PHOSPHINE GRAIN BIN FUMIGATION AND POST FUMIGATION INSPECTION

Karen Furgiuele kfurgiuele@gardexinc.com.

Gardex Chemicals Ltd.

In this presentation, we will cover …

Different types of fumigants How to measure and calculate dosage rates for

grain fumigations

How to seal a grain bin or flat storage

We will also cover...

How to apply the fumigant

And finally…. How to clear and aerate the

commodity

Aluminum Phosphide

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Phostoxin® Tablet Prepac Produce 33grams of phosphine

Phostoxin® Tablets Produce 1 gram of phosphine

Phostoxin® Pellets Produce .2 grams of phosphine

Phostoxin® Tablet Prepac Rope Produce 1065 grams of phosphine

How to measure and calculate dosage rates

By volume of the intended space to fumigate.

This can be done two different ways….

By number of bushels stored in the bin or flat storage.

Dosage rates for particular types of storages are found in the Applicators manual.

Sealing

1. All ventilator fans must be covered...

Many vertical grain storage silos can be sealed in the following way.

2. Any side vents that may give access to the inside of the silo/bin must be covered or taped...

3. The grain must be covered if you cannot seal off the vent system at the top of the silo / bin...

Flat storages are done in a similar fashion...

Application Methods

1. Direct addition The most common

2. Degesch Pellet dispenser….

How Does Phostoxin® Work?

Through atmospheric conditions, the aluminum phosphide product releases hydrogen phosphide or phosphine (PH3) gas.

Minimum exposure periods can be found in the

Applicators Manual. **Exposure times depend directly on temperature**

When sufficient exposure periods have been met, the Phostoxin Pellets and Tablets break down in

such a way to leave a fine, gray, talc like substance know as “dust”

Aeration

In UNKNOWN concentrations of phosphine, safety equipment must be worn to aerate or clear the commodity inside the storage.

Fumigation Management Plan

A Fumigation Management Plan (FMP) is an organized, written description of the required steps involved to help ensure a safe, legal and effective fumigation. It will also assist you and others in complying with pesticide product label requirements. The guidance that follows is designed to help assist you in addressing all the necessary factors involved in preparing for and fumigating a structure and/or area.

Gas Detection

Respiratory Protection

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Fumigation with Phostoxin requires that gas concentration readings be taken and recorded during fumigant application, periodically throughout the exposure period and during the aeration of the structure. Fumigant concentrations are expressed as Parts Per Million (ppm). Fumigant concentrations of 0.1ppm and below do not require any respiratory protection

Respiratory Protection

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Fumigant concentrations above 0.1ppm and below 15ppm require a Full Face Respirator with the appropriate canister

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If the fumigant concentration is above 15ppm or is unknown a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) must be worn.

REMEMBER!!!!!!

What if….. Contingency planning Be prepared for the unexpected

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Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your fumigant supplier and/or

manufacturer

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Documentation

If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen

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Thank you….