| If you have not used one already, you will | | | | collar. This way any pesticide still in the wand will |
| someday use a pump-up pesticide sprayer. They | | | | drip on the ground instead of flowing back over |
| are used everyday to spray liquid insecticides, | | | | your fingers and hands. Even then, it is difficult to |
| herbicides, fertilizers, and more. However, they | | | | adjusts the tip without contaminating your fingers |
| are not perfect and most have common inherent | | | | with the spray solution. You should always wear |
| design weakness that can pose a danger if you | | | | latex gloves for safety. |
| are not aware of them. The information below | | | | Check wand tube connections on your pesticide |
| describes important safety tips when working | | | | sprayer. If not fastened securely, the pressure |
| with chemicals, potential pesticide sprayer | | | | can cause the tube to blow off at the point |
| weaknesses, and tips for using a sprayer safely. | | | | where the tube connects to the tank. If the tube |
| Read Fertilizer and Pesticide Labels Carefully | | | | comes off while the tank is pressurized, the result |
| Whether you are planning to spray liquid fertilizer, | | | | is an immediate loss of pressure that shoots |
| an insecticide, herbicide or other pesticide, always | | | | spray mist everywhere. |
| read the label completely and carefully first. Make | | | | How to safely release pressure within the tank: |
| sure you have all the personal protective | | | | It is best to release the tank pressure through |
| equipment (PPE) listed on the label before opening | | | | the wand by spraying. If you need to release the |
| the container. The label lists the minimum safety | | | | tank pressure, you can do this through a tank |
| equipment requirements. By law, you can't wear | | | | pressure release valve, if supplied. Another ways |
| less, but you can always wear more. | | | | is by turning the carry/pump handle to release |
| Become Familiar with Sprayer Parts and Operation | | | | the pressure. You do need to exercise caution, |
| Become familiar with how your garden sprayer or | | | | however. As the air is release from the tank, it |
| chemical sprayer operates. Most have a carrying | | | | will always carry a small amount pesticide or other |
| handle on top that doubles as the pump. The | | | | tank solution with it. The spray will usually shoot |
| handle on top screws off and on and lifts out so | | | | straight up down to a 45 degree angle. It is easy |
| a mixture can be poured into the tank. When | | | | to be sprayed in the face, eyes, hands, arms, or |
| lifting the handle out you will see the long cylinder | | | | legs. |
| piston that pumps pressure into the tank. | | | | To release the pressure safely, take a sheet of |
| After the spray mixture is added, replace the | | | | newspaper or plastic bag and cover the release |
| handle and screw it on tight. To add air pressure, | | | | valve or handle. Drape the remaining material |
| push the handle down and turn slightly. This | | | | around the tank. Slowly release the pressure. The |
| releases the piston rod so you can begin pumping | | | | paper or plastic will keep the pesticide from |
| air pressure into the tank. Do not over pump with | | | | spraying on you. |
| air pressure; you can always add more pressure | | | | After you have finished your spraying job, rinse |
| later. When you are finished adding pressure, push | | | | the tank out three times. Spray the rinse on your |
| the handle down and turn slightly in the opposite | | | | target plants. |
| direction to secure the handle. | | | | A Few Additional Safety Tips |
| The spray wand is used to deliver the material. | | | | - Do not mix more pesticide per gallon ratio than |
| Most have a trigger or lever on the wand to | | | | is stated on the pesticide label. It will not usually |
| release the material. Depending on the sprayer, | | | | provide more control and can even elevate the |
| the collar around the spray tip turns to adjust the | | | | danger to people, pets, or plants. |
| spray pattern from a jet stream to a cone or | | | | - Do not spray chemicals upward without |
| flat spray pattern. | | | | additional protective clothing. Inexpensive, |
| Inherent weaknesses with hand-held pesticide | | | | lightweight, disposable pesticide suits are designed |
| sprayers. | | | | for this type of work. |
| Be aware that many inexpensive pesticide pump | | | | - Do not use your pesticide sprayer on windy |
| sprayers are cheaply made. The most common | | | | days. It is difficult to control where the spray |
| problem is that they tend to leak at key points. | | | | goes and it can always blow back on you. |
| They will frequently leak around the spray trigger | | | | - Do not mix different pesticide or herbicide |
| and spray tip. Be sure to wear latex gloves (do | | | | chemicals, unless specified on the label. Some |
| not wear cloth or leather gloves) to protect your | | | | chemicals are not compatible. Some can heat up |
| hands during use. | | | | rapidly, form a thick jel, or on rare occasions, |
| When adjusting the spray tip, point the tip | | | | even explode. |
| towards the ground while turning the adjusting | | | | |