Site Assessment and Fumigation Planning
Site Assessment and Fumigation Planning
This domain tests the pre-treatment inspection and the written plan that keeps a fumigation legal and effective. A complete assessment defines the treated volume, identifies connected spaces, removes or protects sensitive items, and anticipates gas migration, ignition sources, and emergency access.
Assessment checklist
- Measure each treated space: length times width times height. Include attics, crawlspaces, garages, closets, and connected rooms.
- Identify shared walls, common attics, ductwork, plumbing chases, and other paths for gas migration.
- Confirm occupancy and notification needs for occupants, neighbors, and sensitive individuals.
- Remove or protect pets, plants, food, medications, and open food-contact surfaces.
- Shut off pilot lights, open flames, and ignition sources; confirm gas appliances are off.
- Check weather, temperature, wind, and access for hoses, tarps, and emergency vehicles.
- Plan monitoring points, aeration, clearance, and emergency communication.
Worked example
A duplex has a common attic that is not sealed between units. The target unit measures 9,000 cubic feet, but gas can move through the common attic into the neighbor unit. Reasoning: the plan must either include the connected space in the treated volume and notify those occupants, or create a gas-tight seal at the separation. Ignoring the connection risks exposure and underdosing the target. The corrected volume and notification plan are written into the record before application.
Traps
- Measuring only the living area and missing attic or crawlspace volume.
- Overlooking pilot lights and gas appliances.
- Failing to notify neighbors in attached units.
- Assuming ductwork is sealed when it is not.
- Planning aeration without monitoring points.
Key points
- Treated volume includes all connected spaces.
- Shared attics and chases are gas migration paths.
- Pets, plants, food, and medications must be removed or protected.
- Ignition sources must be shut off before application.
- The plan must cover monitoring, aeration, and emergencies.