Andrew Greess

Preflight checklists help the pilot find problems on the ground, where they can be more easily and safely resolved than in the air.

I believe pest management professionals (PMPs) should do the same thing. Before getting into the truck, a few minutes spent checking equipment can save time and money as well as preventing downtime that affects productivity and hinders your ability to provide timely service to clients.

Here's the key point: If you're going to have an equipment problem, you're better off having the problem at your office (or in your driveway, if the vehicle is taken home), than in the field. In the field, repairs are difficult, time-consuming and expensive, and the impact of a chemical spill can be disastrous.

Create a custom "pre-flight checklist" based on your company's trucks and equipment. First, though, some caveats:

• If exposed to freezing temperatures, let equipment warm up so any ice will thaw. Running frozen equipment will cause damages leading to leaks, downtime and increased repair expenses.
• Follow label directions. Do not apply pesticides incorrectly when testing your sprayer. If you don't want to spray product as part of your test, spray back into the tank (for power sprayers) or into another sprayer (for manual sprayers).

Here are some ideas to get you started on your checklist:

MANUAL EQUIPMENT (HAND SPRAYERS AND BACKPACKS)

Pump up your sprayer.

• Does the sprayer hold pressure?
• Are there any leaks?
• Does the sprayer spray properly?
• Does the sprayer shut off properly?
• Is the spray pattern intact?

POWER EQUIPMENT

1. Check your filter. Clean it, if necessary. Check o-rings for swelling, which may prevent airtight seals.

2. Pull 20 to 30 ft. of hose off your reel and inspect for wear. Most hose leaks occur in this area.

3. Check your gas rig. Ensure the engine has gas and oil. Inspect pull cords and belts for wear.

4. Check water level. Ensure there is water in the tank, so the pump is not damaged by being run dry.

5. Start your rig. Let the rig build pressure.

6. Check your pressure. Watch the gauge for proper operating range. Listen to the pump and motor for abnormal noises.

7. Check for leaks. That includes all hoses, the pump itself, all fittings and clamps, tank output fittings, hose reel swivels and spray guns.

8. Use the gun to spray materials back into tanks. Again, observe the system for proper operation.

9. Rewind the hose on the reel. This tests the reel for proper operation.

10. Test any electrical components for proper operation. That includes electric pumps and electric rewind hose reels, for example.

TRUCK INVENTORY

• Ensure there is enough extra gas for the day's stops.
• Ensure there are enough chemicals for the day's stops.
• Ensure labels and material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the products are in the truck.
• Ensure there are enough supplies for the day's stops.
• Ensure there is proper personal protective equipment (PPE) on truck.
• Ensure there are spill control supplies in the truck.
• Ensure the required equipment is in the truck.

Add items to the checklist that are appropriate specifically for your company. Technicians should report any problems or exceptions they find to their supervisors.

Supervisors should have vehicle inspection checklists that includes all the items on the technician checklist.

These few minutes in the morning spent checking equipment will prove to be the most productive of your entire day.

Greess is president of Quality Equipment & Spray, which designs and builds custom pest management spray equipment solutions. He can be reached at andrew@qspray.com
. For more information or to share your thoughts, visit his blog at http://www.sprayequipmentblog.com/.