PROCEDURE FOR FUMIGATION and DE-FUMIGATION

1.0 Purpose :
To give a procedure to carry out fumigation.
2.0 Scope :
This covers the relevant method to carry out fumigation in the Microbiology section of QC
3.0 Responsibility :
Microbiologist, Q.C. officer,.
4.0 Procedure :
4.1.0 Equipment and Material
4.1.1 Large stainless steel bowl / plastic container / glass bottles
4.1.2 Formaldehyde solution 37% (Formalin ) to vaporise about 35ml of formalin for each cubic meter of enclosed space.
4.1.3 Potassium permanganate commercial grade.
4.1.4 Mask , gloves and goggles
4.2.0 Precautions
4.2.1 Ensure that all Raw material, Intermediate Product & Primary Packaging Material in the fumigation area are closed properly
4.2.2 Close all the doors and windows
NOTE: Formalin is a strong irritant & is toxic. Inhalation of formaldehyde gas should be avoided since it causes irritation of the respiratory tract, contact with the skin should also be avoided.
4.2.3 Personnel must leave the area being fumigated as soon as possible after fumigation.
4.2.4 Fumigation should be supervised by responsible personnel To insist the operation in the event of any accident.
4.2.8 Persons coming in contact with formaldehyde solution must wash their hands and faces thoroughly with soap and water Before eating &/ or drinking.
4.2.9 Switch off air blowers, slit air conditioners, U.V. lamps, and exhaust fans.
4.3.0 Fumigation
4.3.1 Place the suitable size of fumigation container in the area.
4.3.2 Place of formaldehyde solution in the container Add potassium permanganate to the container.
4.3.3 Lock the door and display “FUMIGATION IN PROGRESS – DO NOT OPEN”
4.3.4 Fumigate for approximately 24 hours.
4.4.0 De-fumigation
4.4.1 After the stipulated duration , put on the exhaust fan and ensure that no traces of formaldehyde is left.
4.4.2 Use dilute Ammonium solution to absorb the fumes & Clean thoroughly the entire area before the start activities with mild detergents & disinfectants.
4.4.3 After fumigation Settle plates to be exposed to ascertain the Environmental bioload of the area.
4.4.4 The bioload at any given place should not exceed the alert limit.



4.6.0 Frequency:
4.6.1 Once in a week.
4.6.2 Frequency may be increased as required based on bio-loads results.
4.7.0 De-fumigation check:
4.7.1 Take a cotton swab and swab approximately 10 x 10 cms of area near the exhaust grill.
4.7.2 Put the swab into the test tube containing 10mg of chromotropic acid in 5ml of purified water, add 2 to 3 drops of Conc. Sulphuric acid
4.7.3 If violet colour persists it indicates that de-fumigation is not complete.
4.7.4 If violet colour does not persist then de-fumigation is complete.
4.7.5 The log sheets should be maintained for fumigation & de-fumigation
in their respective log sheets.