Fumigation

Fumigation is a decontamination method, where the affected area is filled with gas or vapor such as formaldehyde. The chemical is capable of killing bacterial endospore, bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa.

Fumigation of the Laboratory suite should be carried out routinely.

• All centrifuge lids and rotors should be open, incubators switched off and left open, and all cupboard doors should be open.

• Fridges and freezers containing biological material should be taped up, lab coats placed in a tin ready for autoclaving, and any chlorine based disinfectants removed to avoid a formaldehyde and chlorine reaction.

• Discard tins containing waste should be autoclaved, all cabinets should be clean and cleared out, the cabinet indicator turned to clean and gauntlets removed from the glove ports.