ISO 16122-1:2015

Overview

ISO 16122-1:2015 - "Agricultural and forestry machinery - Inspection of sprayers in use - Part 1: General" defines the general requirements for the inspection of sprayers in use that apply to agriculture, horticulture, forestry and related areas (excluding knapsack sprayers). It sets out the scope, pre‑inspection and inspection principles, minimum safety requirements for the inspector, and the required content of the test report. ISO 16122-1 is intended to be used together with the sprayer‑specific parts of ISO 16122 (e.g., boom, bush/tree, fixed or semi‑mobile sprayers).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope & classification: Establishes which sprayer types and configurations the inspection regime covers and refers to specific parts for detailed tests.
• Pre‑inspection requirements:
  • Sprayer cleanliness (internal and external) and removal of contamination risk.
  • Calibration evidence: inspection equipment (flow meters, pressure gauges, speed sensors) must be checked regularly - normally at least once a year.
  • Place for inspection: chosen to minimise pollution/water contamination and environmental effects (wind, rain).
• Pre‑inspection checks (visual and functional):
  • Power transmission (PTO shafts, guards, universal joints).
  • Moving parts and operator guards.
  • Hydraulic pipes and hoses (leaks, abrasion, positioning).
  • Structural parts, framework and hitching devices (no significant deformation/corrosion).
  • Lockable/foldable parts and blower components (blades, balance, guarding, clutch operation).
• Inspection process: After passing pre‑inspection, the sprayer is tested according to the relevant specific ISO 16122 part (e.g., Part 2 horizontal boom sprayers).
• Test report requirements: Minimum content includes test station, inspector details, date, owner identity, sprayer model/serial, year, drive type, malfunctions and measurement results.
• Safety and competence: Emphasises inspector safety; appropriate training and national/local regulations on inspector competence may apply.

Applications and users

Who uses ISO 16122-1:

• Test stations and inspection bodies conducting in‑service sprayer inspections
• Manufacturers and dealers verifying in‑service condition and compliance
• Farmers, contractors and forestry operators managing sprayer maintenance and environmental risk
• Regulators and certification schemes defining inspection programs

Practical benefits:

• Reduces environmental contamination risks from plant protection products
• Ensures continued spray performance and efficient pesticide use
• Standardises inspection reporting and facilitates maintenance planning

Related standards (if applicable)

• ISO 16122 parts 2–4 (sprayer‑specific test methods)
• ISO 5681 (vocabulary for crop protection equipment)
• ISO 19932-1 / ISO 19932-2 (knapsack sprayers - excluded from ISO 16122-1)
• ISO 4254-6 and ISO 16119 series (related safety and environmental requirements)

Keywords: ISO 16122-1, inspection of sprayers, sprayers in use, agricultural and forestry machinery, plant protection products, sprayer inspection, test report, sprayer safety, environmental protection.