Overview
EN ISO 16122-2:2025 - "Agricultural and forestry machinery - Inspection of sprayers in use - Part 2: Horizontal boom sprayers (ISO 16122-2:2024)" - specifies requirements and test methods for the in‑field inspection of horizontal boom sprayers. Used together with ISO 16122-1:2024, this standard focuses on the sprayer’s condition as it relates to environmental risk and application performance. It supersedes EN ISO 16122-2:2015 and aligns with EU regulatory objectives for the sustainable use of pesticides.
Key topics and technical requirements
This part of ISO 16122 covers practical verification points and test methods (no threshold values are invented here; see the standard for exact criteria). Major technical topics include:
- Leaks and dripping: static and dynamic leak checks and detection of unintended spraying/dripping on machine parts.
- Pump performance: capacity, pulsation behaviour, and presence/function of air chambers.
- Agitation systems: hydraulic or mechanical tank agitation checks to ensure uniform spray mix.
- Spray tanks and filling systems: lid sealing, filling strainers, pressure compensation, level indicators, emptying and induction hopper function.
- Cleaning and rinsing: on‑board cleaning equipment and container rinsing devices to minimise contamination and environmental release.
- Measuring and control systems: pressure indicators, regulation devices, section equalizers and reproducibility of adjustments.
- Pipes, hoses and filters: integrity, isolates, accessibility and maintenance of filtration elements.
- Spray boom and nozzles: boom alignment, stability/damping, nozzle spacing/orientation, deformation and protection from damage.
- Distribution and blower checks: distribution uniformity and air‑assisted components where applicable.
The standard also references inspector protection measures in ISO 16122-1:2024 and includes an Annex ZA linking the standard to EU Directive 2009/128/EC (presumption of conformity for listed clauses).
Applications and users
EN ISO 16122-2:2025 is designed for practical, in‑use inspections and is useful for:
- Equipment inspectors and certification bodies performing routine compliance checks
- Farmers and contractors seeking to ensure accurate pesticide application and reduce drift or leakage
- Manufacturers and service technicians to guide maintenance, repair and retrofit decisions
- Regulators and extension services implementing local pesticide-safety programmes
- Purchasing/specification teams requiring documented inspection criteria for procurement
Use cases include in‑field operational inspections, periodic maintenance audits, pre‑sale checks, and regulatory compliance verification tied to environmental protection.
Related standards
- ISO 16122-1:2024 - General requirements and inspector protection (must be used together)
- EN ISO 16122-2:2015 - previous edition (superseded)
- EU Directive 2009/128/EC - sustainable use of pesticides (Annex ZA maps clauses to the Directive)
For implementation, consult the full EN ISO 16122-2:2025 text for exact test methods, acceptance criteria and procedural details.
