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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 ensure that {{org_field_name}} maintains a safe, clean, and hygienic environment for service users and staff by implementing effective pest control measures. This policy outlines how we prevent, detect, and manage pest infestations in compliance with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (RISCA), the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Food Safety Act 1990, the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations.

Pests such as rodents, insects, and birds can pose serious health risks, contaminate living environments, and compromise the well-being of service users, staff, and visitors. As a domiciliary care provider, {{org_field_name}} is committed to proactively managing pest risks in service users’ homes and our operational facilities.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees of {{org_field_name}}, including care workers, managers, and administrative staff.
• Service users’ homes, particularly where pest risks may impact health and safety.
• Third-party contractors, including local authorities, landlords, pest control specialists, and environmental health officers.

This policy covers:

• Preventative pest control measures to minimise infestations.
• Identifying and reporting pest problems.
• Working with landlords and environmental health authorities to manage infestations.
• Safe use of pest control treatments that comply with health and safety regulations.
• Training staff to recognise and respond to pest risks.

3. Pest Control Responsibilities

3.1 Responsibilities of Care Staff

Care staff play a key role in identifying and reporting pest risks in service users’ homes. They must:

• Observe early signs of pest infestations, such as droppings, nests, or unusual odours.
• Report any concerns immediately to their line manager or the Registered Manager.
• Support service users with basic hygiene and waste disposal practices to prevent infestations.
• Follow guidance on safe pest control measures, ensuring no harm comes to service users, pets, or staff.

3.2 Responsibilities of the Registered Manager

The Registered Manager ensures that:

• All staff receive training on recognising and reporting pest issues.
• A pest control action plan is in place for dealing with infestations.
• Collaboration with pest control specialists is arranged when necessary.
• Service users and families receive guidance on preventing and managing pest issues.
• Records of pest control actions are maintained for CIW inspection purposes.

3.3 Responsibilities of Landlords and Local Authorities

For service users in rented properties, the landlord has legal responsibility for pest control if:

• The infestation is due to structural defects (e.g., holes in walls, faulty drainage).
• The tenancy agreement specifies that pest control is the landlord’s responsibility.
• The pest problem affects multiple tenants in shared accommodation.

If the landlord fails to act, {{org_field_name}} will escalate concerns to the local authority environmental health team.

For service users who own their homes, {{org_field_name}} will provide guidance on professional pest control services but cannot enforce action.

4. Preventative Pest Control Measures

To minimise the risk of infestations, {{org_field_name}} ensures that:

• Food storage areas are kept clean, dry, and sealed.
• Waste disposal is managed effectively, with rubbish collected regularly.
• Hygiene practices are followed to reduce the risk of attracting pests.
• Homes are regularly inspected for pest entry points (e.g., gaps in doors, windows, or plumbing).

Staff are trained to educate service users on how to maintain a pest-free home environment, particularly for those who may struggle with household management.

5. Identifying and Reporting Pest Infestations

5.1 Common Signs of Pest Infestations

Care staff must be vigilant for:

• Rodents (rats/mice): Droppings, gnawed furniture, scratching noises, nests.
• Insects (cockroaches, bedbugs, ants): Sightings of insects, shed skins, bites on service users.
• Bird infestations: Bird droppings, nests in chimneys or roofs.

If a pest problem is identified, it must be reported immediately using the incident reporting procedure.

5.2 Action Plan for Pest Infestations

Once a pest issue is reported:

1. Assess the severity of the infestation – The Registered Manager determines whether immediate intervention is required.
2. Notify relevant parties – This includes landlords, environmental health teams, or pest control specialists.
3. Implement control measures – Arrange professional pest control services where necessary.
4. Monitor the effectiveness of pest treatment – Staff follow up with service users to ensure the issue is resolved.
5. Record all actions taken – Keeping detailed records for CIW inspection and compliance audits.

6. Safe Use of Pest Control Treatments

• Chemical pest control methods must comply with COSHH regulations, ensuring safe application.
• Pesticides or rodenticides must only be used by licensed pest control professionals.
• Care staff must not apply pest treatments but should report any concerns about their misuse or overuse.
• Natural or humane pest control solutions will be prioritised where possible.

7. Supporting Vulnerable Service Users

Certain service users are more vulnerable to pest-related health risks, including those with:

• Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD).
• Reduced mobility that prevents cleaning or food storage maintenance.
• Cognitive impairments (e.g., dementia) that may cause poor hygiene habits.

In these cases, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Provide enhanced home hygiene support through care workers.
• Liaise with family members, housing support, or advocacy services to ensure proper intervention.
• Ensure professional pest control services prioritise health and safety during treatment.

8. Emergency Response for Severe Infestations

If an infestation poses an immediate health risk (e.g., rodent contamination of food, risk of disease transmission), {{org_field_name}} will:

• Arrange temporary relocation for the service user if their home is unsafe.
• Contact environmental health officers for urgent intervention.
• Inform CIW where required, ensuring full regulatory compliance.

9. Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure effective pest control management, {{org_field_name}}:

• Conducts regular staff training on pest awareness and reporting.
• Maintains detailed records of pest issues and actions taken.
• Conducts annual audits of pest control procedures for continuous improvement.
• Reviews policies in response to pest-related incidents or CIW recommendations.

Failure to follow pest control procedures may result in disciplinary action, as it poses serious health risks to service users and staff.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16).
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17).
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18).
• Safe Care and Treatment Policy (DCW11).
• Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19).

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, CIW regulations, or best practices change. Updates will be communicated to all staff.

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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}}
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