozzle tips Any other major repairs.