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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 Pest Control Policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} maintains a hygienic, safe, and pest-free environment in all locations where care services are provided, including service users’ homes and office spaces. Effective pest control is essential in preventing disease, protecting food safety, and ensuring the well-being of both staff and the people we support.

This policy ensures compliance with:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• The Food Safety Act 1990 (for environments where food is handled or prepared)
• The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (waste management and pest control obligations)
• The Public Health (Scotland) Act 2008
• The Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland)
• Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations and infection control guidelines

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff within {{org_field_name}}, including management, care workers, office-based staff, and cleaners.
• All service locations, including service users’ homes, care offices, and any other premises associated with the organisation.
• External contractors, including pest control professionals engaged by {{org_field_name}}.

It covers:

• Pest prevention and monitoring procedures.
• Staff responsibilities in identifying and reporting pest activity.
• Pest treatment and control measures.
• Record-keeping and compliance with regulations.
• Training and awareness for staff and service users.

3. Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities

• Ensure that a proactive pest control strategy is in place to prevent infestations.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential pest issues.
• Arrange for pest control inspections by professional services when required.
• Ensure that staff are trained on pest prevention and reporting procedures.
• Maintain records of pest control measures and any incidents.
• Provide guidance to service users on maintaining a clean and pest-free home environment.

Staff Responsibilities

• Observe and report any signs of pest activity immediately.
• Follow good hygiene practices to prevent pest infestations.
• Assist service users, where appropriate, in keeping their homes clean and clutter-free.
• Support service users in managing food storage to prevent pest attraction.
• Cooperate with pest control professionals if treatments are required in service locations.

People We Support and Their Families

• Maintain good hygiene and housekeeping practices in their homes.
• Notify {{org_field_name}} of any pest infestations or concerns.
• Cooperate with pest control treatments and recommendations to eliminate pest problems.

4. Pest Prevention Strategies

4.1 Routine Inspections and Monitoring

• Staff should visually inspect service locations during regular visits.
• Any droppings, gnaw marks, nests, or unusual odours must be reported immediately.
• High-risk areas such as kitchens, storage spaces, and waste disposal areas should receive extra attention.

4.2 Good Hygiene and Housekeeping Practices

• Food should be stored in sealed containers to prevent access by pests.
• Waste should be disposed of properly, using bins with tightly fitting lids.
• Spills and crumbs should be cleaned immediately, particularly in eating areas.
• Clutter should be reduced in both staff and service users’ environments to eliminate hiding places for pests.
• Regular laundering of bed linen and clothing is encouraged to prevent bed bug infestations.

4.3 Structural and Environmental Controls

• Any gaps, cracks, or entry points in service locations should be reported and sealed where possible.
• Doors and windows should be kept closed where feasible, or fitted with screens to prevent pest entry.
• Outdoor waste areas should be kept clean and free from overflowing rubbish.

5. Identifying and Reporting Pest Issues

If staff observe any of the following signs of pests, they must report immediately to management:

• Rodents (rats or mice): Droppings, gnawed food packaging, scratching noises, nests.
• Insects (ants, cockroaches, flies, bedbugs, fleas): Live insects, shed skins, eggs, unusual bites on the skin.
• Birds (pigeons, seagulls): Nesting in buildings, droppings causing contamination.
• Other pests (mites, wasps, silverfish): Any unusual pest activity affecting the environment.

All reports should include:

• The type of pest observed.
• The location and extent of the problem.
• Any possible causes (e.g., uncovered food, waste build-up, structural damage).

6. Pest Control Response and Treatment

6.1 Immediate Response Plan

• Upon receiving a report, management will assess the severity of the infestation.
• Minor pest issues may be resolved using internal cleaning and preventive measures.
• For significant infestations, a professional pest control service will be engaged.
• Affected individuals will be informed of the treatment plan and any required actions.

6.2 Pest Control Measures

Pest control may include:

• Traps or baiting systems for rodents.
• Insecticidal treatments for insect infestations (conducted by licensed professionals).
• Deep cleaning and sanitation of affected areas.
• Sealing of entry points to prevent re-infestation.
• Heat or steam treatments for bed bug infestations.

6.3 Relocation of Service Users (if necessary)

• If a severe infestation poses a health risk, the person we support may need temporary relocation.
• Any relocation decisions will be made with full consultation of the person, their family, and relevant professionals.

7. Record-Keeping and Compliance

To ensure compliance with Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations, we will:

• Maintain detailed records of pest control measures, including:
  • Inspection dates and findings.
  • Reports of pest activity.
  • Treatment actions taken.
  • Recommendations for ongoing prevention.
• Conduct periodic reviews of pest control procedures to improve effectiveness.

8. Training and Awareness

All staff will receive mandatory training on:

• Identifying common pests and signs of infestations.
• Hygiene and food safety practices to prevent pests.
• Reporting procedures for suspected pest activity.
• Safe use of pest control treatments and collaboration with professionals.

Refresher training will be provided annually or sooner if pest risks increase.

9. Safeguarding and Health Considerations

• Pest control measures must not pose a risk to service users or staff (e.g., safe use of chemicals).
• Vulnerable individuals (e.g., those with allergies, respiratory conditions, or cognitive impairments) must receive special consideration in pest control procedures.
• All pest control treatments must comply with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations to prevent harmful exposure.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Waste Management and Environmental Health Policy
• Risk Assessment and Management Policy
• Staff Training and Development Policy

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Regulatory updates require changes.
• Service user or staff feedback indicates improvements are needed.
• Pest control incidents occur, prompting procedural adjustments.

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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.