9.4 Safety regulations

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A number of the safety regulations listed in section 8.4 equally apply to fumigants. The stipulations for storing insecticides stated in section 8.4.1 are applicable without exception to fumigants. Attention should essentially be paid to the general introductory rules given in section 8.4.2. Also take note of the details concerning protective clothing, safe application as well as the correct disposal of empty packages and residue. Additional attention should be paid to the following points when dealing with fumigants"

• Always work in pairs, never alone!

Should an accident occur during fumigation, it is important that someone is present to immediately remove the victim from the danger area.

• Always have a gas mask with a new filter available in case of emergency!

Figure 142

• Inform a doctor about the used and provide provide him with manufacturer's information (leaflets, label)!
• Exclude the possibility of danger to other persons! This means: inspect the store and its surroundings carefully before application to ensure that there are no unauthorized people in the danger area!
• Never fumigate stores which are directly adjacent to living quarters! The distance to any neighbouring houses or offices must be at least 10 metres.
• Lock the store once the fumigant has been applied and put up a warning sign (see next page) on every door, stating the type of fumigant used, the date of treatment, the name of the person in charge of fumigation and the place where he can be reached.
• All keys to the store must be in the hands of the person in charge of fumigation.
• Never touch phosphide tablets or pellets with your bare hands!
• Always wash your face and hands thoroughly after using fumigants!
• Monitor the gas concentration and pay attention to the maximum admissible level!

Due to the high toxicity to mammals, the maximum levels in the air of 0.1 ppm for phosphine and 5 ppm for methyl bromide must not be exceeded. If the readings show the levels to be higher access to the store is not allowed without mask.

Notes on the use of gas masks and breathing filters:

Figure 143

• Only wear gas masks in connection with breathing filters! Breathing filters are screwed into the masks. Always check that the mask is air-tight:

• Put on the mask with the filter screwed in !
• Close the opening of the filter by covering it with your hand!
• Breathe in and hold your breath for a moment! If a vacuum persists the mask
• is air-tight.
• People with beards should not execute work which necessitates wearing
• breathing masks, as the masks are not sufficiently air-tight in this case.

• Select the correct filter:

• For phosphine, only use type B filters with a grey coloured label,
• For methyl bromide, only use type A filters with a brown coloured label.

• Never use a type B filter for phosphine for longer than 20 minutes effective breathing time! Do not reuse it for another fumigation, even if the limit of 20 minutes has not been reached.
• Replace the type A filter for methyl bromide after every fumigation! it can be used for the application (10 - 15 minutes) plus ventilation.
• Never use a filter:

• if the expiry date is already past!
• if it is damaged!
• if it has already been opened!

• Do not open new filters until you are about to use them!
• Clean the mask using soapy water after every usage and store together with the breathing filters in a dry, dust-free place (Under no circumstances in the insecticide store)!
• Destroy and bury used filters!

9.5 First aid

Poisoning as a result of fumigants has similar symptoms to insecticide poisoning:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache and stomach ache, dizziness, impaired vision, breathing difficulties, cramps and fatigue may occur, sometimes with considerable delayed reaction.

If there is any suspicion of poisoning, the person affected must be taken out of the working area immediately. He should be carried if possible, as any kind of physical exertion must be avoided. Ensure that he has sufficient oxygen supply and that he does not become cold! in case of contamination of the eyes or the skin, act as described in section 8.4.3!

Consult a doctor immediately!

9.6 Equipment

The following equipment is needed for fumigation and must be hi stock at all times:

• Fumigant
• Gas-tight fumigation sheets
• if necessary, special clips to join two sheets together
• Sand snakes, sufficient in number
• Adhesive tape, pieces of sheet material and special glue to seal and repair the sheets
• Gas detector with detector tubes for phosphine or methyl bromide
• Halide lamp to check for methyl bromide leakage
• Gas mask (full face mask)
• Breathing filters AX or B. depending on the gas used
• Protective clothing and equipment (see section 8.4.2)
• Pieces of cardboard (e.g. egg boxes) on which to place phosphide tablets or pellets
• For application of methyl bromide: tubes with nozzles and fittings and a set of scales on which to place the methyl bromide cylinder
• Warning signs
• Tape measure
• First-aid equipment

Have available the phone number of the nearest

9.7 Further literature

ANONYMOUS (1990)
Fumigation and Controlled atmosphere Storage of Grain, ACIAR Proceedings No. 25, Canberra

ANONYMOUS (1989)
Suggested Recommondations for the Fumigation of Grain in ASEAN Region, Pan 1: Principles and General Practice, ASEAN AFHB and ACIAR, 131 pp.

ANONYMOUS (1986)
GASGA Seminar on Fumigation Technology in Developing Countries

ANONYMOUS
Detia Degesch manual for safe practices in handling and use of phosphine fumigants, Detia Degesch GmbH, Laudenbach, 29 pp.

BAUR, F.J., ed. (1984)
Insect Management for Food Storage and Processing, St. Paul, 384 pp.

BOND, E.J. (1984)
Manual of Fumigation for insect Control, FAO, Rome, 432 pp.

GRAVER, J.S. VAN & P.C. ANNIS (1994)
Suggested Recommondations for the Fumigation of Grain in ASEAN Region, Pan 3: Phosphine Fumigation of Bag-Stacks Sealed in Plastic Enclosures: An Operating Manual, ASEAN AFHB and ACIAR, 79 pp.

ROBBE, P. (1989)
Index Phytosanitaire, Paris

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