Operational risk assessment of sprayers by environmental impact analysis

A method is presented for the assessment of operational risk from the use of sprayers based on environmental impact analysis. The method expresses the risk as a sum of possible negative outcomes on the environment and the operator, considering the effects of a set of factors relating to pesticide applications. Risk assessment has been carried out for the more representative types of sprayers, highlighting the advantages that can be obtained through technological improvements and operational constraints. The method allows a risk to be associated with each sprayer so that a risk classification may be expressed. (C) 1998 Silsoe Research Institute.