Fumigation Emergency Procedures PDF

FUMIGATION EMERGENCY PROCEDURES The following are the two most commonly used fumigation gasses. VIKANE (Fluorides) The fluorides are gases with sharp, irritating odors. They are used in industrial processes, glass etching, rodenticides and preventive dentistry. Health Hazard - Fluorides are intensel...

FUMIGATION EMERGENCY PROCEDURES The following are the two most commonly used fumigation gasses. VIKANE (Fluorides) The fluorides are gases with sharp, irritating odors. They are used in industrial processes, glass etching, rodenticides and preventive dentistry. Health Hazard - Fluorides are intensely toxic to skin, eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory system. Exposure to high concentrations of fluorine and interhalogen fluoride is usually fatal, due to pulmonary edema and respiratory damage. Severe burns can be caused in seconds. Protection - Full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which should include bunker gear, firefighting helmet and hood and Self-Contained Breath Apparatus (SCBA) must be worn when in proximity to the property. If entry into the property must be made, a Chemical Resistant Encapsulating Suit (C.R.E.S.) must be worn. METHYL BROMIDE (Methyl and ammonium bromide) Colorless, odorless gas, except in high concentrations where it has a sweetish, chloroform-like odor. Health Hazard - Highly toxic upon inhalation. Contact of liquid or vapor with skin or eyes can cause severe irritation and injury. Protection - Full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which should include bunker gear, firefighting helmet and hood and Self-Contained Breath Apparatus (SCBA) must be worn when in proximity to the property. If entry into the property must be made, a Chemical Resistant Encapsulating Suit (C.R.E.S.) must be worn. Properties can be tented or "taped and sealed". As the situation dictates, the following procedures will apply. 1. Keep all apparatus upwind as far as practical. Due to dangerous chemical fumes, Fire-Rescue Department personnel and other agency personnel in the immediate vicinity of the property should be kept to a minimum. 2. Locate a posted sign at one of the four corners of the property in order to determine: a) Name of the exterminating company b) Type of fumigant c) Initial time of fumigation NOTE: If security personnel are on the scene, obtain any additional information from them. 3. Advise the Fire Central Information Office (FCIO) of all information gathered from item #2, above. 4. Verify that the Hazardous Materials Team (HAZ MAT) is responding and communicate all information gathered from item #2, above to them via tactical channel. 5. Evacuate buildings downwind if integrity of tent or seal has been violated. 6. No entry shall be made until HAZ MAT is on the scene and proper personal protective equipment 4/2/2013 EOM / Article 3 / Section 18 Page 1 (C.R.E.S.) is donned. 7. Exterior of building should be searched for fumigation cylinders. These cylinders should be controlled (shut off and/or protected with fire streams). In addition to the above, the following procedures will apply. FIRE SITUATIONS 1. A defensive mode should be adopted and the initial attack made from outside and upwind. 2. If a tent is in place, the tent should be dropped (removed) to provide ventilation of fumigant or fire gasses. EMS ALARMS 1. Do not enter building until arrival of HAZ-MAT Team. 2. Advise responding Rescue of particulars of the situation. 3. If a victim is found, the following basic life supports will apply. a. Wash contaminated skin with a stream of fresh water for 15 minutes or until Rescue arrives. b. Provide Basic Life Support (BLS) and monitor vital signs. c. For eye burns, wash with running water for 5 minutes. d. Administer oxygen 6 to 10 liters by mask or nasal cannula. e. Refer to Hazardous Materials Injuries Handbook, available on Haz Mat Team apparatus. SEARCH AND RESCUE Searches for suspected prowlers in tent buildings will not be done by Fire-Rescue Department personnel. The fumigation company will be called out and they can either remove the tent or conduct the search themselves. If the situation demands Fire-Rescue Department personnel entry (i.e., child inside), then fire fighters wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which should include bunker gear, firefighting helmet and hood and Self-Contained Breath Apparatus (SCBA) will start pulling back the tarps of the tent to dissipate the gas and a HAZ MAT entry team in appropriate encapsulating suits will conduct the search. 4/2/2013 EOM / Article 3 / Section 18 Page 2