NYS PCO NYS PCO Equipment and Calibration 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Calibration of pesticide application equipment is performed to ensure that:
- The correct amount of pesticide is applied per unit area as specified on the label (Correct answer)
- The equipment is cleaned after each use
- The sprayer is operating at maximum pressure
- The nozzle is free of blockages
Correct answer: The correct amount of pesticide is applied per unit area as specified on the label
Calibration verifies that the sprayer delivers the label-specified application rate per acre or square foot, preventing under- or over-application.
Question 2: A power sprayer nozzle that produces a fan pattern is MOST appropriate for which type of application?
- Flat-fan nozzles for broadcast or band spraying on flat surfaces (Correct answer)
- Cone nozzles for high-pressure soil injection
- Foaming nozzles for void filling
- Misting nozzles for indoor space treatments
Correct answer: Flat-fan nozzles for broadcast or band spraying on flat surfaces
Flat-fan nozzles produce an even, flat spray pattern ideal for broadcast coverage of horizontal surfaces.
Question 3: If a sprayer is applying too much pesticide per 1,000 sq ft, the PCO should:
- Increase walking speed, decrease pressure, or switch to a nozzle with lower output (Correct answer)
- Add more water to the tank
- Increase pump pressure to dilute the chemical
- Switch to a different chemical formulation
Correct answer: Increase walking speed, decrease pressure, or switch to a nozzle with lower output
Reducing output per area requires increasing walking speed, reducing nozzle pressure, or using a lower-output nozzle to bring the application rate into label compliance.
Question 4: What does GPM stand for in pesticide sprayer calibration?
- Gallons Per Minute (Correct answer)
- Grams Per Meter
- Gallons Per Mile
- Grams Per Mixture
Correct answer: Gallons Per Minute
GPM (gallons per minute) is the nozzle output flow rate used as a key variable in calculating the correct application rate during calibration.
Question 5: Which piece of equipment is used to measure nozzle output during sprayer calibration?
- A graduated cylinder or collection container timed over 30–60 seconds (Correct answer)
- A pressure gauge alone
- A thermometer
- A refractometer
Correct answer: A graduated cylinder or collection container timed over 30–60 seconds
Collecting and measuring nozzle output in a graduated cylinder for a timed interval determines actual GPM, which is the basis for calibration calculations.
Question 6: Why should pesticide-application equipment be rinsed with clean water after each use?
- To prevent pesticide residue buildup that can cause corrosion, cross-contamination, and nozzle plugging (Correct answer)
- To increase the pesticide concentration for the next job
- To comply with OSHA hearing protection standards
- To prepare the tank for storage of water
Correct answer: To prevent pesticide residue buildup that can cause corrosion, cross-contamination, and nozzle plugging
Thorough rinsing removes pesticide residues that can corrode metal parts, plug nozzles, and contaminate subsequent applications with incompatible chemicals.
NYS PCO NYS PCO Equipment and Calibration 1
Calibration of pesticide application equipment is performed to ensure that: