Pest Control – 18.17
SECTION:
18 – INFECTION CONTROL
POLICY/PROCEDURE:
18.17
NATURE AND SCOPE:
POLICY AND PROCEDURE - TRUST WIDE
SUBJECT:
PEST CONTROL
This Policy has been produced in line with the Infection Control requirements that govern
the Trust’s duties and management responsibilities for control of pests on premises
occupied by the Trust.
DATE OF LATEST RATIFICATION:
14 JUNE 2016
RATIFIED BY:
TRUST INFECTION CONTROL COMMITTEE
IMPLEMENTATION DATE:
JUNE 2016
REVIEW DATE:
MAY 2019
ASOCIATED TRUST POLICIES
AND PROCEDURES:
ISSUE 1 – JUNE 2016
Trust Health Safety and Welfare Policy - 16.01
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 16.06
Management of Waste - 16.08
Infection, Prevention & Control - 8.05
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Pest Control – 18.17
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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE HEALTHCARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
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PEST CONTROL
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1.0
Scope
2.0
Introduction
3.0
Policy Principles
4.0
Definitions
5.0
Duties & Responsibilities
CONTENTS
5.1
Chief Executive
5.2
Infection Prevention and Control Teams
5.3
Heads of Estates and Facilities
5.4
Estates/Facilities Managers
5.5
Contractors (Local and Forensic Services)
5.6
Trust Staff
5.7
Helpdesk (Local and Forensic Services)
6.0
Basic Pest Prevention & Control Principles
7.0
Implementation/Monitoring Compliance
8.0
Guidance/Procedural Documentation
9.0
Training
10.0
Target Audience
11.0
Review Date
12.0
Consultation
13.0
Equality Impact Assessment
14.0
Champion & Expert Writer
15.0
Legislation Compliance
16.0
References/Source Documents
Appendix 1
Information on Common Pests
Appendix 2
Vermin Control Proforma
Appendix 3
Record of Changes
Appendix 4
Record of Employee having read the Policy
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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE HEALTHCARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
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1.0
1.1
2.0
2.1
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PEST CONTROL
SCOPE
This policy covers all Trust owned, leased or informally occupied premises, these can be solely
occupied or shared with other organisations. Where properties are not owned by the Trust, the
Duty Holder with regards to Pest Control will ensure that the Landlord fulfils their obligations
under the NHS Management Executive Pest Control Management for the Health Service
HSG(92)35.
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INTRODUCTION
The presence of pests can be offensive, present infection, contaminate foodstuffs, damage
materials and structure or be a nuisance. Once established, pests can be difficult and costly to
deal with. Satisfactory standards of Pest Control in both clinical and non-clinical areas are an
integral part of providing an optimum environment for the delivery of good quality patient care.
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust recognises its legal obligation to take
necessary measures to prevent the risk of pest infestation in all food storage, distribution and
catering areas and to ensure good standards of Pest Control in all other areas of its sites.
3.0
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POLICY/PROCEDURE PRINCIPLES
3.1
Prevention is better than control, and the Trust and its contractors will adopt procedures to rid
Trust premises of existing infestation and thereafter, by pro-active work, maintain this position.
3.2
The policy should be read in conjunction with the appropriate local procedures.
3.3
The Trust recognises its legal obligation to take necessary measures to prevent the risk of pest
infestations in all food storage, distribution and catering areas, and to ensure good standards of
Pest Control in all other areas of its sites.
4.0
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DEFINITIONS
4.1
Trust Premises - applies to all buildings, sites, work areas and grounds owned by the Trust.
4.2
Landlord Hosted Premises - applies to all buildings sites, work area and grounds where Trust
staff occupy through a lease or informal basis (including Health Partnerships).
4.3
Pests – Insects or animals that may constitute a threat to infection Prevention & Control within
the Healthcare environment including, but not limited to rodents, insects and birds.
4.4
Pesticide – A chemical used to destroy insects and other pests such as rodents.
4.5
Insecticide – A chemical used specifically to destroy insects.
4.6
Rodenticide – A chemical used specifically to destroy rodents.
4.7
Harbourage – A refuge or shelter for pests.
4.8
Infestation – An invasion of unwanted pests.
4.9
Pest Control Contractor – Nominated contractor who will adopt procedures to prevent Trust
owned and leased premises becoming infested.
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5.0
5.1
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DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief Executive
Has overall responsibility for Health and Safety and shall ensure that this policy is implemented to
ensure the Trust meets its obligations under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and
associated legislation.
5.2
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Infection Prevention & Control (Local Services, Forensic & Health Partnerships respectively)
The Infection Prevention and Control Teams ensure that Pest Control protocols are implemented
and that audit processes include Pest Control and possible infestation risks in accordance with
The Health & Social Care Act (2008): Code of Practice for the Prevention & Control of Healthcare
Associated Infections (HCAI). (eg care setting process improvement tool 201.)
5.3
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Heads of Estates and Facilities (Local Services, Forensic & Health Partnerships respectively)
Responsible to the Executive team for ensuring the implementation of the Policy.
5.4
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Estates/Facilities Managers
5.4.1 A Manager will be identified as the Authorised Officer in respect of the Pest Control
Contract for each division.
5.4.2 The Manager will be responsible for monitoring the performance of the Pest Control
Contractor to ensure that the contract specifications and standards are being met and that
the Trust is receiving an efficient service.
5.4.3 Develop the specification for Pest Control services.
5.4.4 For Landlord hosted sites, monitoring and auditing of Landlord’s procedures, including
management of Pest Control Contractor.
5.4.5 Will notify the Estates Department of any structural repairs required to eradicate pests.
5.5
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Contractors (Local Services & Forensic)
5.5.1 Shall carry out Pest Control services as per specification in any Contract with
Nottinghamshire Healthcare.
5.5.2 COSHH instructions must be given to the Nominated Manager for Pest Control. This is a
requirement of the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986.
5.5.3 Shall adhere to the requirements of this policy.
5.6
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Trust Staff
5.6.1 For the purposes of this document bank/agency staff and students/trainees are considered
to be Trust staff.
5.6.2 All staff employed within Nottinghamshire Healthcare are responsible for reporting
sightings or any other evidence of the presence of pests to the appropriate helpdesk
(Local Services and Forensic).
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5.6.3 In Landlord hosted sites (Health Partnerships) adherence to the relevant Landlord’s
procedures and reporting mechanisms shall be carried out.
5.6.4 Housekeeping is important and may need to be reinforced by maintenance work to deny
access to pests and remove possible harbourage.
5.6.5 All staff are responsible for reporting defects or damage that may encourage infestation.
5.6.6 Undertake training as necessary in their role if relevant to Pest Control. For example
catering and food preparation. Induction with Hotel Services.
5.7
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Helpdesk (Local Services & Forensic)
5.7.1 Shall obtain the following information from all reporters:
•
•
•
•
6.0
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Location i.e. ward, department, site.
Precise location i.e. room number, bathroom etc.
Type of pest if known.
Approximate numbers of pests present.
BASIC PEST PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES
6.1
Food should be covered or stored in air tight pest proof containers.
6.2
Spillages should be promptly removed.
6.3
Waste should be stored in a manner suitable to prevent access by pests.
6.4
Waste containers should be cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of soil which may attract flies.
6.5
Accumulations of static/stagnant water should be avoided, for example in house plants and
flowers.
6.6
Buildings should be of sound structure and well maintained. Drains should be covered; leaking
pipework repaired and damaged surfaces made good. Defects should be reported to the
appropriate Estates Helpdesk.
6.7
Cracks in plaster and woodwork, unsealed areas around pipework, damaged tiles and badly fitted
equipment are all likely to provide excellent harbourage and therefore should be maintained in a
stable condition.
6.8
Where fitted fly screens should always be closed when windows are open.
6.9
Doors to food preparation areas should always be kept closed.
6.10 Food kept in ward beverage bays should be regularly checked, discarded if out of date, and
stored in appropriate containers.
6.11 Treatment with insecticides and rodenticides is seldom sufficient; attention must be paid to good
hygiene and structure maintenance.
7.0
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7.1
IMPLEMENTATION/MONITORING COMPLIANCE
(Nominated Estates & Facilities Managers Local Services & Forensic)
To appreciate the significance of the prevalent pests and the problems associated with them.
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7.2
To monitor the performance of the Pest Control Contractor to ensure that the contract
specification and standards are being met and that the Trust is receiving an efficient service.
7.3
To receive, investigate and initiate appropriate action on all reports of pest evidence or sightings
of pests.
7.4
To assess the contractors reports and to note:•
•
•
The action taken to combat pest infestation since the contractors last report
An assessment of the current situation, including any works required to be done to eliminate
harbourage and improve hygiene.
Any proposals for further action by the contractor.
7.5
To form the main link between the Trust staff and the Contractor in respect of Pest Control issues.
7.6
To have a knowledge of Pest Control and National Conditions of Contract for Pest Control.
7.7
To provide technical advice in respect of local requirements during the preparations of contract
specifications and adjudication of tenders.
7.8
To liaise with Pest Control Contractor, Environmental Health Officer of the relevant Local
Authority, and appropriate personnel within the Trust on matters relating to Pest Control.
8.0
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GUIDANCE/PROCEDURAL DOCUMENTATION
8.1
To provide information and guidance to support this policy there is associated documentation that
can be accessed through the relevant Local or Forensic Services Estates Departments.
8.2
Staff in Landlord hosted premises shall refer to policy and procedure of the Landlord for guidance.
8.3
In the treatment of pests and/or infestation, the use of weapons, dogs or gas shall only be carried
out in adherence to legislation, procedures and after completion of risk assessment ( Appendix 4,
Proforma example)
9.0
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TRAINING
9.1
The Trust shall ensure that their staff are fully trained and competent to undertake the tasks
assigned to them in the pursuance of complying with this policy and procedures. They will ensure
that persons only work in the sphere of responsibility in which they have the appropriate
knowledge, experience and understanding.
9.2
The Trust will provide sufficient information and training to ensure understanding of the hazards to
health posed by pests and the importance of the control measures provided. Information will also
be given to others who may be affected.
10.0 TARGET AUDIENCE
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10.1 The target audience for this policy is anyone involved in the Control of Pests within the Trust
including contractors, staff and site managers. The Trust shall provide sufficient information,
instruction and training to ensure the safety of all contractors, staff, patients and visitors to ensure
the health, safety and wellbeing of anyone visiting or residing in Trust premises and Landlord
hosted premises.
11.0 REVIEW DATE
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11.1 This policy will be reviewed in 3 years or in light of organisational or legislative changes.
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12.0 CONSULTATION
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12.1 Executive Leadership Council.
12.2 All Equality & Diversity Champions.
13.0 EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
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13.1 This policy has been assessed using the Equality Impact Assessment Screening Tool, The
assessment concluded that the Policy would have no adverse impact on, or result in the positive
discrimination of, any of the diverse groups detailed. These include the strands of disability,
ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, religion/belief, social inclusion and
community cohesion.
14.0 CHAMPION AND EXPERT WRITER
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The Champion of this policy is Dr Julie Hall, Executive Director of Nursing. The Expert Writer is
David Smith (Monitoring Service Manager).
15.0 LEGISLATION/COMPLIANCE
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15.1 The Trust has a legal responsibility to comply with a variety of legislation, including but not limited
to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.
The Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) 1986 (as amended 1997).
Food Safety Act 1990.
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949.
English Nature.
Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.
Health & Social Care Act 2010.
16.0 REFERENCE/SOURCE DOCUMENTS
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•
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HBN 00-09, Infection Control in the Built Environment
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9.1
APPENDIX 1
INFORMATION ON COMMON PESTS
House Flies
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Significance
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.
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Control
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.
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Hygiene/Management
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 selfclosing door equipment with rubber seals.
9.2
Cockroaches
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Distribution
Cockroaches are common in premises associated with the production of handling of food.
Gregarious and nocturnal they 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.
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Significance
Cockroaches are potential vectors of disease such as dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid and
poliomyelitis, 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 insects body, or by transmission in the faeces.
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Control
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 as cockroach eggs are poorly penetrated by insecticides.
Consequently surveillance of the area by the Pest Control contractor may need to be prolonged.
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Hygiene/Management
A high standard of hygiene will deny sources of food and hiding places.
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9.3
Ants
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Black Ants
Foraging worker ants cause a nuisance as they travel widely in search of food, following welldefined trail and clustering around the food source. Sweet foods are preferred. They are
obviously an unpleasant sight and may damage food for human consumption.
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Pharaohs Ants
These 2mm omnivorous light brown ants are half the size of the black ants. They cannot 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.
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Hygiene/Management
Although frequently inaccessible and difficult to destroy, ant’s nests must be eradicated. If
infestation is to be successfully controlled, hormone treatment is required which sterilizes the
female ant.
9.4
Wasps
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
Trusts Pest Control contractor; such work can cause problems. Particular attention should be paid
to areas around rubbish bins that should be kept in a hygienic condition.
9.5
Bees
Bees are not actually considered a pest as they are essential pollinators. However they may
cause a nuisance when they swarm or establish themselves in your property.
A
sting from a bee is not only painful but can also cause, for some unfortunate people, anaphylactic
shock that can prove fatal.
Any bee issues should be reported to the relevant helpdesk where specific advice regarding
responsibility for removal can be obtained.
9.5
Other Insect Pests
There are many other insect pests that occur sporadically in hospitals. The most common of
these being flies of various species, crickets, silverfish and the stored product insects and mites
which can be found infesting dried foods such as flour weevils.
9.6
Mice and Rats
These are the vertebrates with greatest potential for damage to food stocks and building fabric in
hospitals. Modern rodenticides are extremely efficient in the eradication of mice and rats from
hospitals. The Trust will notify 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
1949. Rodents have been known to gnaw through electric cables and cause fires. All sightings
and other evidence of their presence should be reported to the Authorised Officer. 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. All food and
organic waste shall be kept in rodent proof containers.
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9.7
Bats
Bats are protected by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. The penalties
for contravention are severe. If bats are discovered in any of the Trusts buildings or on any of its
land they must not 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.
9.8
Birds
The nuisance of birds can be controlled in the first instance by preventative measures, eg
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 should 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)
9.9
Squirrels
The most serious damage in urban areas arises where the squirrel enters the roof spaces of
buildings 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. Prevention is better than cure. If a cure is required
the best form of control is trapping with the use of a squirrel trap.
9.10 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.
During the mating season the noise of barks and blood-curdling screams proliferate and in
addition to the feed in habits described above there is damage to grounds and gardens caused
when digging for food and of course the indiscriminate depositing of faeces. Killing foxes in urban
areas is both unnecessary and unlikely to provide a long-term solution as other foxes move into
vacant territories.
9.11 Badgers
Badgers in this country may occasionally spread disease but the risk is believed to be small. More
significantly Badgers do cause nuisance in a number of ways. Their feeding habits cause damage
to grounds and gardens caused when digging. Badgers are protected by the Protection of
Badgers Act 1992 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats Regulations 1994. The penalties for
contravention are severe. If badgers are discovered on any of the Trusts land they must not 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.
9.12 Rabbits
Rabbits can cause great damage by burrowing under buildings and putting at risk the foundations
of buildings, however there are strict guidelines on their removal so please contact the authorised
officer for advice. This also applies to any suspected myxomatosis cases.
9.13 Moles
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Moles are a widespread species and are not protected by conservation legislation, with basic
protection from cruelty under the Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996. The mole is a common
British mammal and, although not often seen, the results of its tunneling are well known and may
cause damage in a range of situations. In gardens and amenity areas, molehills and tunnels can
be a nuisance. In agriculture, contamination of grass by soil may lead to poor quality silage being
produced. There is also a risk of damaging grass-cutting machinery. Mole runs may disturb roots
and adversely affect plant growth. Before carrying out any mole control, it is important to consider
if such action is warranted or if the molehills and tunnels can be tolerated. Where control
measures can be justified, there are two main methods, trapping or poisoning with aluminum
phosphide. Please note that strychnine hydrochloride can no longer be legally purchased or used
for mole control in the UK.
9.14 Deer
Since October 2007, all wild deer with the exception of muntjac (muntiacs reevesi) are protected
by a close season.
The best long-term solution to reduce the damage caused by deer is to achieve an adequate cull
each year and so reduce the local deer population. This best achieved through a wider, cocoordinated cull undertaken by a local Deer Management Group rather than on an ad-hoc basis
by individuals. However, legislation makes provisions for actions that can be taken in exceptional
circumstances where problems cannot readily be resolved through normal deer management.
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APPENDIX 2
VERMIN CONTROL PROFORMA
Request for the use of Gas, Dogs & Ferrets
Name:
Designation:
Signature:
Date:
Date and Time of Cull:
Exact areas for Cull to take place:
All site
Pest Control Engineers
Escorting staff have been issued with P.P.E. and safe working instructions : Y / N
The Engineer’s signatures are confirmation that the risk assessments have been forwarded to the
hospital and will be adhered to.
Number of Dogs:
Engineer’s Sig.
Engineer’s Sig.
Engineer’s Name.
Engineer’s Name.
Nominated Supervisor Name :
Security Liaison Nurse Name:
Approved by Estates & Capital
Services Manager
Name:
Signature:
Date
Approved by Head of Security
Name:
Signature:
Date
Approved by Forensic Director
Name:
Signature:
Date
Time of entry into hospital
Time of Exit
Approx. numbers culled
Completed form to be sent to Security Admin
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APPENDIX 3
Policy/Procedure for:
Pest Control
Issue:
01
Status:
APPROVED
Author Name and Title:
David Smith (Monitoring Services Manager, Local Services)
Issue Date:
22 JUNE 2016
Review Date:
MAY 2019
Approved by:
TRUST INFECTION CONTROL COMMITTEE
Distribution/Access:
Normal
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DATE
AUTHOR
ISSUE 1 – JUNE 2016
RECORD OF CHANGES
POLICY/
PROCEDURE
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DETAILS OF CHANGE
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EMPLOYEE RECORD OF HAVING READ THE POLICY/PROCEDURE
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Title of Policy/Procedure : Pest Control
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I have read and understand the principles contained in the named policy/procedure.
PRINT FULL NAME
0B
ISSUE 1 – JUNE 2016
SIGNATURE
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DATE
APPENDIX 4