The Thermal Foggers Working Group (WG), under the purview of the Technical Committee (TC) of Chemicals and Processes within the Chemical Standards Committee (CSC) held an online seminar on 6 Jul 2022 to showcase the new Singapore Standard SS 682 : 2022 on Code of practice on safe use of thermal foggers during pest management activities.
The seminar highlighted the background on the development of SS 682 detailing the challenges faced by the industry such as the fire safety concerns during fogging operations, poor maintenance of equipment and improper work practices. With the introduction of SS 682, guidance was provided regarding the safe use of thermal foggers in the following areas:
- Risk management (safety aspects in operating and handling of thermal foggers);
- Proper maintenance, storage and disposal;
- Fire prevention measures; and
- Proper emergency planning and first aid procedures
While maintenance of thermal foggers and site preparation of fogging operations remain as important aspects in safeguarding the fogging operators, the seminar also emphasised the need to ensure sufficient training are provided to ensure competency of personnel, such as the ability to administer basic first aid, correct handling and management of thermal foggers and pesticides, etc.
The SS 682 provides best practices for various parties involved:
In the case of service providers (i.e. vector control operators, workers and technicians) the standard details various criterions to be considered during the selection of thermal foggers, which include, cost, compatibility and serviceability. Denoting the appropriate time of day in which fogging operations would be the most effective against specific pests, allows for service providers to better articulate their recommended fogging times to service buyers.
Servicer buyers will not only be made aware of the benefits of utilising a water-based carrier during thermal foggering operations (e.g. reducing fire risk), reduces carbon footprint and protect public health through safe and optimum use of thermal fogging activities. Service buyers and providers are able to better understand the expectation of each party during an operation.
Users of the standard include vector control management companies, town councils, estate managers, manufacturers and suppliers of vector control equipment, vector control workers and technicians as well as relevant government agencies.
To obtain a copy of the new SS 682, refer to https://www.singaporestandardseshop.sg/Product/SSPdtDetail/bf5f406d-0a96-4058-a473-aaa95c77f29c
For more information on the seminar held, refer to https://scic.sg/index.php/en/component/rseventspro/event/383
