Level 3 Award in Safe Use of Fumigants for the Management of Invertebrate Pests (Units 1-8)

To fumigate, you must hold either:

• RSPH Level 3 Award in Safe Use of Fumigants for the Management of Invertebrate Pests unit 1 and each of the optional units (2 – 8) for the areas you intend to fumigate

• RSPH Level 3 Safe Use of Fumigants for the Management of Invertebrate Pests Unit 1, the BPCA Fumigation Diploma, and the relevant BPCA module certificate for the areas you intend to fumigate.

To obtain the full RSPH qualification, you must first take the RSPH Level 3 Award in Safe Use of Fumigants for the Management of Invertebrate Pests Unit 1 and then opt for each optional unit relevant to your areas of fumigation.

Units available to study as part of the Level 3 Award in Safe Use of Fumigants for the Management of Invertebrate Pests programme:

• Unit 1: Use of fumigation in invertebrate pest management - mandatory unit
• Unit 2: Carry out procedures for the safe fumigation of freight containers and static containers used as fumigation chambers - 10 fumigations
• Unit 3: Carry out procedures for the safe fumigation of commodities under sheet and bulk grain in grain stores - 10 fumigations (5 different commodities)
• Unit 4: Carry out procedures for the safe fumigation of silos - 10 fumigations
• Unit 5: Carry out procedures for the safe fumigation of ships' holds - 10 fumigations
• Unit 6: Carry out procedures for safe fumigation of buildings, warehouses, food processing plants and mills - 5 fumigations
• Unit 7: Carry out procedures for the safe fumigation of purpose-built fumigation chambers - 5 fumigations
• Unit 8: Carry out procedures for the safe fumigation of specialist ‘fumigation bubbles' - 5 fumigations

Unit 1 Classroom and Exam Programme (4 days)

• Studied over 4-days with the exam on day 4 (homework may be given during the course)
• Unit 1 pre-course reading will be provided approx. 2 weeks before the course
• A manual will be provided on day 1 of the course

This course provides the necessary underpinning knowledge. It is suitable for trainee fumigation technicians, salespeople, administrators and anybody who needs a basic understanding of the subject.

Over the Programme, you will study fumigants, legislation, formulations, human toxicity, toxicity to insects, principal areas of use, insect biology, and so much more.

The following subjects will be covered:

• Legislation
• Fumigants and formulations
• Storage and transport of fumigants
• PPE and RPE
• Insect biology
• Monitoring of fumigants
• Alternative treatments
• Pathways to the optional units

NOTE: Holding unit 1 only will not enable you to fumigate unsupervised.

Unit 2-8 On-site Assessment Programme

• Optional units – prepare logbook and carry out required supervised fumigations for your portfolio
• You must have passed Unit 1 and completed the minimum required supervised fumigations for your discipline
• Please get in touch with us to arrange for an assessment.

Once you have passed mandatory Unit 1 and have adequate practical experience as judged by your supervisor/manager, you can be assessed for the relevant optional units. For each optional unit, the assessment will occur at your location (or at the BPCA offices in Derby). It will consist of two parts: a review of your portfolio and a professional discussion with an assessor.

You will be expected to demonstrate your understanding of the skills required for that unit and overall understanding of detection and protection practices necessary for the safe use of fumigant gases.

You can be examined in several units at a time. Practical experience in each is essential. The minimum number of supervised fumigations you must have carried out before the assessment for each unit, is detailed below. Experience should be as varied as possible.

You must provide your personal fumigation logbook, gas detection and respiratory protective equipment and company clearance certificate.

Unit 1 Exam Only Programme

You carry out self-study or study through your employer, then take the RSPH Level 3 Award in Safe Use of Fumigants for the Management of Invertebrate Pests exam. 

The exam is 3 hours long and is available to take is a classroom or supervised online (contact us to arrange an online supervised exam). 

To take the Unit 1 online exam you will require:

• Mac 10.8+ or Windows 7+ operating system (please note that tablets are not compatible with the application)
• 4GB of RAM
• Any Dual Core processor
• A working webcam, microphone and speakers
• Continuous Internet speed of a minimum of 512kbps
• Headphones are optional

The room you use for the exam will need to be quiet as this will be carried out under exam conditions.

NOTE: Holding unit 1 only, will not enable you to fumigate unsupervised.

To obtain the full RSPH qualification you must first take the Level 3 Award in Safe Use of Fumigants for the Management of Invertebrate Pests Unit 1 and then opt for each optional unit relevant to your areas of fumigation.

Unit 1

3-hour written paper consisting of 36 questions.

Units 2–8  

You will create a portfolio of the minimum required supervised fumigations. Once you have completed your portfolio you can contact BPCA to arrange your assessment. For this assessment, you will be interviewed by an assessor. The assessor will verify that the information in your portfolio and your knowledge covers all of the syllabus learning outcomes

To fumigate, you must hold either:

• RSPH Level 3 Safe Use of Fumigants for the Management of Invertebrate Pests Unit 1 and the BPCA Fumigation Diploma and relevant BPCA module certificate for the areas you intend to fumigate or
• RSPH Level 3 Award in Safe Use of Fumigants for the Management of Invertebrate Pests unit 1 and at least one of the optional units (2–8) for the areas you intend to fumigate.

Unit 1 Classroom and Exam Programme

The course includes tuition, course handouts, lunch and refreshments on days 1-3, the written assessment only on day 4. Accommodation is not included.

Unit 1 Exam-Only Programme

Taken on one of our exam days or a supervised exam online.

Unit 2-8 On-site Assessment Programme:

You may be required to pay for the assessor's travel and accommodation expenses. Contact us for details. 

Cancellation Terms:

Course cancellations will only be accepted on receipt of written instruction and are effective from the date received by the BPCA.

• More than 15 working days prior to the Course or exam: No charge
• 15 working days or less: 100% of fee.