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fumigate church

  • 1.  fumigate church

    Posted 05-19-2023 16:03
    I have a church with a newer Kawai Grand they've just purchased, they are now contacting me with concerns as they schedule fumigation for the building. I simply have not considered this before, should my clients be concerned or take any precautions with their piano before fumigating?


  • 2.  RE: fumigate church

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-19-2023 16:13
    Some fumigation fumes tend to rust metal parts. I would recommended they have the piano mover out of the building.

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 3.  RE: fumigate church

    Posted 05-19-2023 18:15
    Hi, Fenton,

    Remembering that different jurisdictions (in the case, States) have
    widely varying regulations controlling fumigation (including what
    can/cannot be used), I suggest contacting whatever company the church
    plans on using for this work to ask them what they are using.

    While some chemicals can derogate various materials that are used in
    pianos, others are more friendly.

    Hope that this is of some help.

    Kind regards.

    Horace

    On 5/19/2023 1:02 PM, S. Fenton Murray via Piano Technicians Guild wrote:
    > I have a church with a newer Kawai Grand they've just purchased, they are now contacting me with concerns as they schedule fumigation for the building. I simply have not considered this before, should my clients be concerned or take any precautions with their piano before fumigating?
    >
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  • 4.  RE: fumigate church

    Posted 05-19-2023 22:15
    Thank you Horace and Wim
    I plan to get a list of chemicals
    I have advised that minimally they cover the piano, then cover the customer cover
    In addition wrap and tape the pedals and casters.
    I did not think the chemicals would then be able gain entry to the inside of the piano
    I may still advise them to move it out after I gather more data
    They are RE carpeting as well so moving out would not be as big a deal


    Sent from my iPhone, please excuse typos, etc.
    Fenton Murray, RPT
    Cell 831-320-7042




  • 5.  RE: fumigate church

    Posted 05-19-2023 22:20
    Hi, Fenton,

    You are most welcome!

    It belatedly occurs to me that you might want to contact David Stocker about wrapping a piano for such an occasion. He has a good procedure involving moving pads and plastic wrap that might be useful.

    Kind regards.

    Horace




      Original Message




  • 6.  RE: fumigate church

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-19-2023 22:36
    When we lived in Hawaii, fumigating houses, called tenting, was a very common thing. We weren’t worried about the fumes causing rust on metal parts, but we did have to double and tape shut any food items.

    Just putting a blanket over a piano and even wrapping it with plastic might not be enough.

    Since the carpet is being replaced, it’s a good idea to move the piano out of the sanctuary.

    Wim

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 7.  RE: fumigate church

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-20-2023 03:20
    Considering that it was Hawaii, rust was already a problem!!
    Yep, LOTS of termites in Hawaii. Folks had to have a bamboo bookshelf put in a cold storage locker for two weeks -- the "bugs" had gotten to it, and it wasn't theirs!
    David Dewey





  • 8.  RE: fumigate church

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-21-2023 00:48

    Fenton,
    The usual fumigation technique is Vikane or sulfural flouride.  This has been extensively tested and used on homes, museums, libraries and churches and is not harmful to metals, art or furniture.  There should be no problem with the piano, only a normal piano cover should be necessary, if even that.
    For more information see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfuryl_fluoride
    Also see: https://vikanefumigant.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/1_U01-069-146_Fact-Sheet-ENGLISH_HR.pdf



    ------------------------------
    Blaine Hebert RPT
    Duarte CA
    (626) 795-5170
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: fumigate church

    Posted 05-21-2023 01:08
    Thank you, Blaine
    I scanned the articles not sure I really saw anything about it not being harmful to metals, or Pianos.
    Can you shed more light on that specifically? This would be obviously welcome news to me and the church
    ����


    Sent from my iPhone, please excuse typos, etc.
    Fenton Murray, RPT
    Cell 831-320-7042





  • 10.  RE: fumigate church

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-21-2023 02:05

    Fenton,
    This is one of my areas of expertise.  Vikane has had very extensive use in museums and librarys and is not known to cause harm to metals or finishes.  It has been used in many thousands of houses and there are no valid reports of damage to pianos that I know of and I have asked.



    ------------------------------
    Blaine Hebert RPT
    Duarte CA
    (626) 795-5170
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: fumigate church

    Posted 05-21-2023 14:41
    Great, thank you, Blaine. Most helpful.
    Fenton





  • 12.  RE: fumigate church

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-21-2023 03:01

    More information on Vikane:
    https://repository.si.edu/bitstream/handle/10088/42680/3179591.pdf?sequence=1
    https://vikanefumigant.com
    https://pestdoc.com/vikane-gas-fumigation-explaining-this-bed-bug-treatment/



    ------------------------------
    Blaine Hebert RPT
    Duarte CA
    (626) 795-5170
    ------------------------------