Fumigation Procedure in Pharma

Fumigation is a method of pest control or the removal of harmful microorganisms by completely filling an area with gaseous pesticides, or fumigants. It involves heating a 40% formaldehyde solution to generate vapor, which is left in the sealed room for 12-24 hours.

Formalin is available as 40% solution of formaldehyde in water. When Formalin is heated formaldehyde vapor is generated.

Under certain conditions formaldehyde can react with hydrochloride acid and chloride containing disinfectant. So hydrochloric acid and chorine-containing disinfectant must be removed from the room before fumigation.

Step-1 : Preparation

clean doors, floor, walls, and all washable equipment
close any windows to avoid the leak of fume
switch off all lights A/C and other electrical.

Step-2 : Precaution

adequate care must be taken by wearing cap, mask, foot cover etc.
-Formaldehyde is irritant to eye & nose. and it has also been recognized as potential carcinogen.
fumigation person must be provided with PPE

Step-3 : Fumigation

Electric Boiler Fumigation Method
for each 1000 cubic feet,500 ml of formaldehyde (40% solution) add in 1000 ml of distilled water in an electric boiler.Switch on boiler,leave the room and seal the door after 45 m ( variable depending to volume present in boils) Switch off the boiler without entering in the room (switch off the main from outside)
after the initiation of formaldehyde vapor, immediately leave the room and seal it for least 12 to 25 hours.

Step-4: Neutralization

Before neutralization formaldehyde Fumigation system should be taken out From the surgical theater. Then toxicity of formaldehyde vapor should be neutralized with ammonia solution
Formaldehyde gas reacts with ammonia gas and hexamine which is considered a harmless substance
Switch on the A/C at least 2 hours” sterility test”

The control system can be local or managed by the BMS, with the latter being preferable and more common. It is good practice to communicate the HVAC management system with the different elements involved: the nebulizer itself, HMI, particle counters (if they exist), fire detection system, interlocking door management system, and other signaling and warning elements.

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Resource Person: Ch/Ahmed Mahmoud