Fumigation: Health & safety guidance for employers & technicians carrying out fumigation operations

Who this guidance is for?

The guidance is primarily for employers and fumigators/fumigation technicians (including the self-employed) to help them comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) when carrying out fumigation activities, both traditional pest control (invertebrate fumigation) and within the laboratory and biosecurity sectors.  It will also be useful to their safety representatives.

Brief overview of content

It outlines the real risks and describes the law that applies to fumigation operations. There is specific advice on procedures common to all fumigation operations, including the use of monitoring equipment, personal protective equipment and respiratory protective equipment, health surveillance and first aid.

In addition, there is advice on precautions for specific fumigation environments, alternative fumigation technologies, the health effects associated with certain fumigants and other legislation which applies to fumigation.

Changes since the last edition

This edition updates references to legislation and links to further guidance. It also gives a clearer explanation of what action to take and why.