Transport

Transport of small quantities of plant protection products

The transport of crop protection products is governed by regulations on the transport of hazardous goods by road. Agricultural products should be transported by people who are experienced and/or licensed transporting such products. Products should be transported in vehicles designed for this purpose.

In transporting small quantities of products the following aspects should be considered.

Transport vehicle

It is essential to undertake a general check of the condition of the vehicle to ensure that the products are transported safely. The compartment in which the products are transported should be clean, dry and without any projecting screws, nails or other objects that might pierce the containers.

Stowage of products

Crop protection products should be transported in separate compartments from passengers, wherever possible on the outside of the vehicle and well away from foodstuffs and other goods. The products should be secured so as to prevent them from shifting during transport, using for example sealed boxes or containers. Heavy packages should not be stacked on top of lighter ones. Check that packages are in good condition and properly sealed.

Where the crops to be treated with products are spread across different parcels some distance from the store/agricultural premises, it is recommended that the spray mixture is prepared at the field side so as to avoid transporting it on public roads.

When it is necessary to travel on public roads with the sprayer tank full of spray mixture, check that the cap of the sprayer is securely closed, that there are no leaking tubes and that the level of the mixture will not cause it to slop over.

In the event of an accident, take precautions to ensure that there is no spillage of products, and if there is, control any effects by containing it.

If circumstances justify it, do not hesitate to seek assistance from the fire service, telling them the nature of the products.

Further information

Publication from CropLife Guidelines for the safe transport of crop protection products.

This booklet deals with the safe transport of plan protection products. It includes advice on type and maintenance of vehicles, proper route planning, labelling and handling of loads, training of operators and drivers, as well as procedures in case of emergency.