PEST PREVENTION AND CONTROL POLICY JULY 2016 THIS POLICY SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS POLICIES FOR PEST PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Transcription

1 PEST PREVENTION AND CONTROL POLICY JULY 2016 THIS POLICY SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS POLICIES FOR PEST PREVENTION AND CONTROL

2 Policy title Policy reference Pest Prevention and Control Policy EF20 Policy category Relevant to Estates and Facilities Date published August 2016 Implementation date Date last reviewed All staff and contractors dealing with pest prevention and control August 2016 July 2016 Next review date July 2018 Policy lead Helen Flynn, Head of Facilities Management Contact details Telephone: Accountable director Approved by David Wragg Finance Director, Estates and Facilities Health and Safety Committee Ratified by Document history Audit and risk Committee 29 July 2016 Date Version Summary of amendments Feb New policy Mar Routine Review July Review Membership of the policy development/ review team Consultation Helen Flynn, Head of Facilities Management Members of Estates and Finance Committee

3 CONTENTS Page 1 Introduction 1 2 Aims and Objectives 1 3 Scope of the Policy 1 4 Roles and responsibilities 1 5 Applicable legislation 5 6 Risk Assessment 6 7 Reporting 6 8 Basic Pest Control Measures 7 9 Active Pest Control Measures 7 10 Pet Therapy and Police Detection Dogs 7 11 Monitoring 7 12 List and Description of Common Pests 8 13 Dissemination and Implementation Arrangements Monitoring and Audit Arrangements Review of the Policy 11 Appendix 1: Equality Impact Assessment Tool 12 Appendix 2: Contact details for reporting pests 13

4 1. INTRODUCTION Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust (the Trust) recognises that prevention of the ingress of pests and the effective control of pests on health care premises is an essential environmental standard for the delivery of good quality care to service users. All staff has a role to play in preventative pest control, from complying guidance found in the Trust Waste Management and Food Safety policies through to maintaining high standards of tidiness and cleanliness in work areas to reporting the presence or suspicion of pests. The presence of pests can be offensive, present infection hazards, contaminate foodstuffs, damage materials/the fabric of a building and infrastructure, such as electrical cables and be a nuisance, which distract from providing care. Once established, pests can be difficult and costly to deal with. Satisfactory standards of pest control are an integral part of providing an optimum environment for the delivery of a good quality service. The evidence of pests can also adversely affect the perception of the organisation and damage its reputation. 2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this policy is to set out the measures the Trust will take directly, or have carried out on their behalf to: Reduce the risk of pests that can carry infectious organisms that may transfer from insects and animals to humans and therefore cause a risk to service users, staff or visitors. Prevent the ingress of pests into clinical and n-clinical areas. Ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities for pest control0 Construct all new buildings to ensure they are as pest proof as possible0 Ensure that any refurbishment works do t damage any pest-proofing measures in place (such as pigeon netting) and incorporate any new standards of best practice. Ensure that the Trust has an approved and effective pest control contractor. 3. SCOPE OF THE POLICY This policy is Trust-wide and applies to all premises under the control of Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and to all staff regardless of where they work. 4. Roles and Responsibilities The Trust recognises the importance of clearly defining individual responsibilities to implement and comply with the requirements of UK law which relates to pest control measures, and these are outlined below: 4.1 Chief Executive The Chief Executive has the overall statutory and operational responsibility to provide a safe, clean and pest-free environment for service users, visitors and staff. The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring the allocation of sufficient resources, as necessary, to ensure this objective is achieved. The Chief Executive delegates the responsibility for overseeing this area to the Associate Director of Estates and Facilities who will ensure that managers, staff, and contractors are made aware of good practices, and any new regulations and procedures relating to pest prevention/control. 1

5 For buildings that are owned/leased in their entirety by the Trust the delegated responsibility for managing pests lies with the Associate Director of Estates and Facilities. 4.2 Nominated Director -The Associate Director of Estates and Facilities The Associate Director of Estates and Facilities is responsible to the Chief Executive for all matters relating to the Trust property portfolio and environmental management issues. The Associate Director manages the estates and facilities services, ensuring that the Trust policies and procedures in relation to the estate comply with statutory and mandatory legislative regulations, within the resources provided by the Trust and support the Trust in fulfilling its strategic and operational objectives. The Associate Director of Estates and Facilities is the lead for the management of pest prevention/control and is responsible for ensuring Trust premises are suitable for providing healthcare, that premises are well maintained, and pest free, as far as is practicable, given the age and condition of the estate. This will be done through the following actions: Ensuring that the Trust complies with all relevant legislation with respect to pest control and any other appropriate regulations. Ensuring that all the Trust premises have active pest control measures in place. Appointing trained and competent managers to oversee pest control. Ensuring that suitable and sufficient resources are made available so that specialist service contractors may be engaged. Ensuring as far as is practicably possible, all buildings are designed, constructed and maintained to prevent ingress and harbourage of pests and for all refurbishment projects current guidance on preventing pest ingress is incorporated. 4.3 Hard FM Manager The Hard FM Manager is responsible for seeing that all buildings, gardens and grounds are maintained in a good condition in order to prevent pest ingress. This will be done by ensuring the following actions: Any reported building defects that are reported are repaired in a timely manner to stop the ingress of pests. Ensuring the TFM and other contractors are aware of pest control measures required when carrying out building maintenance. 4.4 Soft FM Management Team The Soft FM management team is responsible for: Ensuring there is a BPCA (British Pest Control Association) accredited pest control contractor responsible for pest control monitoring and eradication across all Trust sites. Ensuring there is an efficient system in place to allow staff a means of effectively communicating the siting or suspicion of a pest infestation or the need to introduce pest-proofing measures. 2

6 The day-to-day monitoring of the pest control services being provided by the approved contractor. Assessing the need for, obtaining quotes and approving pest proofing expenditure where required. Collating data and reporting trends or significant incidents to the Associate Director of Estates and Facilities so that further action may be taken or tifications made to the correct authorities. Ensuring any actions required by the pest control contractor to remove pests are completed in a timely manner. Ensuring that the grounds are cleaned regularly to prevent pest harbourage and potential infestation. 4.5 Specialist Pest Control Contractor. A Specialist pest control contractor is employed to: Eradicate established infestations using only approved treatments suitable for a health care environment. Monitor vulnerable areas on a regular basis. Treat sporadic episodes e.g. at the request of the Estates and Facilities management. Establish surveillance systems. Monitor the environment for the presence of pests. Identify environmental or other factors that may contribute to, or sustain the presence of pests. The contractor must obtain written permission from the Estates and Facilities department before using a pesticide/chemical on Trust premises that was t included in the original specification. The pest control contractor will record all pest activity and corrective actions in the pest control log held in the Estates and Facilities office. 4.6 Local Managers (Ward Managers/Departmental Managers etc.) Local managers are responsible for ensuring good domestic housekeeping is in place to prevent the enticement of pests into their area of responsibility and for reporting any pest control issues promptly and through the proper channel. See Appendix 2 for contact details for reporting pest sightings. Catering staff and management have specific responsibilities laid out in the Trust Food Safety Policy. 4.7 All Trust Employees All Trust employees are required to take care that their actions do t facilitate or encourage the ingress of pests such as cockroaches and rodents etc. They need 3

7 To take reasonable care to ensure any foodstuffs are stored in sealed containers at all times and that any spills are wiped up immediately. To dispose of personal foodstuffs in kitchen bins with lids and t leave food wrappers or food waste in open bins. To store personal food items, such as tea bags, sugar biscuits etc. in plastic/metal containers with tight lids. To co-operate with their manager in complying with any reasonable instruction relating to preventing pest ingress e.g. keeping external doors closed/closing windows at night to prevent pigeon ingress. Not to intentionally interfere with any items of pest proofing e.g. fly screens, netting, or spikes installed to deter pests. Not to intentionally introduce anything into the work place that could harbour pests without obtaining explicit permission e.g. unauthorised pets. To maintain a tidy workplace, free from clutter or items stored incorrectly-boxes on the floor etc., where pests could nest. To inform their manager of any matter that they consider represents a shortcoming in the pest control arrangements. In addition to the general duties set out above staff will: Report any sighting of pests or any building deterioration which may lead to pest ingress. Immediately report any problem with cleanliness in their ward/department to their manager who will inform the T F M Helpdesk, or other relevant party, and request urgent rectification/action. 4.8 Building Contractors etc. All contractors who work for the Trust shall do so in accordance with the Trust Pest Prevention and Control Policy. Their activities shall at time result in the removal of any pest proofing measures, such as pigeon netting, without explicit permission. Any pest proofing removed to allow access to an area must be put back after the work is completed. No action on their behalf should cause the deterioration in pest management, eradication or infestation prevention. 4.9 TFM Contractor and Trust Staff specifically involved in food handling TFM Catering Staff and Food Handlers, Hostesses, O.T. s etc. are responsible for ensuring: that all waste food is disposed of using waste disposal units, but if for any reason the waste disposal unit is t available/there is waste disposal unit, then waste food must be double bagged in black bags and put in the appropriate waste bins. The lids of any outside bins must be kept closed to prevent access by pests to the food source. food is left out in kitchen or serving areas, after food service, as this may attract pests. 4

8 they exercise stock rotation to ensure that foods are t left in stores for long periods of time. any sightings of pests are reported to the TFM contractors or their line manager/supervisor for formal tification. that they report any defect that could lead to pest ingress to their manager damaged pigeon netting, fly screens etc.). the area is thoroughly and sufficiently cleaned after an infestation has been dealt with by professional pest contractors. that all general waste is bagged correctly, and regularly cleared to appropriate waste collection point Infection Control Lead Pests carry a large number of disease organisms as well as carrying contaminated material with them. Therefore, it is imperative that pests are controlled to ensure they do t ingress into the healthcare environment. The infection control team should be informed of any serious infestation reported. They will monitor the situation and assess the potential impact on service users and the environment and advise on the appropriate corrective actions to ensure service user safety. In exceptional circumstances, where there is an imminent risk to health from an infestation the Environmental Health Office should be informed by facilities management. 5. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION The Trust has a number of legal obligations with regards to pest control and must comply with the following laws: a. The Health & Safety at Work etc. Act b. The Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) (amended) c. The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA). d. The Control Of Pesticides Regulations (amended)1997 (COPR) & The Biocidal Products Regulations e. The Animal Welfare Act f. Wildlife and Countryside Act g. Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations h. The Prevention of Damage by Pest Act i. the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations j. British Standards and DEFRA Codes of Practice. k. CRRU UK Code of Best Practice (March 2015) Best Practice and Guidance for Rodent Control and the Safe Use of Rodenticides. 5

9 The Food Hygiene (Amendment) Regulations 1990 state that the walls, doors, windows, ceiling, woodwork and all other parts of the structure of every food room shall be kept clean and in such good order, repair or condition as to prevent as far as reasonably practicable the entry of birds and any risk of infestation by rats mice, insects or other pests. 6. RISK ASSESSMENT It is the responsibility of the Trust is to ensure that risk assessments are undertaken for all pest control tasks and substances used. The Estates and Facilities Management Team is responsible for ensuring that a fully qualified and competent pest control contractor is employed. All risk assessments and method statements provided by the contractor will be recorded and reviewed every 2 years or when significant legislative changes take place. The Trust must satisfy itself that the Pest Control Contractor uses all appropriate personal protective equipment when handling chemicals or pests, these will include, gloves, face mask, eye protection and any other equipment necessary. This will be done via a visual inspection on an annual basis. 7. REPORTING All sightings of pests or evidence of their existence should be reported in the first instance to the relevant body at the earliest opportunity. Appendix 2 provides contact details for all sites. The information required will include: The location, i.e. ward, department, clinic, etc. Precise location, i.e. bathroom, office, bedroom number etc. The type of pest, if kwn. Possible numbers and the frequency of sighting. The name of the person reporting. The date and time of the sighting. 8. BASIC PEST CONTROL MEASURES Comprehensive cleaning of premises will help to ensure effective pest prevention and control. In addition the following good practices should be adhered to at all times by all staff: Food should be covered or stored in pest proof containers. Spillages should be promptly removed. Waste should be stored in a manner suitable to prevent access by pests. External bins must have lids which are tight fitting to prevent pests getting at the waste. Internal bins should have foot operated lids. Accumulation of static/stagnant water should be avoided. Buildings should be of sound structure and well maintained, drains should be covered, and leaking pipework repaired and damaged surfaces made good. Defects should be reported to the TFM contractor s or relevant landlord. Cracks in plaster and woodwork, unsealed areas around pipe work, damaged tiles, badly fitted equipment and kitchen units are all likely to provide excellent harbourage and should be dealt with in a suitable manner. Where fitted fly screens should always be closed when windows are open Doors to food preparation areas should be kept closed. 6

10 9. ACTIVE PEST CONTROL MEASURES The pest control contractor will use active measures to prevent pest activity and to monitor the pest situation on site. These may include: Rodent monitors which contain bait, where suitable, tamper resistant tubes will be placed externally around sites, both outside for rats and inside for mice to check for any rodent activity. Identifying where any additional electronic fly killing units may be needed within food handling areas. Insect monitors, these are sticky boards which are placed in specific areas to monitor the types and number of insects within the area. Identifying the need for additional fly screens in food handling areas to prevent insects from entering buildings whilst the windows are open. Chemical pesticides, if necessary to remove a pest infestation. 10. PET THERAPY AND POLICE DETECTION DOGS The importance of pets within the rehabilitation setting is ackwledged. Pet Therapy shall only be implemented with the express permission of the Control of Infection Team. Where permitted it is important that the following guidelines are adhered to at all times: Pets must be housetrained, well cared for and preferably spayed or neutered Pets should be healthy and free from parasites; they should be regularly checked by a vet especially if any form of infection/infestation is suspected. Pets should t be permitted in any food preparation area Bedding, housing, litter trays and feeding bowls should be kept clean and away from service users Pet food should be stored safely away from service users food Dried pet food should be stored in pest proof containers to reduce the risk of infestation. Trained police detection dogs and handlers are allowed to conduct searches for n-medical drugs. They may search wards and rooms but cant destroy service users property. Police detection dogs should t be petted or deliberately distracted from undertaking searches. Pregnant staff should t handle pet litter or litter trays 11. MONITORING Estates and facilities staff whilst monitoring for pests will do the following: Identify unsatisfactory levels of environmental hygiene (cleaning issues, build-up of waste/clutter). Identify poor practices e.g. feeding animals and birds, waste management Identify structural defects. Estates and facilities staff will visit sites for routine inspections at least twice a year and in the event of a serious infestation, make arrangements for more frequent visits until the problem is resolved. A detailed inspection report will be produced at the end of each visit and stored for a minimum of 2 years. 7

11 Managers of any affected areas will be provided with copies of each inspection report relevant to their department to enable action to be taken with regards to findings e.g. food storage, general cleanliness etc. Safety information relating to the pesticides used by the contractors will be available for inspection in the Estates and Facilities office. Pest control contractors are responsible for ensuring that the pesticides used, and the methods of application are appropriate and comply with the health and safety legislation. The operatives must follow advice contained in the HSE guidelines relevant to the specific compound used Cleaning inspections During the course of routine audits of cleanliness in clinical and n-clinical areas, The TFM Contractor s staff will visually assess the environment for any signs of pest activity or building deterioration which may lead to pest ingress. Any concerns will be reported immediately to the Estates and Facilities Management Team Catering audits and inspections During the course of routine audits and inspections of Trust food areas, Facilities Managers will visually assess the environment for any signs of pest activity or building deterioration which may lead to pest ingress. 12. LIST AND DESCRIPTION OF COMMON PESTS The following pests are the most common in healthcare environments: Bed Bugs Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on blood. Their preferred habitat is in houses, especially beds or other areas where people sleep. They are mainly active at night but are t exclusively cturnal and can feed on their hosts without being ticed. There are a number of health effects which can occur from bed bug bites; these include skin rashes, psychological effects and allergic symptoms. A bed bug infestation is caused when they are carried from one infested place to ather either by animals or humans or they can infest from ather dwelling where there is easy access through ducts or false ceilings for example. They can be detected by their characteristic smell of rotting raspberries and can be found singularly but usually congregate once they are established. Houseflies Houseflies can transmit intestinal worms or their eggs and are potential vectors of disease such as dysentery, gastro-enteritis, typhoid, cholera and tuberculosis. They will frequent and feed indiscriminately on any liquefiable solid food, putrefying material or food stored for human consumption. Flies have rapid, prolific breeding habits and high mobility. In order to break the life-cycle, control measures should be directed against larval and adult flies. Satisfactory hygiene is necessary to limit potential breeding sites and food sources. Entry of flies into buildings can be prevented by 1.12mm mesh fly screen, air curtains, bead screens or self-closing door equipment with rubber seals. Cockroaches 8

12 Cockroaches are common in premises associated with the production or handling of food and warm enclosed environments such as steam pipes and boilers. They are cturnal and spend the day hiding in cracks and crevices around areas such as sinks, drains, cookers, the backs of cupboards and in refrigerator motor compartments. They favour buildings with service ducts and complex plumbing installations which allow them to travel freely. Cockroaches are potential carriers of diseases such as dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid and poliomyelitis. Their diet is omnivorous and includes fermenting substances, soiled dressings, hair, leather, parchment, wallpaper, faeces and food for human consumption. The latter may be contaminated either by the mechanical transfer of causative agents of disease from the insect's body, or by transmission in the faeces. Monitoring and control is essential although successful control of cockroaches is a complex subject, and depends very much upon tailoring control measures to the species concerned. Infestations can be difficult to control. A high standard of hygiene will deny sources of food and hiding places. Ants a) Black Ants: Foraging worker ants cause a nuisance as they travel widely in search of food, following well-defined trails and clustering around the food source. Sweet foods are preferred. They are obviously an unpleasant sight and may damage food for human consumption. (b) Flying ants: Flying ants are produced from rmal ants during the summer months, usually July and August and are new queens and reproductive males that mate in flight and then set up new ant s nests. The flights generally only last for a few hours and although they may be a nuisance they are harmless. If they do get inside the buildings, open the windows to allow them back out. (c) Pharaoh's Ants: These 2mm omnivorous light brown ants are half the size of the black ants. They cant breed without artificial heat, are very persistent and pose a serious cross infection risk in hospitals. The ants may be found in wall cavities, heating pipes, behind sinks and ovens and therefore in laundry, linen rooms, clinical and residential areas. They are particularly attracted to sweet or light protein. If infestation is to be successfully controlled, hormone treatment is required which sterilises the female ant. Wasps and Bees Wasp stings cause pain and distress. Some individuals are particularly sensitive. Wasp nests are only used for one season, so it may be possible to put up with the problem temporarily. They are often found in cavities in brickwork, in air bricks and roof vents. The nest can be treated by the Trust s pest control contractor; such work may be best carried out in the evening or weekend as poisoned stupefied wasps can cause problems. Particular attention should be paid to areas around rubbish bins that should be kept in a hygienic condition. For bee nests or swarms a specialist contractor can be contacted to remove the bees safely from site. Contact details for reporting such nests and to arrange for a contractor to visit are found in Appendix 2. Other Pests There are many other insect pests that occur sporadically in hospitals and health care environments. The most common of these being flies of various species (including fruit flies, where food is hoarded), crickets, silverfish and stored product insects and mites which can be found infesting dried foods such as flour weevils. Mice and Rats 9

13 These are the vertebrates with greatest potential for damage to food stocks and building fabric in hospitals/health care buildings. Modern rodenticides are extremely efficient in the eradication of mice and rats from such buildings. The Trust will tify the relevant local authority of any infestation of its land or buildings by rats and mice in substantial numbers as required by the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act Rodents have been kwn to gnaw through electric cables and cause fires. All sightings and other evidence of their presence should be reported. The Trust will take reasonable steps to ensure that its buildings are rodent proofed by, for example, fitting collars where pipes pass through walls and by filling gaps in the building fabric, etc. Baited traps will be laid by service contractor where necessary All food and organic waste shall be kept in rodent proof containers. All food and organic waste shall be kept in rodent proof containers. Bats Bats are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations1994. The penalties for contravention are severe. If bats are discovered in any of the Trust s buildings or on any of its land they must t under any circumstances be killed, expelled, stopped from gaining access, touched or disturbed. Contractors must be prevented from doing work anywhere near them. English Nature should be contacted for advice. Birds The nuisance of birds can be controlled in the first instance by preventative measures, e.g. blocking of nesting holes and the application of devices to discourage perching. Netting and trapping can also be considered with the aim of immediate release away from the area/location of capture. As a last resort birds may be culled by shooting with the approval of the Trust Chief Executive and local police authority. No attempt can be made to poison them. Whichever method is employed it should take into account whether the birds are currently in a nesting season or whether they are protected by law. Advice should be sought from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Squirrels The most serious damage in urban areas arises where the squirrel enters the roof spaces of houses by climbing the walls or jumping from nearby trees. Once inside, they chew woodwork, ceilings, and insulation on electrical wiring or tear up the loft insulation to form a nest. The best method of control is to proof the building/loft. If a cure is required the best form of control is trapping with the use of a squirrel trap. The specialist contractor will advise the best course of action. Foxes Foxes in this country may occasionally spread disease such as Toxocara and Leptospirosis but the risk is believed to be small. More significantly foxes do cause nuisance in a number of ways. Killing foxes in urban areas is both unnecessary and unlikely to provide a long-term solution as other foxes move into vacant territories. If foxes or feral cats have burrowed under buildings and are becoming a nuisance, then the pest control contractor will put a oneway cat flap over the entrance to the den to allow the foxes & cats out but t let them back in. Once all the foxes and cats are out and the den has been cleared, the entrance is sealed and the area proofed to stop the foxes and cats getting back in. For feral cats they may be trapped and removed from site where they will be inspected by a vet and re-homed if possible. 10

14 13. DISSEMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS This document will be available to all managers via the Trust intranet who will be required to cascade the information to members of their teams. Managers should ensure that all staff is briefed on its contents and on what it means for them. 14. MONITORING AND AUDIT ARRANGEMENTS All records of pest infestation will be held centrally in the Estates and Facilities Department. The pest control contractor s licenses will be audited annually. 15. REVIEW OF THE POLICY This policy will be reviewed by the Trust Soft FM Management every two years from the date of ratification or when there are any relevant changes in legislation or best practice. All changes will be reported to the Health and Safety Committee. 11

15 Appendix 1 Equality Impact Assessment Tool Yes/No Comments 1. Does the policy/guidance affect one group less or more favourably than ather on the basis of: Race Ethnic origins (including gypsies and travellers) Nationality Gender Culture Religion or belief Sexual orientation including lesbian, gay and bisexual people Age Disability - learning disabilities, physical disability, sensory impairment and mental health problems 2. Is there any evidence that some groups are affected differently? 3. If you have identified potential discrimination, are any exceptions valid, legal and/or justifiable? 4. Is the impact of the policy/guidance likely to be negative? n/a 5. If so can the impact be avoided? n/a 6. What alternatives are there to achieving the policy/guidance without the impact? 7. Can we reduce the impact by taking different action? n/a n/a 12

16 Appendix 2 - Contact details by site Site Landlord contact St Pancras Hospital (all buildings) CIFT TFM 19 Aberdeen Park CIFT TFM Highgate Unit CIFT TFM 309 Grays Inn Road CIFT TFM Camden Mews CIFT TFM 154 Camden Road CIFT TFM 32 Drayton Park CIFT TFM Daleham House CIFT TFM Highview (Sunnyside) CIFT TFM The Hoo CIFT TFM 592 Holloway Road CIFT TFM Stacey St CIFT TFM Margarete Centre CIFT TFM Simmons House CIFT TFM 211 Kings Cross Rd CIFT TFM Hanley Gardens Circle Netherwood Centre Camden Council Raglan Day Centre Camden Council Caledonian Rd Circle Isledon Rd Resource Islington Borough Council Centre 148 Hornsey Lane Circle