Appendix 3: Free-flowing fertiliser field test

A fertiliser may be said to be 'free-flowing' when:

1. It can be discharged as a dry powder from an aircraft hopper, in the form intended, without compacting or sticking in the throat of the hopper, thereby reducing the risk of blockage.
2. It can be discharged as a dry powder from an aircraft hopper, in the form intended, without blocking in the throat of the hopper.
3. It has passed the field test explained below.

Hopper with free-flowing fertiliser

The procedure for the field test involves two steps:

1. Information gathering and visual observation, and
2. Physical testing.

Step 1: Information gathering and visual observation

• Confirm with the farmer the age of the product.
• Confirm delivery date.
• Confirm the presence of any pre-existing product underneath.
• Visually check for contamination, including:
  • dirt and debris, sticks or vegetation
  • stock movement and/or the presence of cowpats
  • obvious lumpiness, stickiness or wetness.

The information gathered is useful in determining how old the material is, how long it has been on-site and whether or not it has been mixed with other material. Direct observation is a very important part of the process. Evidence of material contamination through dirt and debris, stock movement, cow pats and so forth is readily apparent, as is the material's lumpiness, stickiness or wetness.

The loading of the aircraft presents an opportunity to assess flow-rate of the fertiliser prior to take-off and application. Any lack of free-flow of the product from the loader hopper into the aircraft hopper should be noted and acted upon immediately. If the product will not flow freely and readily from the loader hopper, free-flow from the aircraft may be compromised. Action must be taken to address this situation. Failure to meet the flow requirement of the field test means the pilot should take steps such as restricting the load, for example, to 75 percent or less of the aircraft's standard load.

Step 2: Physical test

Lincoln University and Massey University have established a joint research programme to identify reasons as to why poor flow can exist and then to develop and establish a means to test for that. Due to the time-line projected for developing the procedure, agreement has been reached to release this guideline in its current form so that the agricultural, aviation and manufacturing and supply industries can make use of its broader content. The guideline will then be updated and reprinted with that information as it becomes available. Until then, parties who are assessing product flow should undertake at least step 1 above and those further steps listed below.

Steps to take if the prior tests show poor flow.

The farmer shall be advised that action must be taken to either:

1. Limit the load to a weight, decided by the aerial operator, below maximum certified take-off weight (MCTOW). Overload shall not be allowable. This allows a pilot to have a safe recovery if the load does not discharge.

1.1 If a complete discharge does not occur, the farmer must be advised to return the fertiliser to the works for remanufacture as a dry flowable product. It is illegal for any pilot to load material for aerial application that will not meet the minimum jettison standard of 80 percent of the load in five seconds.

1.2 If discharge does occur, the load limit, as per 1.1, shall be maintained until the parties are satisfied that the poor flow no longer exists.

1.3 Locking the hopper control lever at full dump on the completion of the sowing run is a precaution taken by pilots against the accidental accumulation of fertiliser and the possibility of an overloading problem occurring. However landing with the hopper door open may not in itself be sufficient to discharge compacted, wet or sticky fertiliser. The pilot will need to visually check that the hopper contents have been discharged totally during the previous sowing run as any additional load introduced to the hopper may cause an overload situation. To visually inspect the hopper after each load may be impractical with some aircraft currently in use, leaving the pilot with no other option but to refuse to apply the product.

Or

2. Bring more product in and use that only - a new test is to be done.

Control actions from the above are therefore:

All of step 1

Or, step 2 alone.

Appendix 4: Access, storage and airstrip checklist

Access and storage	Yes	No
All access ways to the storage bin are clear and level, graded as necessary, and are free from long grass and weeds.
There is sufficient room for the truck to turn without damaging the aircraft operating area.
The storage area or bin is dry and has a waterproof cover or roof.
The farmer or an agent will be on hand to ensure the fertiliser is covered after delivery.

 

Airstrip	Yes	No
The airstrip surface has been checked for branches, wire, potholes, damage from stock, cowpats and other surface irregularity.
The grass is short, either cut or grazed by sheep.
Stock has been removed.
The strip has been checked by driving over it at 80 km/h.
The flight path is clear of fences, wires and trees etc.

A 'No' answer requires attention before the airstrip is used.

Farmer sign-off ..................................................

Airstrip owner sign-off ..................................................

Date .......... / .......... / ..........

Available as a pdf [size: 31KB ] or word document [size: 35KB ]

Appendix 5: Health and safety in employment farmer (principal) and contractor agreement

The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that contractors and farmers clarify, and give regard to, their respective responsibilities under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. While it is impossible to indemnify both parties from all liability, a commitment to the warranties given in this agreement is an essential step in health and safety risk management.

NB: For the purpose of this agreement, "farmer" means "farmer or his/her agent".

1. The contractor warrants:

1.1 That the contractor has been advised by the farmer of any significant hazards in the work place that the farmer controls, that might cause serious harm to the contractor or the contractor's employees/assistants.

1.2 That the contractor and the contractor's employees/assistants are trained and competent to carry out the work assigned in a safe manner.

1.3 That any plant, machinery or tools that may be used by the contractor and/or the contractor's employees/assistants are in good repair and in a safe working condition.

1.4 That where necessary to avoid serious harm appropriate and adequate safety equipment is available and used at all times.

1.5 That the contractor has developed adequate emergency procedures, as required under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.

If the contractor or the contractor's employees/assistants identify any hazards on the farmer's property which are likely to cause them serious harm, access to the farmer's land and/or work on it shall not proceed until appropriate control actions are taken. Besides taking their own control actions, the contractor or the contractor's employees/assistants shall, where necessary, request the farmer who controls any such hazards to take appropriate actions before access or work begins.

2. The farmer warrants:

2.1 That the farmer has advised the contractor of any significant hazards in the workplace that he/she controls, that might cause serious harm to the contractor or the contractor's employees/assistants.

2.2 That should the farmer become aware of any significant workplace hazard or unsafe practices that might cause serious harm the farmer shall take appropriate actions before work begins or continues. This assurance applies to the area in which the contractor or the contractor's employees/assistants are working, whether relating to the workplace that the farmer controls or to that under the control of the contractor.

Contractor .................................................. Signed ..................................................

Farmer .................................................. Signed ..................................................

Date .......... / .......... / ..........

Copyright Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) -January 1999

Summary

Delivery control

• The manufacturer will supply the product clean and dry.
• The transport operator will deliver the product clean and dry.
• Once delivered, the product will be protected from moisture and contamination.

Airstrip control

• Airstrip owners and farmers will ensure the airstrip meets the guidance criteria.
• Pilots will inspect the airstrip prior to the job.

Application control

• The farmer should perform a product check for free-flow prior to engaging an aerial operator.
• The aerial operator will ensure a product check for free-flow is performed immediately prior to job.
• The pilot will inform the farmer of an affirmative or negative decision.
• The pilot has the right of refusal to fly.

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