The first step to take before storing any application equipment is to

The first step to take before storing any application equipment is to

• A. Decontaminate and clean it thoroughly
• B. Rinse with water only
• C. Flush with solvent
• D. Store with residual pesticide

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to remove all pesticide residues from the equipment before putting it away. Thorough decontamination prevents cross-contamination of future sprays, protects workers from exposure, and reduces environmental risk from stored gear. If you only rinse with water, residues can remain in crevices, on nozzles, or inside hoses, which could contaminate subsequent applications or crops. Flushing with solvent isn’t the standard first step for most equipment and can create hazardous waste or damage parts if not specifically recommended. Storing equipment with any residual pesticide poses safety and regulatory problems, including potential leaks or exposure to others. So, cleaning and decontaminating thoroughly before storage is the safest, most responsible step.

The main idea is to remove all pesticide residues from the equipment before putting it away. Thorough decontamination prevents cross-contamination of future sprays, protects workers from exposure, and reduces environmental risk from stored gear. If you only rinse with water, residues can remain in crevices, on nozzles, or inside hoses, which could contaminate subsequent applications or crops. Flushing with solvent isn’t the standard first step for most equipment and can create hazardous waste or damage parts if not specifically recommended. Storing equipment with any residual pesticide poses safety and regulatory problems, including potential leaks or exposure to others.

So, cleaning and decontaminating thoroughly before storage is the safest, most responsible step.