Chp 7. -Fumigation Worker Handler Safety

Question 1

General Fumigation-Safe Use Requirements
(Q7.1)

Employers must provide and ensure that employees wear the approved respiratory equipment when:

Answer 1

1.)Fumigation concentrations
-Cannot be controlled
-They expose employees to levels that exceed the Permissible Exposure Limit
(PEL)
2.)When the product label clearly states more stringent requirements,
(including limits exceeding the PEL for methyl bromide, sulfuric fluoride, or any other fumigant from where the only type of approved respiratory equipment is air-supply) the employer has the option to.
a.)Require employees to use air supplied respiratory equipment, either self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or an air-line respirator.
b.)Provide continuous monitoring to warn the employees before PEL is reached.
c.)Written request by an employer, DPR will consider alternative equipment/methods.

Question 2

Accident response Plan

Q7.2

Answer 2

Employers must have an accident response plan at each work site that provides instructions to protect employees during situations such as spills, fire, and leaks.

Question 3

Enclosed spaces include and are not limited to:
(Q7.3)

Vaults, Chambers, Greenhouses, Vans, Boxcars, Ships, Planes, Vehicles, Tarp-covered structures.

When fumigating in an enclosed space, the following requirements apply to the entire structure or space.

Answer 3

1. )At least two trained employees, present at all times including when the fumigant is introduced, when anyone enters to facilitate aeration, and when anyone enters to determine fumigant concentrations.
2. )Employees must be trained in pesticide safety including an accident response plan
3. )PPE is required if the label specifies for both employees.
   - Exception when solid fumigants are introduced from a position outside the enclosed space including; aluminum phosphide, magnesium phosphide, and smoke cartridges.

Question 4

Warning Signs:
(Q7.4)

You must post plainly visible warning signs at all entrances to the space that will be fumigated before you start any fumigation.

They must not be removed until the ventilation has been completed and premise is safe for re-entry.

Warning signs must

Answer 4

1. )Be printed in red on a white background.
2. )Contain english and spanish
3. )Letters are no less than 2in. in height reading “Danger-Fumigation”
4. )Signs must have a skull and cross bone symbol that is no less than an in. in height, and in letters that are no less than 1.5in. Sign must identify.
5. )Name of the fumigant
6. ) Date and time the fumigant was introduced
7. )Name, address, and telephone number of the applicator performing fumigation.

Unless the the PEL is known to be at or below the PEL, employers must not allow employees to enter fumigated enclosed areas except properly protected employees to determine the fumigant concentration or to facilitate aeration.