Machinery Directive Pesticide Update

The UK Government has published some new guidance notes on the new Amendment Directive (2009/127/EC) for machinery for pesticide applications, amending the current Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC).

The new amendment, which is due to come into force on the 15th December 2011, sets out new requirements for machinery for pesticide applications, within its scope, in which they must meet before it can be placed and/or put in service. The amendment will affect a wide range of machinery used to apply pesticides; from large sprayers used in horticultural industries; through to the smaller equipment used in the amenity sector.

The definition of machinery has not been amended, but instead places an obligation on manufacturers or importers of Pesticide Application Machinery (PAM) to ensure the protection of the environment, in addition to the existing obligations. The additional requirements include the requirement for PAM to be designed and constructed so that its operation does not damage the environment. More specifically, PAM must be designed and constructed:

• to facilitate precise filling and ensure complete and easy emptying of pesticide, while preventing spillages and avoiding water source contamination;
• to ensure pesticide is deposited on target areas and where appropriate an even and homogenous deposition must be ensured;
• to prevent losses whilst the pesticide applications function is stopped;
• to facilitate cleaning;
• to facilitate the changing of worn parts; and
• to facilitate inspections by being able to connect the necessary measuring instruments.