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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Pest Control Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures and measures {{org_field_name}} implements to prevent, manage, and eradicate pest infestations in all areas where care is provided. Effective pest control is essential to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of service users, staff, and visitors, while maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations.

This policy ensures that all employees understand their roles in preventing infestations, reporting concerns, and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment in accordance with Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Food Safety Act 1990, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, and Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All domiciliary care settings, including service users’ homes.
• All employees, including care staff, maintenance personnel, and management.
• Service users and their families, ensuring a pest-free and hygienic environment.
• Third-party contractors, such as pest control service providers.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

Our pest control procedures align with:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Ensuring safety for service users and staff.
• Food Safety Act 1990 – Ensuring hygienic food storage and preparation.
• Public Health Act 1936 and 1961 – Regulating pest management in residential and care settings.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Governing the safe use of pesticides.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Ensuring a safe, clean, and well-maintained care environment.

4. Responsibilities

• Registered Manager: Oversees the implementation of pest control measures, liaises with professional pest control services, and ensures compliance with regulations.
• Care Staff: Conducts daily checks for pest activity, maintains hygiene standards, and reports infestations promptly.
• Housekeeping and Maintenance Staff: Ensures effective waste management, cleanliness, and structural integrity of care environments.
• Pest Control Contractors: Provides professional pest management services, conducts risk assessments, and implements treatment plans.
• Service Users and Families: Encouraged to report pest sightings and maintain good hygiene practices within their living areas.

5. Pest Prevention Measures

{{org_field_name}} takes a proactive approach to pest control by implementing the following preventive measures:

• Regular Inspections:
  • Routine property checks for signs of pests, including droppings, nests, or damage to food storage areas.
  • Monitoring of service users’ homes for conditions that may attract pests, such as excess moisture, uncovered food, or waste accumulation.
• Hygiene and Cleanliness:
  • Ensuring all food storage areas are clean and dry, with perishable goods stored in sealed containers.
  • Daily waste disposal procedures, ensuring bins are emptied and cleaned regularly.
  • Staff training on best hygiene practices to prevent infestations.
• Structural Maintenance:
  • Sealing entry points, such as gaps in doors, windows, and walls to prevent pest intrusion.
  • Ensuring proper ventilation and moisture control to deter pest breeding grounds.
  • Routine checks for signs of rodent or insect activity in furniture, electrical fittings, and communal areas.
• Staff Training:
  • Regular training sessions on pest awareness, detection, and reporting procedures.
  • Educating staff and service users on pest-attracting behaviours and how to prevent infestations.

6. Reporting and Responding to Infestations

If a pest issue is identified, the following steps must be taken immediately:

• Step 1: Immediate Reporting
  • Any sightings or evidence of pests must be reported to the Registered Manager.
  • Staff should document findings, including location, type of pest, and severity.
• Step 2: Risk Assessment
  • The Registered Manager conducts a risk assessment to determine the extent of the infestation.
  • If necessary, a professional pest control service is engaged.
• Step 3: Implementation of Control Measures
  • Use of safe and approved pesticides, in line with COSHH regulations.
  • Relocation of service users, if required, during fumigation or treatment.
  • Preventative measures, such as deep cleaning and sealing entry points, are reinforced.
• Step 4: Monitoring and Follow-up
  • Follow-up inspections are conducted weekly until the issue is fully resolved.
  • Staff and service users are advised on preventative actions to avoid recurrence.
  • All actions and findings are recorded in the Incident Log.

7. Use of Pesticides and Chemicals

• Only licensed pest control professionals are permitted to use pesticides.
• All pesticide use complies with COSHH guidelines, ensuring minimal risk to service users and staff.
• When chemicals are used, alternative, non-toxic solutions are considered first.
• Safety data sheets (SDS) for all chemicals used are stored securely and accessible to relevant personnel.

8. Emergency Procedures

In cases of severe pest infestations, emergency procedures include:

• Evacuating service users if health risks are present.
• Immediate engagement of a certified pest control service.
• Notification to the CQC and local environmental health authorities, if required.
• Full documentation of events, actions taken, and preventive measures implemented.

9. Monitoring and Record-Keeping

• Pest Control Logs:
  • Records of all pest inspections, reports, and treatments are maintained.
  • Logs include dates, locations, pest types, actions taken, and responsible personnel.
• Audits and Quality Assurance:
  • Regular internal audits assess the effectiveness of pest control procedures.
  • External audits may be conducted by pest control specialists or environmental health officers.

10. Policy Review and Updates

• This policy is reviewed annually or earlier if there are changes in regulations or reported incidents requiring policy amendments.
• Feedback from staff, service users, and pest control contractors informs updates to the policy.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.