reference: performance standards – methyl …...reference: performance standards – methyl...

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Reference: Performance standards – methyl bromide fumigation – horticulture exports Version no.: 1

Date published: 16/12/2019 1 of 17

REFERENCE

Performance standards – methyl bromide fumigation – horticulture exports

In this document

This document contains the following topics.

Definitions .............................................................................................................................................. 2

Purpose of this document ..................................................................................................................... 2

Performance standards ......................................................................................................................... 3

Structural and treatment equipment ................................................................................................ 3

Procedures ......................................................................................................................................... 5

Verification of treatment ................................................................................................................... 9

Phytosanitary security measures ..................................................................................................... 11

Documentation ................................................................................................................................ 13

Additional requirements for protocol markets ............................................................................... 16

Related material .................................................................................................................................. 17

Document information ........................................................................................................................ 17

Version history ..................................................................................................................................... 17




Definitions

The following table defines the terms used in this document

Term Definition

Activity categories Requirements from the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology that have been grouped by activity.

Checklist item Requirements under each activity category that have been grouped by function and assigned a non-compliance rating/s.

Corrective action request (CAR)

A formal notification from the department requesting the cause of non-conformance with requirements to be eliminated, with the objective of preventing reoccurrence.

Documented system A written process or procedure that defines the steps in a process and who is responsible for those steps. This may also include records that are used to confirm the process is being followed.

Non-compliance rating Ratings of minor, major and critical applied to a non-compliance to indicate the degree of seriousness.

Performance standards

A benchmark derived from legislation and departmental requirements against which actual performance is measured.

Purpose of this document

This document:

outlines the performance standards that methyl bromide fumigation treatment facilities must meet to gain and maintain approval for the treatment of horticulture for export

sets the corrective action ratings for those performance standards

Note: Where more than one non-compliance rating is provided, the auditor can choose the rating depending on the severity of the non-compliance.

must be read in line with

o the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology

o Guide to performing QPS fumigations with methyl bromide

o Guideline: Management of plant export registered establishments

o Guideline: Audit of plant export registered establishments

o Guideline: Maintenance of phytosanitary security for horticulture exports.




Performance standards

Structural and treatment equipment

The following table describes the performance standards and corrective action ratings for structural and treatment equipment for methyl bromide fumigation treatment facilities.

Checklist items Performance standards – Structural and treatment equipment Reference to methodology or policy

Non-compliance rating

1.1 Treatment facility Treatment facility engages a provider that holds the relevant state fumigation licence. Guideline: Management of plant export registered establishments

Major, Critical

1.2 Fumigation enclosures The treatment enclosure/s (sheeted enclosures, un-sheeted containers or fumigation chamber) complies with Section 3 of the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology.

3

Major, Critical

1.3 Fumigation chamber (if applicable)

The fumigation chamber has passed a pressure test at least every six months.

Pressure testing is conducted in-line with Clause 3.5 of the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology or a nationally or internationally recognised standard.

3.1

3.4.1

3.5

Major, Critical

1.4 Sampling and monitoring equipment

Sampling tubes:

are clearly identified according to their location within the enclosure

free of kinks and blockages

fit the inlet of the concentrations measuring instrument

reach the required positions in the fumigation enclosure.

4.1

4.3

Minor, Major




Checklist items Performance standards – Structural and treatment equipment Reference to methodology or policy


1.5 Sampling and monitoring

The instruments used for measuring fumigant concentrations in the enclosure are:

fit for purpose

in good working order

being operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

fitted with any moisture, carbon dioxide or other filters as specified by the manufacturer to suit the circumstance of the fumigation.

7.1 Minor, Major, Critical

1.6 Sampling and monitoring

The fumigator has a copy of the manufacturer’s instructions. 7.1.3 Minor

1.7 Vaporiser The vaporiser:

is capable of heating the water in the vaporiser to at least 65 °C and maintaining the temperature at or above this while the methyl bromide is being applied

has secure connections to the supply system and is free from leaks.

6.1.2

6.1.5

Minor, Major




Procedures

The following table describes the performance standards and corrective action ratings for procedures for methyl bromide fumigation treatment providers.

Checklist items Performance standards – Procedures Reference to methodology or policy


2.1 Equipment calibration All instruments used to control, indicate or record the methyl bromide fumigation process have been calibrated:

in line with manufacturer’s specifications

after modification or servicing.

6.2.3

7.1.2

9.1.4

Minor, Major, Critical

2.2 Product suitability The fumigator assesses the consignments suitability for fumigation with methyl bromide. 1.2 Minor, Major, Critical

2.3 Air space The goods are loaded to ensure there is sufficient free space throughout the enclosure to allow the fumigant to freely circulate around the target of the fumigation.

Free air space requirements apply unless otherwise stated in the treatment schedule being applied:

a maximum load factor of 80 %

packages are to be placed on pallets or raised off the ground by at least 100 mm by other means.

1.3 Minor, Major, Critical

2.4 Packaging All packaging is impervious to the fumigant.

All packaging meets the impervious wrapping requirements.

Impervious packaging is removed, opened or slashed prior to fumigation in such a way to allow methyl bromide to come into contact with and, if needed, penetrate into the target of the fumigation.

1.5

1.6

Major, Critical






2.5 Packaging All packaging is opened or arranged as follows to allow the fumigant to readily circulate around and into the target of the fumigation:

products that are tightly packed into cartons in plastic sleeves (e.g. cut flowers) must be loosened within boxes to ensure adequate gas penetration during fumigation. Polythene type liners or non-perforated liners must be opened at the top

if open ends of plastic sleeves are packed together in the middle of the carton, the cartons must be re-packed with the open ends placed towards the sides of the cartons

cartons without ventilation holes or with flowers in plastic sleeves obscuring the holes must be stacked with the tops open or with holes punctured in the sides.

1.5.5 Major, Critical

2.6 Safety Risk assessments have been carried out prior to each fumigation.

2.1 Minor, Major

2.7 Safety (chamber only) Chamber remains locked from the time the fumigant is introduced until the fumigant has been ventilated to below the threshold limit value – time weighted average (TLV-TWA).

A risk area is in place as per 2.2.3 of the methodology, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn, during introduction of the fumigant into the chamber.

2.2.3

2.2.4

Minor, Major

2.8 Safety (sheeted enclosures and unsheeted containers)

Risk area must be established around the perimeter, and demarcated by a physical barrier for the duration of the treatment.

2.2.1

2.2.2

Minor






2.9 Safety Where relevant to the type of enclosure, warning signs are in place during fumigation. The signs must:

be large enough to be visible for a reasonable distance

be visible from all angles of approach

display easily understood symbols indicating danger and/or toxic gas is in use

provide contact details of the fumigator

be in English.

2.2.5 Minor

2.10 Safety PPE is to be worn at all times when entering the risk area while it is in force. 2.2.7 Minor

2.11 Sampling tubes A minimum of three sampling tubes are placed in the following positions within the fumigation chamber:

top carton at one end of the enclosure

centre carton in the middle of the enclosure

the bottom carton at the opposite end of the enclosure from the top sampling tube.


2.12 Sampling tubes Sampling tubes are placed in the middle of the carton and inside any packaging material.

Where different types of packaging is used, sampling tubes must be placed in a representative carton of each packaging type.

4.3.1

4.3.4

Major, Critical

2.13 Commodity temperature

Where the temperature schedule requires the temperature of the commodity to be at a particular temperature, the commodity temperature must be used for the dose calculations.

For fruit and vegetables, the core temperature is to be measured by inserting temperature probes into the centre of the product so as much of the sensor as possible is covered, making sure the tip does not extend beyond the product or touch any seed that may be inside the







product. Where the size of the product varies, the temperature sensors must be placed into the largest size product.

2.14 Commodity temperature

At least three temperature readings must be taken from different cartons in different locations in the treatment chamber.

Where different commodities are being treated, temperatures must be taken from a representative sample of the different commodities or varieties.

The temperature probes must be maintained to an accuracy of at least plus or minus (+/-) 1 °C.

4.4.1

4.4.2

4.4.3

Major, Critical

2.15 Dose calculation The dose rates are calculated correctly in line with Section 5 of the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology.

5 Major, Critical

2.16 Applying the fumigant

Supply pipes are free of leaks and sealed once the fumigant is applied.

The methyl bromide is vaporised in line with Section 6.1 of the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology.

The circulation system is operating during the application of the fumigant.

4.5.3

6.1

6.3.2

Critical

2.17 Treatment Ensures the correct treatment schedule is applied.

Has records that demonstrate prescribed fumigant starting concentration, retention rates and time periods have been met.

7.2

7.3

7.4

7.5

Critical

2.18 Treatment The fumigation exposure period has only started when:

all concentration readings are equal to, or above, the standard concentration and

equilibrium has been reached.

7.3.1 Critical






2.19 Treatment Equilibrium has been correctly calculated. 7.3.2 Critical

2.20 Treatment Topping up has not occurred in line with restrictions identified in Section 8.3. 8.3 Minor, Major

2.21 Ventilating the enclosure

Ventilating the enclosure is performed in line with Section 9 of the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology.

9 Minor, Major

Verification of treatment

The following table describes the performance standards and corrective action ratings for verification of treatment for methyl bromide fumigation treatment providers.

Checklist items Performance standards – Verification of treatment Reference to methodology or policy


3.1 Monitoring fumigant concentration

Concentration readings are taken at the start and end of the exposure period. 7.2.1 Critical

3.2 Treatment Failure Explains when a treatment is deemed to have failed:

minimum concentration level is not reached or maintained for the entire treatment

retention rate is not maintained

the exposure period is less than the time prescribed in the treatment schedule

equilibrium was not obtained prior to the start of the exposure period.

7.4

7.5

7.3.1

Major, Critical




Checklist items Performance standards – Verification of treatment Reference to methodology or policy


3.3 Treatment failure If a treatment has failed, actions have been taken to:

control the goods

identify the cause of the failure

identify corrective actions

make corrections or preventative actions.

Guideline Critical




Phytosanitary security measures

The following table describes the performance standards actions and corrective action ratings for verification of treatment for methyl bromide fumigation treatment providers.

Checklist items Performance standards – Phytosanitary security measures Reference to methodology or policy


4.1 Segregation of goods Treated goods are:

identified as treated

segregated from other goods as per Guideline: Management of plant export registered establishments and Guideline: Maintenance of phytosanitary security for horticulture exports.

Guideline: Management of plant export registered establishments

Guideline: Maintenance of phytosanitary security for horticulture exports

Major, Critical

4.2 Traceability Can demonstrate traceability of the goods back to the:

packhouse

grower, if required.



Major




Checklist items Performance standards – Phytosanitary security measures Reference to methodology or policy


4.3 Post treatment phytosanitary security

Post treatment area is clean and pest free.

Phytosanitary security is maintained as per Guideline: Management of plant export registered establishments and Guideline: Maintenance of phytosanitary security for horticulture exports.



Major, Critical




Documentation

The following table describes the performance standards and corrective action ratings for documentation for methyl bromide fumigation treatment providers.

Checklist items Performance standards – Documentation Reference to methodology or policy


5.1 Documented systems The following procedures are documented, current and being followed by the relevant staff:

treatment procedures including

o safety procedures

o dose calculations

o suitability of packaging assessment

o temperature monitoring

o pressure testing

o applying the fumigant

o monitoring fumigation concentration levels

o equipment maintenance

o equipment calibration

o treatment failures

phytosanitary security procedure as per Guideline: Maintenance of phytosanitary security for horticulture exports including

o pre-treatment security, if the goods have an existing phytosanitary status (infield controls etc.)

o post treatment security

o load out security

o security during phytosanitary inspection, if relevant

1.6

2

3.5

4

5

6

7

Minor, Major






traceability procedures as per Guideline: Management of plant export registered establishments.

5.2 Documented systems Documented systems and records have been reviewed annually.

Results of the review have been recorded.

N/A Minor

5.3 Records All records pertaining to methyl bromide fumigation treatments are available including:

treatment records

treatment certificates

maintenance records

verification records

risk assessments.

Note: Records must be kept for 2 years.

10 Minor, Major

5.4 Records Treatment records are compliant with Clause 10.1.2 and Appendix 1 of the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology.


10.1.2 Minor, Major

5.5 Records

Treatment certificates are compliant with Clause 10.2 and Appendix 3 of the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology and they must be:

signed and dated

legible

free from erasures and non-certified alterations

in English.

10.2 Minor, Major






5.6 Records The following traceability records have been kept:

recievals

storage

dispatch.



Minor, Major

5.7 Training Records Training records are kept for staff undertaking the following task

o fumigation

o handling treated goods.

Training records contain

o details of the training undertaken

o date the training was completed

o name of the individual that was trained

o evidence of competence.

If the training was conducted internally all training material must be made available on request.


Minor




Additional requirements for protocol markets

The following table outlines the additional country requirements.

Protocol country Performance standards Non-compliance rating

All markets Refer to the protocol and/or work plan. Critical to markets




Related material

The following related material is available on the department’s website:

Methyl bromide fumigation methodology

Guide to performing QPS fumigations with methyl bromide

Plant Export Operations Manual

o Guideline: Management of plant export registered establishments

o Guideline: Audit of plant export registered establishments

o Guideline: Maintenance of phytosanitary security for horticulture exports

Document information

The following table contains administrative metadata.

Instructional Material Library document ID

Instructional material owner

IMLS-12-3745 Director, Horticulture Exports Program, Plant Export Operations Branch

Version history

The following table details the published date and amendment details for this document.

Version Date Amendment details

1.0 16/12/2019 First publication of this reference.

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/arrival/treatments/treatments-fumigants#methyl-bromide-fumigation

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/arrival/treatments/treatments-fumigants#methyl-bromide-fumigation

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/controlled-goods/plants-plant-products/plantexportsmanual/volume-17/ao-audit-performance-standards

reference: performance standards – methyl …...reference: performance standards – methyl...

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