PPP-27

Introduction

The fleet vehicles of commercial pesticide applicators serving residential and industrial clientele fulfill multiple functions, notably for transportation of equipment and materials to the work site, mobile office facilities, and company advertisement. The proper maintenance of the vehicles and articles stored on board promotes applicator safety, reduces risk of accidental environmental contamination by transported pesticides, and serves as an indicator of the degree of professional responsibility assumed by the company.

The safety of the applicator is dependent on two aspects of the vehicle. The first is operating condition. Regular checks of tire wear, brakes, and lights can detect problems before a potentially unsafe situation is reached. Second, examination of pesticide containers and application equipment may mean the difference between a smooth, routine day's work or an unnecessary human exposure to chemicals. Pay special attention to containers to make certain that they are sealed and secure. Remember to inspect hoses, fittings, couplings, etc., to determine that your application equipment is in good working order. Finally, a good first aid kit and fresh water are essential to a well-stocked rig.

Environmental contamination is another possibility where vehicles are not inspected frequently for proper maintenance. Any source of pesticide leaks from the vehicle, whether dilute material or concentrate, may result in soil or water contamination. Always carry spill control equipment on board. Inevitably, accidents do happen and your response will, in large part, determine the extent of the problem. If a spill occurs, first remove any persons exposed to the material from the source of contamination, treat them, and then contain and absorb the pesticide.

Fleet vehicles can be an important tool in terms of acquiring and keeping customers. Rigs that are stained with pesticides, have granules and dirt in the bed, carry old and poorly serviced application equipment, or simply present an unkempt appearance do nothing to secure customer confidence in your business. Fleet vehicles can say quite a lot about the capabilities of their owner. Along those same lines, your rigs represent a sizeable investment. The simple act of a regular inspection can increase their useful life and their value to you.

Demonstrate your commitment to personal safety and environmental quality: Advertise your company proudly. Recognize the value of regular vehicle inspections.

Cab Interior                                      Tires
  __ Clean cab-no food wrappers or trash           __ Pressure
  __ Coveralls for routine inspections             __ Tread wear
  __ Extra change of clothes                       __ Cuts and cracks
  __ Pest identification information available     __ Spare tire
  __ Emergency numbers on board in case of        
     accident 					  Lights
  __ Record of on-board pesticides                 Front
  __ Label and MSDS present for review  	   __ High beam headlights
  __ First aid kit on board			   __ Low beam headlights
  __ Fire extinguisher on board                    __ Turn signals
  __ [Pesticides not stored in cab (summer)]       __ Running lights
  __ [Pesticide application equipment not          __ Emergency flashers
      present]					  
						   Rear
On-board Pesticide Containers                      __Taillights
 __ Containers properly sealed and secured         __ Brake lights
 __ Legible labels on all containers               __ Turn signals
 __ Granules in proper containers                  __ Running lights
 __ Bait formulations in secured containers        __ Emergency flashers
 __ No oversupply of pesticides                    __ Backup lights
 __ Empty containers properly rinsed and           __ License plate lights
     positioned for removal at end of day:        Wipers
     Never reuse pesticide containers.             __ Wiper blades in good condition
Spill Control                                      __ Washer fluid dispenser filled
 __ Absorbent materials and rags on board          __ Washer fluid pump in working order
 __ Shovel, broom, plastic bags on board          Under the Hood
Equipment Check                                    __ Belts
 __ [Sprayers not pressurized]                     __ Hoses
 __ Supplies in moisture-proof containers          __ Oil
 __ Lids fit securely on pesticide tanks           __ Radiator fluid
 __ Spray hoses in good condition                  __ Automatic transmission fluid
 __ Pressure gauges operable                      Other
 __ All sprayers cleaned and secured               __ Horn in good working order
 __ Water containers labeled                       __ Seat belts in good working order
 __ Respiratory gear on board                      __ Brakes in good working order
 __ Hard hat on board                              __ Windshield free of obstructions
   Chemical-resistant clothing on board            __ No spills on truck exterior
 __ Goggles   __ Gloves   __ Boots                 __ No spills in truck bed
 __ Apron     __ Coveralls                         __ Truck bed free of debris

Inspected by ___________________________________ Date ____________________________

Notes ____________________________________________________________________________

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The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is implied.

It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, David C. Petritz, Director, that all persons shall have equal
opportunity and access to the programs and facilities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status,
parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action employer.