The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) are warning of the threat to health and safety standards from the increasing number of sprayers entering the UK market which do not meet basic safety standards.
The threat comes as the European Union (EU) enlargement has given rise to central and eastern European equipment manufacturers an easier access to western markets.
It has been found that some suppliers are offering products, especially the smaller mounted machines, which do not conform to health and safety requirements in the UK.
In order to comply with British and European Safety Standards, sprayers should include such as the following:
- A dedicated, low-level filling device or induction hopper.
- As an alternative to the above, a filler cap that is no more than 1.5m (5ft) from the ground or operator platform and is a maximum of 300mm (1ft) horizontal reach.
- Sprayers must have a 15-litre handwash tank and protective clothing locker.
Alan Plom, Head of Safety at HSE Agriculture and Food Sector said:
"These requirements apply to all sprayers on the market and it is the duty of suppliers to offer products that meet these needs.
"It is not for the end user to decide if these particular items of safety equipment are required. There is no choice - they must be supplied with the machine."
Farmers should take note that by purchasing a unit not conforming to the required standards and should an accident occur, they are putting themselves at the risk of prosecution by the HSE.
In order to comply with relevant regulations, any application machinery purchased after 1 May 2004, should be CE marked.
Further information on all things agricultural can be accessed from the HSE webpage by clicking the following:
HSE website, agriculture health and safety, farming industry help and advice.
Other facts on the agricultural industry can be accessed from the AEA website by clicking the following:
AEA: Agricultural Engineers Association
Article by Alexandra Johnston
