California Aeration Plan

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For over 20 years in California fumigators have used the Tarpaulin Removal Aeration Plan (TRAP) to initiate the aeration process. In the first years of this plan it was designed to meet a 5 part per million (ppm) clearance standard. However, after 2006 it was changed to a stricter standard of 1 part per million. Still with this strict standard the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) was concerned over the workers protection, with this in mind the DPR created the California Aeration Plan (CAP).

Substantially more equipment is now required with the new California Aeration Plan, and along with the extra time that was added to the fumigation process it creates a safer environment for all parties involved. Here is a brief summary of how the CAP works:

• Daily Summary of Process
  • Day 1
    • Install tarpaulins and inject / release Vikane fumigant
  • Day 2
    • Structure aeration starts with a minimum time of 12 hours
  • Day 3
    • Remove tarpaulins, test structure to verify it is clear of fumigant and certify for re-entry
• Crew Jobsite Preparation
  • Open at least one window at least 3 inches in each room
    • If it does not have an operable window, a circulation fan can be used to aid aeration of that room
    • On multy-story residences, windows on the ground level can be left closed
    • This will aid in the aeration process to efficiently circulate the fumigating during the injection process as well as fresh air during the aeration process
  • For tarpaulin fumigations, aeration equipment is installed prior to fumigation so aeration can be initiated from outside the fumigated spac
  • Aeration fans must be at least 18-inches in diameter
  • Aeration ducting shall be at least 18-inches in diameter
    • It shall be designed and sealed in a manner that allows it to be open remotely from ground level when aeration is initiated
  • All exterior entrances are barricaded or locked with special locking devices
  • All exterior entrances and sides of the fumigated building are to have posted warning signs during the entire fumigation process
• Advantages
  • Safer environment for workers
  • Occupants returning to building following fumigations with sulfuryl fluoride will not be exposed to any toxic concentrations of the fumigant
  • More efficient injection, circulation and aeration process
  • Provides sufficient aeration to remove all concentrations of the warning agent chloropicrin
  • Fumigators using the CAP are not required to use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

If you have any additional questions in regards to the California Aeration Plan or how the fumigation process works please feel free to contact us at (619) 421 – 2101 or via our side contact form.