ISO 16122-1:2024

Overview

ISO 16122-1:2024 - "Agricultural and forestry machinery - Inspection of sprayers in use - Part 1: General" defines the general requirements and test methods for inspecting sprayers used to apply plant protection products in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and related areas (excluding knapsack sprayers). This general part is intended to be used together with the relevant sprayer-specific parts of the ISO 16122 series (see Annex A) and focuses on minimizing environmental risks and maintaining effective application performance while ensuring inspector safety.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and classification: Establishes which sprayer types are covered and points to specific ISO 16122 parts for different machine categories.
• Pre-inspection requirements: Owner/operator presence, cleaning of internal/external parts to avoid cross-contamination, and proof of equipment calibration (typically annually).
• Place for inspection: Location must limit pollution risk and environmental contamination; water used during inspection must be controlled.
• Safety and mechanical checks:
  • Power transmission (PTO drive shaft guards, universal joints, restraining devices)
  • Moving parts and operator guards
  • Hydraulic system (no visible leaks, hose and pipe integrity)
  • Structural parts and framework (no significant corrosion, deformation or loss of strength)
  • Lockable/foldable parts (secure locking)
  • Blower components and clutch/gearbox function (if installed)
  • Electrical safety for systems >50 V (cable condition, connectors, enclosures)
• Inspection process: Pre-inspection must be completed before functional or performance testing; inspectors must assess hazards at maximum working pressure and follow applicable sprayer-specific test methods.
• Test report: Results of the pre-inspection and sprayer-specific tests must be recorded and provided to the owner/operator. At minimum, the report includes the test station and the inspector’s name/contact details.

Practical applications

• Ensures continued environmental protection by identifying leaks, wear or malfunctions that can cause drift or contamination.
• Verifies sprayer performance to maintain accurate, efficient application of plant protection products, reducing waste and crop damage.
• Supports compliance programs, voluntary inspection schemes, or regulatory inspection programs for agricultural and forestry operators.
• Helps asset managers and service technicians prioritize maintenance and repairs based on standardized criteria.

Who should use this standard

• Agricultural and forestry machinery inspectors and test stations
• Equipment manufacturers and dealers providing inspection or maintenance services
• Farm managers, crop protection specialists and horticultural contractors
• Regulators and certification bodies setting inspection programs

Related standards

• ISO 16122 series (sprayer-specific parts)
• ISO 16119 series (requirements for new sprayers - environmental aspects)
• ISO 4254-6 (safety of sprayers)
• ISO 5681:2020 (vocabulary for crop protection equipment)
• ISO/FDIS 19932–3 (knapsack sprayers)

Keywords: ISO 16122-1:2024, inspection of sprayers, agricultural sprayers, sprayer inspection, plant protection products, sprayer maintenance, inspector safety, environmental protection.