18 TIPWG’s Calibration SOP provides a great guide to calibrating accurately and effectively and is well worth a read to refresh yourself ahead of the impending tracer-belt preparation season. Always remember that when doing your calibration, the ground you do it on must be representative of the area being sprayed. There are also no short cuts when it comes to calibration – percentage applications do not work and simply result in either under- or overapplication. When it comes to calibration the message is simple – take your time and do it correctly. Step three: Reiterate the risks and do not skimp on the mixing. On the day of the operation, ensure the applicators are aware of all the risks associated with the operation. Check and check again that: • The correct product is being used. • The right doses are being applied. • Fresh drinking water is available. • Everyone has the correct personal protective equipment (in accordance with the label) • There is access to a washing area and first aid. An aspect that is seldom thought of is water quality – mud or pH imbalances can dramatically reduce the effectiveness of certain herbicides. Read the label and when necessary, follow label requirements to counter the effect of pH imbalances or high clay content. Another area where there are no short cuts is when it comes to mixing. An incorrect mix can be a costly mistake – so always read the label and follow it to the letter and familiarise yourself with TIPWG’s Pesticide Mixing SOP. Step four: It’s not just doing your bit for the planet – it’s a legal requirement. The safe and responsible disposal of the pile of empty chemical containers tracer belt season inevitably produces is not just the right thing to do – it’s the legally enforceable thing too! Use the TIPWG DISPOSAL SOP as a refresher for your staff – our latest version has been updated to include more than just the disposal of plastic containers. Once your containers have been triple-rinsed and punctured - please don’t burn or bury them, they need to be recycled. It is easier than you think! HDPE plastic containers are highly sought after by plastic recyclers as it is one of the only plastic types that can be recycled into various other plastic products such as black HDPE piping, plastic fence posts to mention a few. CropLife SA has a register of approved recyclers and recycling points across the country. If in doubt, revert back to the label and safety data sheet which will have the disposal information for the container or contact your distributor for disposal information. Step five: Use Forestry South Africa – it is what they are therefore! Forestry South Africa’s Timber Industry Pesticide Working Group has created standard operating procedures for almost every aspect of pesticide use in a forestry context, which are applicable to the whole Agri-sector. These can be found on the TIPWGwebsite www.tipwg.co.za and downloaded in PDF format to create awareness amongst your workforce or as refreshers for the farmer or forester that finds themselves in need of readily available easy-to-use information. Roger Poole – TIPWG Agrochemical Liaison Tracer belt treated – Pre-burn Tracer belt burn
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