Fumigation Managing the risk

Transcription

1 Fumigation Managing the risk

2 Fumigation Sites Buildings Open Air Silos Containers Site Chambers Aircraft Vessels

3 Why Fumigate?

4 HSG 251 Health and Safety guidance for employers and technicians carrying out fumigation operations Supplements the COSHH ACOP Guidance on Responsibilities and Competencies of Fumigators Control measures to be adopted Fumigation procedures Emergency measures

5 Common Control measures COSHH Assessment Identify safer alternatives first Dependant on fumigant form and method of application Identification of area to be controlled Restrict access, signage etc Work to Workplace Exposure Limits Long term and Short term, refer to EH40 Gas Detection Leak detection, personal monitoring PPE including Respiratory Protection Selection of correct filters, face-fitting, Use of BA Health Surveillance

6 Fumigation Processes and Procedures Defining the fumigation and risk areas Miminise, sealing processes Preparing for Fumigation Notifications, removal of non-target animals, plants, foodstuffs Removal of absorbant materials Electrical isolation Signage Temperature During fumigation Minimal amount, remove fumigant source after application Leak monitoring and ongoing review of risk area Venting and Clearance Forced or Natural ventilation Monitoring and issue of clearannce

7 Additional Requirements Information sharing between fumigator and site operator Prohibited access Use of gas monitors Air Monitoring and Testing programme Cargo agitation in controlled conditions Communication Increased air monitoring Training and Awareness Fumigators Site Operators Monitoring after clearance

8 Competence of Fumigators Fumigators should only be involved in fumigation operations if they are competent and have been properly trained Professional users of pesticides MUST hold a specified Certificate of Competence from 26 November 2015 (note NOT biocides) British Pest Control Association Diploma in Fumigation Specialist Certificate of Proficiency modules BASIS Registration Scheme Practical and Theoretical Assessment

9 Common Fumigants used Phosphine * Hydrogen Cyanide * Sulphuryl Fluoride Hydrogen Sulphide Formaldehyde Hydrogen Peroxide vapour Ozone Chlorine Dioxide Methyl Bromide (banned in EU as a fumigant) COST vs EFFECTIVENESS

10 Phosphine properties Toxic and Flammable gas Colourless Density 1.17 (air = 1) Faint garlic / rotten fish odour LEL 1.8% Short Term Exposure Limit - 0.2ppm Time Weighted Exposure Limit 0.1ppm

11 Phosphine effects Nausea Vomiting Headache Weakness and Faintness Chest pain and tightness Coughing and Breathing difficulties Pulmonary oedema

12 Fumigant Application

13 Notification for Third Parties Police Location Local Council Fire Service Site contact Date and time of fumigation DEARA Site MCA Cargo fumigated Fumigant used Other potential attendees HSE Fumigator contact Expected Clearance time Public Health Ambulance Clearance notification

14 Incident Response protocol Activation via 999 Blue Light control rooms call round Agency Hazmat incident response Lead agency hot zone Fire and Rescue Service Outer cordon Police Decontamination determined by Fire and Ambulance Notification to PHA, HSE, MCA (if marine) Incident room identified

15 Marine Background Leading Dry Bulk port 4.6 mt annually 1.0 mt of maize, barley and wheat products Insignificant numbers of Fumigated containers Two principal Cargo Receivers - Increased tonnages of maize, barley and wheat products outside EU. Vessels now fumigated with Phosphine in transit using variable application methods. Variable understanding / compliance of IMO MSC Circ 1264 requirements amongst seafarers.

16 Marine Background Variable levels of competence demonstrated by appointed fumigators. Misunderstanding of risks associated with Ventilation other ports adopting anchor till gas-free policy. Commercial pressures and influences Risk identified by MCA s District Marine Safety Committee. Awareness seminar held for Cargo Receivers, Stevedores and Emergency Responders. Communication protocol developed to inform key parties of vessels ventilating in the Port.

17 Arklow Meadow 5 December 2012 Fumigated Cargo vessel that docked in Warrenpoint Active fumigant was discharged along with maize Nine crew and dockers required hospitalisation and decontamination Vessel took an additional 5 days to be cleared

18 Learning points from recent incidents Socks / Sleeves should be removed prior to ventilation. Handling of fumigant should only be undertaken by the fumigator. Fumigators should be present when discharge commences. Weather conditions at load port indicate rate of gas generation. Fumigant in loose pellet form should be avoided as it can pose additional risks during subsequent handling and storage. Issues may still arise if gas-free cargo is conveyed into confined spaces. Cargo owners should verify competency of fumigators that they appoint. Keep everyone informed onboard procedures and emergency plans

19 Belfast Harbour Fumigation Guidance document Scope covers all fumigation operations Reference to following requirements DSHA, IMDG, HSG 251, IMO MSC circ 1264 Fumigator competencies BPCA Diploma and Cert of Proficiency Modules Pre-arrival information Berthing criteria for non-gas free bulk vessels Pre berthing assessment Quayside Requirements Notifications to third parties Incident response protocol

20 Berthing Criteria

21 Pre Berthing Assessment

22 THANK YOU ANY QUESTIONS?