estates operations and maintenance practice guidance note...

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust –

E-PGN 34 Pest Control-V02-Oct 19

Part of CNTW (O)32– Estates Operations and Maintenance Policy

Estates Operations and Maintenance Practice Guidance Note

Pest Control – V02

Date Issued

Issue 1 – Oct 19

Planned Review

Oct 2022

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Part of CNTW(O)32 – Estates Operations and Maintenance Policy

Author / Designation Andrew Short – Operations Estates Manager

Responsible Officer / Designation

Paul McCabe – Director of Estates and Facilities (NTW Solutions Ltd)

Contents

Section Description Page No

1 Introduction 1

2 Scope 1

3 Statement 1

4 Responsibilities 1

5 Main Implications 3

6 Training 5

7 Equality and Diversity 5

8 Monitoring The Effectiveness of the Practice Guidance Note 5

9 Review 6

10 Implementation 6

11 References 6

Appendices – listed within PGN

Document No:

Description

Appendix 1 Types of Pests

Appendix 2 Riddance Times for Pests

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1 Introduction 1.1 The presence of pests can be offensive and present potential infection

hazards, 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.

2 Scope 2.1 Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and its

Subsidiaries including NTW Solutions Limited (CNTW) 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. This practice guidance note (PGN) applies to all employees.

3 Statement 3.1 Prevention is better than control. CNTW and its contractors will adopt

procedures to rid Trust owned and leased premises of existing infestation and thereafter, by pro-active work to maintain this position.

3.2 The terms ‘rid’ and ‘riddance’ are defined as eradication or achieving the

best level of control that is technically and practicably possible. 4 Responsibilities 4.1 Chief Executive 4.1.1 The Chief Executive has overall responsibility for ensuring that this PGN is

implemented. This responsibility will be delegated to the Director of Estates and Facilities, for implementation. The Estates Department will be instructed to comply with the requirements of the PGN and implement the work as detailed.

4.2 Director of Estates and Facilities 4.2.1 Overall responsibility of this Policy rests with the Director of Estates and

Facilities with day to day responsibility delegated to staff. 4.3 Head of Estates 4.3.1 The Head of Estates shall ensure the execution this PGN relating to Pest

Control Trust wide. They shall ensure the identification and prioritisation of system improvement schemes, and appoint and audit the ‘Responsible Officers’ and ensure that they are adequately resourced.

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4.3.2 It is the responsibility of the Head of Facilities to:

Take the overall operational lead for Pest Prevention and Control

To ensure compliance with the NHS standards of cleanliness which effect pest control

Manage the audit and monitoring programme;

Ensure all legislation and all NHS standards are implemented

Take the lead for contract review and negotiation

The Head of Estates will nominate Officers to act as the representative of the Trust for all purposes specified in this PGN

4.4 ‘Responsible Officer’ (Estates) 4.4.1 The ‘Responsible Officers’ will have accountability for ensuring the

requirements of this PGN are met and to specifically ensure that the following is undertaken:

Undergo appropriate training with regard to understanding Pest Control issues

Be aware of the requirements set out in the appropriate Regulations and ensure they are complied with

Only issue instructions based upon this PGN and the supporting legislation, Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and other relevant guidance

Ensure that relevant information exists for all Pest Control methods

Monitor the performance of the pest control contractor to ensure that the Trust is receiving an effective service

Maintain records with regard to Pest Control, including infestations, type of pest/infestation and corrective action taken

Due to the technical element of the work that may be necessary to prevent or eradicate infestation, instigate a member of the Estates Department will initiate and support any remedial building work

Ensuring that contractors are made aware of and comply with instructions given, relating to pest control, whenever appropriate

Ensure that this PGN is reviewed periodically

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Ensure that any on-going maintenance requirements are adhered to 4.4.2 The ‘Responsible Officers’ are as follows:

Central Sector: Senior Estates Officer (Building)

Cumbria Sector: Senior Estates Officer

North Sector: Senior Estates Officer

South Sector: Senior Estates Officer

4.5 All Trust Staff 4.5.1 It is the responsibility of all Trust staff to:

Treat their working environment with respect, keeping it clean and tidy and easy for cleaning staff to access

Refrain from littering or other careless activity likely to degrade the environment

Report to their manager, or other appropriate staff, any concerns regarding cleanliness or tidiness standards in buildings or on sites occupied by the Trust

4.6 Contractors 4.6.1 CNTW shall only use appropriately qualified and competent contractors

who are recognised as being professionals in the field of Pest Control and preferably be members of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

5 Main Implications 5.1 Reporting Procedure 5.1.1 All sightings of pests or evidence of their existence should be reported in

the first instance to the Estates Department at the earliest opportunity. The information required will include:

The location i.e. ward, department, clinics, etc;

Precise location, i.e. bathroom, office etc

The type of pest if known

Possible numbers and the frequency of sighting

The name of the person reporting

The date and time of sighting

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5.1.2 Action taken by the contractor following a notification will be suitably recorded with a report forwarded to the Estates Department at each main hospital site.

5.1.3 In the event that a satisfactory response is not received within 24 hours of

the time of reporting the Operational Estates Manager for the relevant locality should be contacted.

5.2 Basic Pest Prevention and Control Measures

Food should be covered or stored in airtight pest proof containers

Spillages should be promptly removed

Waste should be stored in a manner suitable to prevent access by pests

Accumulation of static/stagnant water should be avoided

Buildings should be of sound structure and well maintained, drains should be covered; leaking pipe work repaired and damaged surfaces made good. Defects should be reported to the Estates Department

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 maintained in a suitable condition

Where fitted fly screens should always be closed when windows are open

Doors to food preparation areas should be kept closed

Treatment with insecticides and rodenticides alone is seldom sufficient; attention must be paid to good hygiene and structure maintenance

5.3 Pest Prevention and Control Contract 5.3.1 CNTW will ensure that an appropriate pest prevention and control

contractor is available and competent to deal with pests at all times (Specification Appendix 2).

5.3.2 The nominated contractors will adopt procedures to prevent occupied

premises from infestation by pro-active surveillance identifying evidence of pests quickly and instigating immediate corrective action.

5.3.3 All pesticides used by the pest control contractor will be approved in

accordance with the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) 1986 (as amended 1997), be strictly controlled and monitored and fully comply with

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the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.

6 Training 6.1 It is the responsibility of each Ward/Department Manager to ensure that all

employees understand the importance of good housekeeping. 7 Equality and Diversity 7.1 CNTW is committed to ensuring that, as far as is reasonably practicable,

the way we provide services to the public and the way we treat our staff reflects their individual needs and does not discriminate against individuals or groups on any grounds.

8 Monitoring the Effectiveness of the Policy 8.1 The pest prevention and control will be monitored by the Head of Estates

and Infection Prevention and Control Personnel. 8.2 Reports presented to PLACE on a quarterly basis and to the Trust Board

on an annual basis. 8.3 Due to the particular vulnerability of catering areas there will be strict

timetable of inspection. Main catering areas, including dining room, kitchens and ward kitchens will be inspected on a regular basis. Other catering areas such as storage areas, ducting and associated plant rooms will be inspected periodically.

8.4 Catering areas are also subject to regular inspection and external audits

undertaken by Environmental Health Officers 8.5 The ‘Responsible Officer’ (Estates) will monitor the performance of the

pest control contractor to ensure that the contract specification and standards are met.

8.6 The ‘Responsible Officer’ (Estates) maintains records of all:

Technical monitoring reports provided by the contractor during routine visits

Reported pest incidents with any remedial or corrective action 9 Review 9.1 The Pest Prevention and Control Contract will be reviewed every three

years to ensure that the current specialist support required is fully specified and contracted.

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10 Policy Implementation 10.1 Responsibility for implementing and monitoring this Practice Guidance

Note rests with the Director of Estates and Facilities and nominated officers.

11 References

Food Safety Act 1990

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949

Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994 (amended 2007)

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

HSG (96) 20 – Management of Food Hygiene and Food Services in the National Health Service

English Nature

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

The Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (as amended 1997)

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

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Appendix 1

Types of Pests Houseflies Significance Houseflies can transmit intestinal worms or their eggs and are potential vectors of disease such as dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera and tuberculosis. They will frequent and feed indiscriminately on any liquefiable solid food, putrefying material or food stored for human consumption. 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. 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 screens, air curtains, bead screens or self-closing door equipment with rubber seals. Cockroaches Distribution Cockroaches are common in premises associated with the production or 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. Significance Cockroaches are potential vectors of diseased 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 insects body or by transmission in the faeces. 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.

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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. Hygiene Management A high standard of hygiene will deny sources of food and hiding places. Ants 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. Pharoah Ants These 2 mm omnivorous light brown ants are half the size of black ants. They cannot breed without artificial heat, are 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. Hygiene Management Although frequently inaccessible and difficult to destroy ants nests must be eradicated. If infestation is to be successfully controlled hormone treatment is required which sterilised the female ant. Wasps Wasp stings cause pain and distress. Wasp’s 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 may be best carried out at evenings or weekends as poisoned stupefied wasps can cause problems. Particular attention should be paid to areas around rubbish bins that should be kept in a clean and hygienic condition. 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.

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Mice and Rats These are the vertebrates with the 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 nominated 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. Bats Bats are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994. 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 any work 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 up 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). Squirrels The most serious damage in urban areas is where the squirrel enters the roof spaces of houses by climbing the walls or jumping from nearby trees. Once inside they chew woodwork, ceilings, insulation on electrical wiring or tear up the loft insulation to form a dray.

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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. Foxes Foxes in this country may occasionally spread diseases 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 feeding habits described above there is damage to 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 in to vacant territories.

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Appendix 2

Riddance Times for Pests Ridding of pests may take some time therefore after initial call out several further visits may be required to ensure complete riddance, below is a guide to riddance times for common pests.

PEST GROUP DETAILS:

English name which

Scientific name

Guide to time within which riddance may be

completed

Group 1: Rodents

Common rat

Rattus norvegicus 30 days

Ship rat

Rattusrattus 30 days

House mouse

Mus domesticus 30 days

Group 2: Crawling insects

All species of cockroach

Blattaria 6 months

House cricket

Acheta domesticus 6 months

Silverfish

6 months

Firebrat

6 months

Black/Garden Ants

6 months

Biting Insects

6 months

Group 3: Exotic ants

Pharaoh’s ant Monumorium pharaonis

6 months

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