Abstract
ABSTRACT Several equipments are used in the application of agrochemicals by small scale farmers, with emphasis on the knapsack hand sprayer due to the low cost of acquisition and viability of use in different operating conditions. Although it is an equipment widely used, few studies have been developed in order to ascertain its functional characteristics. This study has the objective of presenting a methodology to measure the effort to which the operator is subjected in the activation of the pumping lever of knapsack hand sprayer verifying if these machines fit within the limitations foreseen by the Brazilian laws and international regulations. The methodology used was adequate to measure the operator's required efforts for the activation of knapsack hand sprayer. All sprayers tested with water have achieved satisfactory results by national standards, but only two by international regulations.
Highlights
Several equip ments are used in the application of agrochemicals, and in the family properties the knapsack hand sprayer is highlighted due to the low cost of acquisition and variability of use in different operating conditions (Lopes et al, 2011) and technologies, as it can incorporate even the electrostatic charging of the spray liquid (Ma midi et a l., 2013)
The authors recommend the adoption of posture training, workout gymnastics and the adoption of scheduled breaks to mitigate the risks involved due to the sprayer weight. This recommendation is hardly followed by the users of knapsack sprayers
Sasaki et al (2014) indirectly measured the physical effort to work with knapsack hand sprayers, classifying this activity as “moderately heavy”
Summary
The applications of pesticides are made by means of spraying, that is, by the generation and emission of liquid particles, in order to control pests and help to increase the productivity of the crops, being part of the world agricultura l production (Silva et al, 2015). According to Freitas (2006) knapsack sprayer work requires the operator to constantly move the left upper limb (arm) when it act ivates the tank pressure lever, moving the upper right limb, d irecting the nozzle by means of the boom sprayer and a constant walk with the sprayer being carried on his back. When it is called the left or right upper limb, the right becomes the predominant member and the left is the non-predominant member, characterizing right or left-handed people. This study has the objective of presenting a methodology to measure the effort to which the operator is subjected in the activation of the knapsack sprayers pumping lever verifying if these machines fit within the limitat ions foreseen by the Brazilian laws and international reg u latio n s
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