Technical issues to consider when choosing a contractor

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Technical issues to consider when choosing a Fumigation contractor

Certification
All fumigation contractors in the UK must hold approved and current certification whether they are company employees or self-employed.Recognised certification is currently provided by The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) as recognised in the HSE Guidance Note CS22 page 2, paragraph 12.  

Fumigation is separated into eight categories for training and certification purposes.

  1. Soil and compost
  2. Buildings, mills, warehouses, silos etc..
  3. Commodities under sheets, grain and timber
  4. Containers
  5. Ships
  6. Aircraft
  7. Bubble
  8. Fumigation chambers 
On every fumigation carried out, at least the “operator in charge” of the fumigation team must hold a current certificate for the type of work that is to be carried out.Confirmation should be sought from potential contractors that they can meet these requirements.Where any doubt exists clarification can be obtained by contacting BPCA who maintains a list of all certificated personnel which is updated annually.  

Equipment
Equipment will vary depending on the type and size of fumigation but for all fumigations the contractor should be able to confirm (and demonstrate if required) that they have available for the work:
  • Equipment to apply the correct dosage of fumigant accurately
  • Equipment to enable accurate details of low levels of fumigant (below OEL) to be measured.This is to enable leak detection and safe working conditions to be monitored in both the fumigation area and the adjacent risk area
  • Equipment to enable the concentrations of fumigant to be measured during the fumigation period both in the airspace and within the commodity
  • Equipment to measure the temperature in both the air space around the commodity and in the commodity itself
  • Suitable sealing materials to ensure that leakage is minimal as required by the EC Leakage Directive
  • Suitable re-circulation fans and other appropriate distribution equipment where necessary
  • Adequate supplies of warning signs and suitable personal protective equipment for all those involved in the operation 

Insurance
Public and product liability insurance that meets the requirements of the company selecting the contractor.  

Fumigation Materials
The fumigation contractor must have adequate supplies of the fumigant to be used which currently can be:

  • Methyl bromide without warning agents (for commodity fumigation)
  • Methyl bromide with warning agents (for soil fumigation)
  • Aluminium phosphide – either in tablets, pellets or sachets
  • Magnesium phosphide – in plates
  • Modified atmospheres – e.g. carbon dioxide, nitrogen or argon 

N.B.Sulfuryl Fluoride is not yet approved for use in the UK but may be approved later in 2004 for some uses.  

Method of Fumigation Application
The fumigation contractor should be asked to specify which application method he proposes to use.The selection of the method will depend on many factors including location, volume, temperature, target organism, density of commodity, time available and legislation.  

Key points to consider are:

  • Method of distribution of fumigant – the fumigation exposure period should not be regarded as having commenced until target concentrations have reached all parts of the commodity or structure.
  • Method of maintaining an even distribution throughout the fumigation.
  • Method of adding more fumigant during the fumigation period if monitoring shows this is necessary to achieve Concentration Time Products (CTPs).If the CTP has not been achieved because of leakage the goods should be resealed and re-fumigated.
  • Method of ventilation to ensure fumigant is removed as quickly as possible once the target CTPs have been achieved and ventilation commenced.Confirmed methodology for completing and documenting this procedure in a way that would be acceptable to HSE and any other relevant health and safety organisation.  

Monitoring and Safety Provisions
Check that the contractor has facilities to produce accurate records of the fumigation including concentration graphs.  

Check that the contractor can organise necessary notification of all relevant authorities as required by COSHH both prior to fumigation and on completion of ventilation.  

Prior to the commencement of the treatment, the person requesting the fumigation should ensure that the fumigator undertaking the treatment is qualified to undertake the treatment (i.e. included on the BPCA list of all certificated personnel and qualified in the relevant fumigation module) and is able to confirm the following in writing:  

  • They have all the equipment to undertake the work and that it is in good repair.
  • They will record the gas concentration at the beginning, middle and end of the treatment, or at such times as may be agreed between the specifier and the fumigator, and will provide a signed graph of the results afterwards.The graphs show whether the fumigation has reached the required standard necessary to eliminate the target pests, at the recorded commodity temperature.
  • They will also provide confirmation of the minimum and average temperature of the commodity from readings taken and give details of the amount of gas formulation calculated to be needed and the amount actually used. 

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Technical issues to consider when choosing a Pest Control contractor

Appoint a Professional Pest Control Contractor

The provision of pest control services to a professional standard is absolutely essential as the financial consequences of inadequate pest control can be very damaging to your business.  

By choosing a British Pest Control Association (BPCA) member you are ensuring that the contractor can provide a professional and consistent service.The BPCA places great importance on promoting the highest standards of professionalism within the pest control industry. 

All BPCA members must meet certain criteria including:

  • Conforming to the BPCA Codes of Practice
  • Carrying adequate public, products and employers liability insurance
  • Demonstrating a high standard in their business systems and procedures
  • Adequate training in the identification and assessment of pest problems and the application of effective control measures 

Selection Criteria
You should consider whether the contractor can:

  • carry out a full survey of the premises and present a clear report
  • provide evidence of adequate technical resources to deliver the agreed specification
  • provide proof of adequate insurance cover
  • offer quality accredited procedures that ensure rigorous adherence to routine follow-up visit dates
  • provide customer references
  • carry out associated work such as proofing, cleaning, detection and monitoring of pest populations and offer advice on good housekeeping practices
  • offer peace of mind and value for money 

By maintaining a proper system, professional pest control contractors should be able to provide the client with evidence that he is exercising ‘due diligence’ by taking all practical steps to avoid committing an offence under The Food Safety Act 1990.  

Contract Specifications
The contractor must have a clear understanding of the client’s needs and the client of what is technically possible and economically viable.A contract specification can clearly define the service to be provided whilst avoiding unreasonable or unrealistic demands of the contractor.  

A contract specification should cover the following points:

  • Company policy towards infestation and level of control
  • Range of pests covered
  • Access
  • Pest control methods
  • Type and frequency of visits
  • Liaison between client and contractor
  • Reporting procedures
  • Contract period and terms of cancellation
  • Payment terms 

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