Fumigation Management Plan  (FMP)

In early January 2004, Degesch America, Inc. began shipping the first products from our Weyers Cave, VA production facility bearing the newly approved product labeling.  There are some substantial changes in this new labeling, most notably in the Applicators Manuals.  A new section has been included that requires the completion of a Fumigation Management Plan (FMP) prior to any fumigation.  The Applicators Manual contains the following statement:

21. FUMIGATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

The certified applicator is responsible for working with the owners and/or responsible employees of the structure and/or area to be fumigated to develop a Fumigation Management Plan (FMP).  The FMP is intended to ensure a safe and effective fumigation.  The FMP must address characterization of the structure and/or area, and include appropriate monitoring and notification requirements, consistent with, but not limited to, the following:

1.    Inspect the structure and/or area to determine its suitability for fumigation.

2.    When sealing is required, consult previous records for any changes to the structure, seal leaks, and monitor any occupied adjacent buildings to ensure safety.

3.     Prior to each fumigation, review any existing FMP, MSDS, Applicators Manual and other relevant safety procedures with company officials and appropriate employees.

4.    Consult company officials in the development of procedures and appropriate safety measures for nearby workers that will be in and around the area during application and aeration.

5.    Consult with company officials to develop an appropriate monitoring plan that will confirm that nearby workers and bystanders are not exposed to levels above the allowed limits during application, fumigation and aeration.  This plan must also demonstrate that nearby residents will not be exposed to concentrations above the allowable limits.

6.     Consult with company officials to develop procedures for local authorities to notify nearby residents in the event of an emergency.

7.     Confirm the placement of placards to secure entrance into any structure under fumigation.

8.    Confirm the required safety equipment is in place and the necessary manpower is available to complete a safe and effective fumigation.

9.      Written notification must be provided to the receiver of a vehicle that is fumigated in transit.

These factors must be considered in putting a FMP together.  It is important to note that some plans will be more comprehensive than others.  All plans should reflect the experience and expertise of the applicator and circumstances at and around the structure and/or area.

In addition to the plan, the applicator must read the entire label and applicator manual and follow its directions carefully.  If the applicator has any questions about the development of a FMP contact DEGESCH AMERICA, INC. for further assistance.

The FMP and related documentation, including monitoring records, must be maintained for a minimum of 2 years.

Eighteen months ago Degesch America, Inc. embarked on a plan to create an FMP for every fumigation we performed for our customers.  What we've learned in that time is what we've all known all along. Good planning yields successful fumigations.  Far from being a nuisance or just more paperwork to keep up with, an FMP actually puts everything in one place and assures you that you've taken care of all the details.  How does one write an FMP for their own facility or customer.  Might I suggest you take the above mentioned 9 statements and convert them into questions to be answered.  The words in yellow are my own.

1. Did I inspect the structure and/or area to determine its suitability for fumigation?

2. When sealing was required, did I consult previous records for any changes to the structure, seal leaks, and monitor any occupied adjacent buildings to ensure safety?

3. Prior to each fumigation, did I review any existing FMP, MSDS, Applicators Manual and other relevant safety procedures with company officials and appropriate employees?

4. Did I consult company officials in the development of procedures and appropriate safety measures for nearby workers that will be in and around the area during application and aeration?

5. Did I consult with company officials to develop an appropriate monitoring plan that will confirm that nearby workers and bystanders are not exposed to levels above the allowed limits during application, fumigation and aeration?  This plan must also demonstrate that nearby residents will not be exposed to concentrations above the allowable limits.

6. Did I consult with company officials to develop procedures for local authorities to notify nearby residents in the event of an emergency?

7. Did I confirm the placement of placards to secure entrance into any structure under fumigation.

8. Did I confirm the required safety equipment is in place and the necessary manpower is available to complete a safe and effective fumigation?

9. Was written notification must be provided to the receiver of a vehicle that is fumigated in transit?
    

If you can answer those nine questions and document the answers, then you've got an FMP.  Section 21 of the Applicators Manual offers "Guidance for Preparation of a Fumigation Management Plan".  This section will present a wide range of activities and options that could be part of an effective FMP.  If you have questions don't hesitate to ask.  We'll be glad to provide whatever insight we might have, but please keep in mind that every State rule, regulation or interpretation is not the same.  The final authority on how our products are used lies in the hands of State regulators enforcing the laws of their particular State.

Application and aeration, the beginning and end to any fumigation, have changed drastically over the years.  If you're still using yesterdays technology, maybe you should consider taking your fumigant applications to the next level.  The Degesch Phosphine Generator is capable of creating large amounts of phosphine gas, quickly and efficiently.  Used solely as the source of phosphine or in combination with our Phostoxin® and Magtoxin® products to maintain phosphine concentrations, the Degesch Phosphine Generator is "State of the Art" phosphine production.

The Degesch Catalytic Adsorption Unit® ("Scrubber") provides the perfect ending to any phosphine fumigation.  The Degesch "Scrubber" is designed to remove phosphine from the air of a structure under fumigation.  By withdrawing contaminated air from inside the structure, out through our patented Catalytic Adsorption Unit, and then back into the structure, the Degesch "Scrubber" slowly lowers interior concentrations to safe levels. The Degesch "Scrubber" adapts easily to most storage facilities and is ideally suited to work with a J-System® Recirculation fumigation.

If you'd like more info on either of these  products, you can contact us here.

Carbon Dioxide and Phosphine Combinations

Dr. Dennis Keever recently completed a review of the scientific data available regarding the use of CO2 and PH3 in combination.  This paper is entitled; "Addition of Carbon Dioxide at Low Concentrations to Phosphine: Does It Enhance Phosphine As a Fumigant of Stored-Product Insects?".  Dr. Keever lists his objective as follows:

"The primary objective of this review was to assess whether the addition of CO₂ increases the toxicity of PH₃ against the more important insect pests in stored products. This objective was considered primary because it addresses the most important reason for fumigating stored products:  to eliminate insects.  Results relating to eggs, pupa and diapause larvae are most significant because they are more difficult to kill than adults and non-diapause larvae.  Unless noted otherwise, references to larvae mean non-diapause larvae.  Also, unless noted otherwise, all insects discussed are supposedly not PH₃-resistant."
 

If you would like to see Dr. Keevers complete review, it can be found here:

"Addition of Carbon Dioxide at Low Concentrations to Phosphine: Does It Enhance Phosphine As a Fumigant of Stored-Product Insects?"

I've also included a copy of Dr. Keever's credentials.

Conventions and Conferences

It's Still Not Too Late to Register & Attend

Degesch America, Inc. Recertification School

The Degesch America, Inc. Recertification School will be held in Charlottesville, VA on April 29, 2004. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Charlottesville offers something for everyone. History buffs will have to visit Thomas Jefferson's home; Monticello. Sight seers will head for Skyline Drive or The Blue Ridge Parkway for the best scenery in the eastern United States. Outdoor types can hike sections of the Appalachian Trail or try one of the many golf courses nearby. If all that isn't enough to bring you out, how about the latest in specialized training designed specifically for fumigators. In excess of 100 attendees will hear a wide variety of speakers address the latest fumigation related topics.  The new Phostoxin and Magtoxin labeling, Commodity Fumigation, Respiratory Protection and Gas Detection, Ship Fumigation, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Methyl Bromide and Profume^® Updates and Structural Fumigation are all on this years program.  Held annually, the Degesch America, Inc. Recertification School offers credit hours necessary to maintain licenses and certifications that are recognized by more than 25 States.  For more information about this informative conference, follow the links below. 

April 29,  2004
The Omni Hotel
Charlottesville, VA 

Program 

Registration Form

Association of Operative Millers