Code of Practice for Anti-termite Measures in Buildings, Part 3: Treatment for Existing Buildings

IS 6313 Part 3 - Scope Summary

This part of IS 6313 covers chemical soil treatment for termite protection in buildings.

Key Specifications:

• Chemicals Allowed (Clause 4.1):

Important Notes:

• Chemicals are highly poisonous; handle with extreme care.
• Follow Annex C for detailed safety precautions.
• Avoid contamination of water sources (wells, etc.).
• Rounding of test values must follow IS 2:1960 rules.

Summary diagram:

flowchart TD
    A[Soil Treatment Purpose] --> B[Termite Protection]
    B --> C[Use Chemicals]
    C --> D[Chlorpyrifos 20 EC (1%)]
    C --> E[Lindane 20 EC (1%)]
    D & E --> F[Follow Safety Precautions (Annex C)]
    F --> G[Avoid Water Contamination]

This scope ensures termite protection via specified chemical treatments with strict safety and environmental guidelines.

IS 6313 Part 3 — Terminology & Definitions (Key Points)

• Termite Types:

  • Drywood termites: Identified by pellets of excreta found in tunnels or beneath attacked wood.
  • Non-subterranean termites: Excrete partly digested wood pellets.
  • Subterranean termites: Not detailed here but are the primary focus for chemical control.

• Signs of Termite Attack:

  • Pellets of excreta on floors or tunnels.
  • Blisters on wood surfaces caused by chambers formed close to the surface.
  • Hollow sound on tapping timber indicating internal damage.

• Rounding Off:

  • Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values to maintain consistency in test results.

• Referenced IS Standards:

  • IS 401:1982 (Timber Preservation)
  • IS 1141:1993 (Seasoning of Timber)
  • IS 2568:1978 (Malathion Dusting Powder)
  • IS 632:1978 (Gamma-BHC)
  • IS 4015:1998 (Pesticide Poisoning First Aid)
  • IS 8944:1978 (Chlorpyrifos Concentrates)

Summary Table: Termite Identification

flowchart TD
    A[Termite Attack] --> B{Type of Termite}
    B -->|Drywood| C[Pellets on floor/tunnels]
    B -->|Non-subterranean| D[Pellets of digested wood]
    C --> E[Blisters on wood surface]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Hollow sound on tapping timber]

Note: For detailed chemical application rates and procedures, refer to the main clauses of IS 6313 Part 3.

IS 6313 Part 3: General Requirements - Key Points

• Rounding Off (per IS 2:1960):
  Final test or calculation values must be rounded off to the same number of significant digits as specified in the standard. This ensures consistency in compliance evaluation.

• Definitions:
  The standard provides specific definitions relevant to pile load testing and analysis, ensuring clarity in interpretation.

Important Notes (from IS 6313 Part 3 and related IS codes):

Additional General Requirements (Typical for pile load tests):

• Test loads applied incrementally.
• Load increments and durations as per IS 2911.
• Safety factors and allowable load as per IS 2911 and IS 456.

flowchart TD
    A[Test/Calculation Result] --> B[Rounding off per IS 2:1960]
    B --> C[Compare with Specified Value]
    C --> D{Complies?}
    D -->|Yes| E[Accept Result]
    D -->|No| F[Reject/Retest]

For detailed formulas and tables, refer to IS 6313 Part 3 clauses on load increments, test durations, and acceptance criteria, typically cross-referenced with IS 2911.

IS 6313 Part 3: Chemicals for Termite Treatment

Key Chemicals & Concentrations (Clause 4.1)

• Chemicals are used in water emulsion form for soil treatment.
• For wood treatment, oil or kerosene-based solutions of these chemicals at 1.0% concentration are recommended (Clause 4.1.1).

Application Details

• Dosage: 2.25 litres per linear metre of soil treated.
• Depth of Treatment: Uniform dispersal to 300 mm depth.
• In soils with poor percolation, modify treatment method to achieve uniform chemical distribution without changing dosage (Clause 2.25).

Safety Precautions

• Chemicals are highly poisonous; avoid skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion.
• Prevent contamination of water sources.
• Follow detailed safety guidelines in Annex C of IS 6313 Part 3.

flowchart LR
    A[Chemical Preparation] --> B[Soil Treatment]
    B --> C{Soil Percolation?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Apply 2.25 L/m to 300 mm depth]
    C -- No --> E[Modify Treatment Method]
    E --> D
    D --> F[Protect Building from Termites]

This ensures effective termite protection while maintaining safety and environmental care.

IS 6313 Part 3 (2001) – Treatment Procedures for Existing Buildings

Key Treatment Procedure: Clause 5.3.1.1 – Treatment Along Outside of Foundations

• Excavation: Excavate soil along the outside of the foundation wall to a minimum width of 300 mm and depth equal to the foundation depth or at least 150 mm below ground level.
• Chemical Treatment: Apply a chemical emulsion (e.g., chlorpyrifos 20% EC or equivalent) at a dilution rate recommended by the manufacturer.
• Dosage: Typically, 5 liters per square meter of soil surface area.
• Refilling: Backfill the trench with excavated soil after treatment, ensuring no voids remain.
• Surface Treatment: Treat the plinth area and adjoining ground surface with a chemical barrier.

Additional Specifications:

Important Notes:

• Ensure continuous chemical barrier around the foundation.
• For existing buildings, care must be taken to avoid damage to structure during excavation.
• Repeat treatment may be necessary depending on termite risk.

flowchart LR
    A[Excavate soil along foundation] --> B[Apply chemical emulsion]
    B --> C[Backfill trench carefully]
    C --> D[Treat plinth and adjoining surfaces]
    D --> E[Continuous chemical barrier formed]

This procedure helps prevent termite ingress through soil contact in existing buildings.

IS 6313 (Part 3): 2001 — Inspection & Detection of Termite Infestation

Key Inspection Indicators (Clause 3.2 & Annex D)

• Drywood termites: Presence of pellets of excreta (partly digested wood) in tunnels or on floors.
• Wood surface blisters: Caused by termites forming chambers close to surface, leaving thin wood film.
• Hollow sound on tapping: Indicates internal termite damage.
• Shelter tubes: Mud tubes on walls/foundations indicate subterranean termite activity.

Inspection Guidelines (Annex D)

• Conduct thorough inspection to determine:
  • Extent of infestation.
  • Entry routes (foundation, ground floor).
• Study building structure to identify termite ingress paths.
• Periodic inspections are essential for early detection and control.

Treatment Notes

• Remove affected materials and break shelter tubes if damage is slight.
• For severe infestation, apply chemical soil treatment.
• Repeat treatment if reinfestation signs appear.

Related IS Codes for Preservation & Safety

Summary Flowchart for Termite Detection

flowchart TD
    A[Start Inspection] --> B{Signs of Termites?}
    B -- No --> C[Periodic Monitoring]
    B -- Yes --> D[Identify Termite Type]
    D --> E{Drywood Termite?}
    E -- Yes --> F[Look for Pellets & Blisters]
    E -- No --> G[Look for Shelter Tubes & Mud Tubes]
    F & G --> H[Assess Damage Extent]
    H --> I{Damage Slight?}
    I -- Yes --> J[Remove Affected Material & Break Tubes]
    I -- No --> K[Apply Chemical Treatment]
    K --> L[Monitor for Reinfestation

IS 6313 Part 3: Soil Treatment Key Points

1. Purpose (Clause 3.3)

• Chemical application to soil adjacent/under building to form a termite barrier (lethal/repellent).

2. Chemical Dosage & Application (Clause 2.25)

• Dosage: 2.25 litres of chemical emulsion per linear metre of foundation.
• Depth: Uniform dispersal to 300 mm depth.
• If soil restricts percolation, modify treatment method but keep dosage constant.

3. Approved Chemicals (Clause 4.1, Table 4)

4. Safety Notes

• Chemicals are highly poisonous.
• Avoid contamination of water sources.
• Follow precautions in Annex C for safe handling.

Summary Formula for Chemical Quantity:

[ \text{Chemical Volume} = 2.25 , \text{litres per linear metre} ]

Depth of treatment: 300 mm (0.3 m)

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Soil Treatment] --> B[Select Chemical (Chlorpyrifos/Lindane)]
    B --> C[Prepare 1.0% Emulsion]
    C --> D[Apply 2.25 L per linear metre]
    D --> E[Ensure uniform dispersal to 300 mm depth]
    E --> F{Soil percolation adequate?}
    F -- Yes --> G[Standard Application]
    F -- No --> H[Modify Application Method]
    G --> I[Termite Barrier Formed]
    H --> I

This ensures effective termite protection per IS 6313 Part 3.

IS 6313 Part 3 – Treatment of Woodwork: Key Points

1. Classification (Clause 5.3.2)

• Woodwork classified as:
  • (a) Damaged beyond repair by termites → Replace
  • (b) Infested but repairable → Chemical treatment

2. Treatment of Infested Woodwork (Clause 5.3.2.2)

• Drill 3 mm diameter holes at a downward slant to the wood core on inconspicuous surfaces.
• Holes spaced at 150 mm center-to-center covering the entire framework.
• Infuse liberally with chemicals specified in Clause 4.1.
• If unpainted/unvarnished, apply two coats of the chemicals on all surfaces and crevices adjoining masonry.

3. Replacement Wood Treatment (Clause 5.3.2.1)

• New timber must be dipped or brushed twice with chemicals in oil or kerosene (as per 4.1.1).
• Damaged wood not needing replacement treated as per Clause 5.3.2.2.

Chemical Treatment Summary (Clause 4.1)

• Use specified termite-proof chemicals (e.g., creosote, chlorpyrifos, or other preservatives).
• Application ensures protection against termite attack and decay.

Diagram: Treatment Process Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Woodwork Inspection] --> B{Damaged beyond repair?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Replace timber]
    C --> D[Treat new timber twice with chemicals]
    B -- No --> E[Drill 3mm holes @ 150mm c/c]
    E --> F[Infuse chemicals liberally]
    F --> G[Apply 2 coats on unpainted surfaces]

Summary:

• Drill 3 mm holes @ 150 mm spacing
• Chemical infusion + 2 coats if unprotected
• Replace irreparable wood, treat new timber twice with chemicals

This ensures effective termite and decay resistance per IS 6313 Part 3.

IS 6313 Part 3: Treatment of Masonry Voids (Clause 5.3.1.5)

Key Specifications for Treatment of Masonry Voids:

• Purpose: Prevent termite entry through voids in masonry foundations.
• Method:
  • Drill holes at 45° downward angle on both sides of the plinth wall.
  • Spacing: approximately 300 mm intervals.
  • Use a hand-operated pressure pump to squirt chemical emulsion through holes.
  • Extend treatment to internal walls with foundations in soil.
  • Drill holes at critical points: corners, door/window frames embedded in masonry or floor.
  • Quantity: Emulsion injected till refusal or max 1 litre per hole.
  • After treatment, seal the holes.

Additional Related Treatments (Clauses 5.3.1.1 & 5.3.1.2):

• For RCC foundations, treat soil in contact with columns and plinth beams at 7.5 litres/m² of vertical surface.
• Trenches excavated to expose sides of columns/plinth beams to 300 mm depth.
• For concrete/masonry aprons, drill 12 mm diameter holes about 300 mm apart near plinth wall.
• Inject emulsion at 2.25 litres per linear metre to soak soil below.

Summary Table:

flowchart LR
    A[Drill holes at 45° angle] --> B[Inject chemical emulsion]
    B --> C{Emulsion quantity}
    C -->|Up to 1 litre per hole| D[Stop injection]
    C -->|Refusal| D
    D --> E[Seal holes]
    A --> F[Holes at 300 mm intervals]
    B --> G

IS 6313 Part 3: Treatment of Electrical Fixtures (Clause 5.3.3)

• Procedure for Infestation in Electrical Fixtures:

  • Remove covers of switch boxes embedded in walls.
  • Treat the inside of the boxes liberally with 5% Malathion dusting powder.
  • Refix the covers after treatment.

• Follow-up:

  • Conduct periodical inspections, especially during humid and hot seasons.
  • Maintain vigilance and repeat treatment if termite activity is noticed.

Related Chemical Treatments (Clause 4.1 Table)

• Use water emulsions of these chemicals for soil treatment.
• Handle all chemicals with care due to toxicity (see Annex C for precautions).

Summary Diagram of Treatment Steps for Electrical Fixtures

flowchart TD
    A[Detect Infestation in Electrical Fixture] --> B[Remove Switch Box Covers]
    B --> C[Treat Inside with 5% Malathion Dusting Powder]
    C --> D[Refix Covers]
    D --> E[Periodic Inspection & Vigilance]
    E -->|If Termites Appear| C

Key Notes:

• Malathion dusting powder is specifically recommended for electrical fixtures.
• Safety precautions are critical when handling insecticides.
• Continuous monitoring is essential for effective termite control.

IS 6313 (Part 3) : 2001 — Safety Precautions Summary

Key Safety Precautions (Annex C)

• Hazardous Chemicals: All chemicals used for timber preservation (Clause 5.3) are poisonous and harmful if:

  • Absorbed through skin
  • Inhaled as vapors or spray mists
  • Swallowed

• Handling Instructions:

  • Use protective clothing and gloves.
  • Avoid direct skin contact—most accidental poisonings occur this way.
  • Work in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation risks.
  • Follow safety precautions in Clauses C-1.2 to C-1.5 strictly.

• In Case of Poisoning:

  • Immediate first aid and medical measures per IS 4015:1998 ("Guide for handling pesticide poisoning") must be followed.

Related IS Codes for Safety and Chemicals

Summary Table: Safety Measures for Timber Preservation Chemicals

flowchart TD
    A[Handling Chemicals] --> B{Exposure Type}
    B -->|Skin| C[Wear Gloves & Protective Clothing]
    B -->|Inhalation| D[Use Masks & Ventilation]
    B -->|Swallowing| E[Immediate Medical Attention]
    E --> F[Follow IS 4015 Guidelines]

Note: Always refer to IS 2:1960 for rounding off test results related to compliance.

IS 6313 Part 3: Termite Biology & Behavior - Key Points

Termite Types (Clause 1.2)

• Subterranean termites: Nest in soil, require moisture, build covered mud tunnels for protection and humidity.
• Non-subterranean termites (Drywood termites): Live inside wood, no soil contact, recognized by pellets of excreta and surface blisters.

Colony Development (Clause 3.2 & A-2)

• Swarming occurs post-monsoon; winged adults fly, mate, shed wings, and found colonies.
• Initial eggs produce workers; reproduction rate increases after 2-3 years.
• Serious damage usually takes 8-10 years unless heavy initial infestation.

Signs of Infestation (A-3.2)

• Drywood termites leave pellets of excreta near tunnels or on floors.
• Blisters on wood surfaces due to hollow chambers.
• Hollow sound on tapping timber indicates internal damage.

Protection Measures (Annex A & IS 401)

• Use seasoned, naturally durable heartwood or chemically treated non-durable timber.
• Chemical soil treatment under and around foundations creates a barrier.
• Refer IS 401 for timber preservation and IS 1141 for seasoning.

Summary Table: Termite Colony Development Stages

flowchart LR
    A[Swarming Flight] --> B[Mate & Shed Wings]
    B --> C[Egg Laying Begins]
    C --> D[First Worker Brood]
    D --> E[Colony Growth]
    E --> F[Damage to Timber]

For detailed treatment methods and chemical specifications, refer IS 401 and IS 2568 (Malathion), IS 632 (Lindane), IS 8944 (Chlorpyrifos).

IS 6313 (Part 3): 2001 references key Indian Standards related to timber preservation and pesticide handling, essential for termite control and timber treatment.

Key Referenced Indian Standards (Annex B, Clause 2)

Important Notes:

• These standards cover timber preservation, chemical treatments, and safety measures.
• Refer to IS 401:1982 for detailed timber preservation methods.
• Use IS 4015:1998 for first aid related to pesticide exposure.
• Safety precautions are emphasized in Annex C of IS 6313 (Part 3).

Summary Diagram: Timber Preservation Process

flowchart TD
    A[Timber Selection] --> B[Seasoning (IS 1141)]
    B --> C[Preservation Treatment (IS 401)]
    C --> D[Chemical Application]
    D --> E[Safety Measures (Annex C)]

This ensures treated timber is durable and safe for use.

IS 6313 Part 3: Safety Measures & Handling of Chemicals

Key Safety Specifications:

• Hazard: Chemicals (e.g., Chlorpyrifos 20 EC, Lindane 20 EC) are highly poisonous; exposure via skin absorption, inhalation, or ingestion is dangerous.
• Storage: Keep containers clearly labelled, tightly closed, and out of reach of children/pets.
• Handling:
  • Avoid skin contact with concentrates; prolonged exposure to diluted emulsions should be minimized.
  • Wear clean protective clothing.
  • Wash thoroughly with soap and water before eating/smoking.
  • In case of contamination:
    • Remove contaminated clothing immediately.
    • Wash skin with soap and water.
    • Flush eyes with plenty of water and seek medical help.

Chemical Concentrations for Soil Treatment (Clause 4.1):

Important Notes:

• Use chemicals in water emulsion form only.
• Avoid contamination of water supplies (wells, etc.).
• Follow detailed precautions in Annex C of IS 6313 Part 3.

flowchart TD
    A[Chemical Handling] --> B[Wear Protective Clothing]
    A --> C[Avoid Skin Contact]
    A --> D[Store Safely (Labelled & Closed)]
    B --> E[Wash Thoroughly Before Eating/Smoking]
    C --> F[Remove Contaminated Clothing]
    F --> G[Wash Skin with Soap & Water]
    C --> H[Flush Eyes with Water if Splash Occurs]
    H --> I[Seek Medical Attention]

IS 6313 (Part 3) : 2001 - Guide for Termite Detection

Key Points from Annex D (Clause 5.1) & Related Clauses:

• Termite Detection Methods:

  • Inspect for blisters on wood surfaces indicating chambers close to the surface.
  • Look for pellets of excreta (especially for drywood termites) under attacked members.
  • Tap timber; a hollow sound suggests internal termite damage.
  • Study the foundation and ground floor structure to identify termite entry routes.

• Termite Colony Development (Clause 3.2, Table A-2):

  • Drywood termites produce pellets of partly digested wood.
  • Subterranean termites create mud tunnels; drywood termites do not.

• Safety & Treatment:

  • Follow IS 4015 for poisoning protection measures.
  • Before treatment, conduct a thorough infestation survey to decide treatment mode.

Important IS References for Chemicals & Safety:

Summary Table: Termite Signs & Detection

flowchart TD
    A[Start Inspection] --> B{Look for signs}
    B -->|Pellets/Blisters| C[Drywood Termite Suspected]
    B -->|Mud Tunnels| D[Subterranean Termite Suspected]
    C --> E[Tapping for hollow sound]
    D --> F[Inspect foundation & soil]
    E & F --> G[Determine infestation extent]
    G --> H[Decide treatment & safety measures]

Note: Always ensure compliance with