Training and information level of operators machinery for pesticide application

Brazil is the world's largest consumer of pesticides. The damage caused by improper use of pesticides beyond the economic field are gaining social dimension, because they require large public funds and private hospital for medical care of people who come into direct or indirect contact with these products. The level of knowledge of the operator of the machines for this purpose is essential to minimize these risks by ensuring the quality of spray. This study aimed to determine the level of training of operators in relation to management of pesticides and spraying machines for these inputs in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul. It was observed that the operators have done courses lasting longer than 20 hours, had an education level 50% higher when compared to operators who received courses of less than 20 hours. Operators who participated in courses lasting less than 20 hours, showed a difference of only four percent in respect of operators who have never done any training. The level of training of machine operators for the spraying of pesticides in the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul, may be considered low in relation to the proper handling of spraying processes

pesticides; environmental pollution; agricultural sprayers