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{{org_field_name}}

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Pest Control

Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} believes not only that pests are an annoyance and a nuisance but that they can also pose a serious threat to property and health, spreading diseases and infection and producing unsanitary conditions through fouling.

{{org_field_name}} recognises that, without effective pest control methods in place, pests can:

• be a particular problem around waste disposal areas, heating plant, kitchens, food stores, toilets, bathrooms and outbuildings
• produce the unsanitary conditions where disease and infection can take hold and proliferate
• introduce a risk of food poisoning
• cause considerable damage to buildings and premises (mice in particular represent a risk to buildings by eating their way through wood and by gnawing electric cables, therefore increasing the risk of electrical fire).

In businesses where food is stored and provided on the premises, as with care homes, the possible risk of food poisoning is a serious one as many pests carry the micro-organisms that cause diseases such as salmonella.

{{org_field_name}} also understands its environmental health legal requirement to control pests and ensure that food produced and stored on the premises is free from contamination and meets all food hygiene standards and requirements. The home also understands that the maintenance of effective pest control is an important element in its legal requirement under Regulation 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010, which states that the registered person must, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure the maintenance of appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene in relation to premises occupied for the purpose of carrying on a regulated activity.

Providers of services must comply with The Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice for Health and Adult Social Care on the Prevention and Control of Infections and Related Guidance in order to ensure compliance with Regulation 12.

Procedure

In {{org_field_name}}:

1. a cleaning policy will be implemented which will ensure that {{org_field_name}} and its surroundings are kept clean and hygienic at all times
2. the management will ensure that all windows and doors to kitchen areas are screened and the screens fit snugly in their frames
3. staff will be trained to watch out for the signs of any pest infestation and to alert the management if spotted
4. appropriate action will be taken in the event of any pest infestation; action may be taken by in-house maintenance staff, by the employment of expert contractors or by referral to and full co-operation with local authority environmental health teams
5. where contractors are employed {{org_field_name}} will only use contractors that are registered with the British Pest Control Association (BPCA)
6. the managers will complete and review appropriate risk assessments relating to the use of traps, pesticides and baits.

In this home care home staff will be required to:

1. comply with all waste management policies — especially those relating to food waste — and to keep waste bins clean and tightly covered
2. store foodstuffs according to recognised food hygiene practices, including keeping foods in resealable containers with tight lids and keeping foods such as milk and butter in a fridge
3. keep kitchens, dining rooms and other areas where food is eaten clean and free of food residue and crumbs, clearing up spillages and avoiding leaving food out on surfaces
4. clean regularly and reduce clutter inside and outside buildings, maintaining high standards of cleaning and hygiene, and making sure areas are swept and vacuumed often (especially in eating areas) to help eliminate food sources for pests such as mice
5. keep rubbish areas clean and tidy and store waste in sealed containers that are collected regularly.

Maintenance staff or, where required, contractors are required to:

1. seal cracks, crevices, and other gaps, especially around doors and windows to prevent the ingress of pests
2. seal any cracks and leaks in pipes and faucets
3. keep trees, shrubs and flowerbeds well maintained and avoid having them touch the buildings
4. ensure that gutters are cleaned regularly, and direct water from downspouts and drains away from buildings
5. seal any gaps where utility wires or pipes come into buildings
6. ensure that basements and attics are well ventilated
7. employ traps and baits with extreme care and according to manufacturers’ instructions, placing them in secure areas and keeping them away from people and pets
8. follow all aspects of COSHH guidelines when using substances that may be hazardous to health such as pesticides.

Implementation

All staff are responsible for the implementation of this policy. Overall responsibility for ensuring the policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed rests with {{org_field_name}} manager. Information on the policy will be:

1. circulated to all staff
2. provided to all new employees
3. included in the cleaning, premises maintenance, infection control, food hygiene and waste management policies.

Training

All new staff should be encouraged to read this policy as part of their induction process. Those with specific duties and responsibilities under the policy will be offered additional training.

Staff will be trained to know what to do in the event of spotting signs of possible pest infestation including flies, wasps, ants, mice, rats, bed bugs and cockroaches.

Maintenance staff who will be required to tackle simple pest infestations will be given additional training in the eradication of pests including all necessary health and safety training.

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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: this policy is reviewed annually (every 12 months). When needed, this policy is also updated in response to changes in legislation, regulation, best practices, or organisational changes.

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