- Owner
- Farm Manager
- Effective date
- September 15, 2026
- Review cycle
- Every 12 months
1.Purpose
To apply crop protection products safely and in line with the product label and local law, protecting applicators, workers, the crop and the environment.
2.Scope
Applies to mixing, loading, applying and cleaning up after any pesticide, herbicide or fungicide application on the farm. Specific rates, mixing instructions and re-entry intervals always follow the product label and local law rather than this SOP.
Definitions
- Re-entry interval
- The time that must pass after an application before workers can enter the treated area without protective equipment, as set by the product label and local law.
- Restricted-use product
- A pesticide that can only be applied by, or under the direct supervision of, a licensed or certified applicator.
- Drift
- Pesticide spray or dust moving beyond the target area, often due to wind or equipment settings.
3.Responsibilities
- Pesticide Applicator
- Reads the label, calibrates equipment, applies the product, and completes the application record.
- Farm Manager
- Approves which product is used where, confirms applicator certification, and posts re-entry notices.
- Field Worker
- Stays out of treated fields during the re-entry interval and reports any posted sign that is missing or unclear.
RACI matrix
| Activity | Pesticide Applicator | Farm Manager | Field Worker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select the product and review the label | R | A | - |
| Calibrate and inspect application equipment | R/A | C | - |
| Apply the product following the label | R/A | I | - |
| Post re-entry signs and enforce the interval | R | A | I |
| Complete the application record | R/A | C | - |
R = Responsible, A = Accountable, C = Consulted, I = Informed
4.Materials and PPE
Materials, tools and systems
- →Product label and safety data sheet
- →Calibrated sprayer or applicator equipment
- →Mixing and loading area with spill containment
- →Wind meter or weather station
- →Re-entry interval warning signs
- →Pesticide application log
- →Triple-rinse equipment for containers
Personal protective equipment
- →Chemical-resistant gloves as specified on the label
- →Respirator or mask as specified on the label
- →Protective coveralls or apron as specified on the label
- →Eye protection or face shield
- →Chemical-resistant boots
5.Procedure
- 5.1
Confirm the product and applicator certification
Farm ManagerBefore any application, the farm manager confirms the correct product is approved for the target pest and crop, and that the applicator holds any certification required for that product.
- 5.2
Read the label in full before starting
Pesticide ApplicatorRead the entire product label, including the rate, target pest, PPE requirements, mixing instructions and re-entry interval, before opening the container.
Warning: Always follow the product label and local law for rates, PPE and re-entry intervals. Never rely on memory from a previous application.
- 5.3
Check weather conditions
Pesticide ApplicatorCheck wind speed, direction and any rain forecast against the limits and guidance on the label before beginning, to reduce the risk of drift or runoff.
Checkpoint: Wind speed and direction fall within the limits stated on the product label before application begins.
- 5.4
Put on the required personal protective equipment
Pesticide ApplicatorPut on the gloves, respirator, coveralls and eye protection specified on the label before mixing or handling the product.
Warning: Never mix, load or apply a pesticide without the personal protective equipment listed on its label.
- 5.5
Inspect and calibrate the application equipment
Pesticide ApplicatorCheck the sprayer or applicator for leaks, worn nozzles or damaged hoses, and calibrate it to apply the rate specified on the label.
Checkpoint: Equipment output is checked against the calibration target before filling the tank.
- 5.6
Mix and load the product in the designated area
Pesticide ApplicatorMix the product at the rate on the label in the designated mixing and loading area with spill containment, using clean water and the correct measuring equipment.
- 5.7
Apply the product following the label rate and method
Pesticide ApplicatorApply the product at the labeled rate and method, keeping within the target field boundary and any buffer zones required near water, homes or sensitive crops.
Warning: Never exceed the rate on the label or apply closer to a buffer zone than the label allows.
- 5.8
Post re-entry interval signs immediately
Pesticide ApplicatorAs soon as the application starts, post signs at field entrances noting the product, application date and time, and the re-entry interval from the label.
Checkpoint: Re-entry signs are posted at every entrance to the treated field before workers could enter it.
- 5.9
Keep workers out of the field during the interval
Farm ManagerDo not allow any worker to enter the treated field until the re-entry interval on the label has passed, unless they are wearing the PPE required for early entry tasks permitted by the label.
- 5.10
Triple-rinse and dispose of empty containers
Pesticide ApplicatorTriple-rinse empty containers following the label's instructions, add the rinse water to the sprayer tank, and dispose of or recycle containers according to local law.
- 5.11
Clean equipment and remove PPE safely
Pesticide ApplicatorClean the sprayer and mixing equipment in the designated area, then remove PPE in the order that avoids contaminating skin or clothing, and wash immediately after.
- 5.12
Store remaining product securely
Pesticide ApplicatorReturn any unused product to the locked pesticide storage area, keeping it in its original labeled container away from food, feed and water sources.
- 5.13
Respond to a spill or exposure incident
Pesticide ApplicatorIf a spill or exposure happens, follow the label's first aid and spill response instructions immediately and notify the farm manager without delay.
Warning: Follow the safety data sheet and product label immediately for any spill or suspected exposure, and seek medical help if symptoms appear.
- 5.14
Complete the application record
Pesticide ApplicatorRecord the product, rate, field, date, time, weather conditions and applicator name in the pesticide application log as soon as the application is finished.
6.Quality checks
- →Every application record shows the product, rate, field, date and weather conditions.
- →Re-entry signs are posted before anyone could enter the treated area.
- →Equipment calibration is checked and recorded before each application.
- →PPE used matches what the product label requires for every application.
7.Records
- →Pesticide application log
- →Equipment calibration record
- →Applicator certification records
- →Safety data sheets on file for every product used
8.KPIs
- →Percent of applications with a complete application record
- →Re-entry interval violations reported
- →Equipment calibration checks completed on schedule
- →Spill or exposure incidents per season
9.Common mistakes
- →Applying from memory instead of rereading the current label before each use.
- →Skipping calibration and guessing at the application rate.
- →Letting workers into a treated field before the re-entry interval has passed.
- →Storing unused product in an unlabeled or unlocked container.
10.Revision history
| Revision | Date | Description | Reviewed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | September 15, 2026 | Initial release | Ilia Pirozhenko |
This is a template. Adapt it to your organization, equipment and local regulations before use.
