Pest control 1782

East Cheshire NHS Trust
Pest Control Policy 4.0
August 2012
1
Policy Title: POLICY FOR PEST CONTROL
Executive
Summary: The aim of this policy is to ensure appropriate preventative measures
are adopted to provide a safer environment for staff, patients and
visitors.
Supersedes: Pest Control Policy May 2010 V 3.0
Description of
Amendment(s):
Minor wording
This policy will impact on:
Clinical practices, administrative practices, employees, visitors and patients
Financial Implications:
n/a
Policy Area: Trust Wide Document
Reference:
Version Number: 4.0 Effective Date: October 2012
Issued By: Director of Finance Review Date: October 2015
Author: Facilities Contract &
Performance
Manager
Impact
Assessment Date:
September 2012
APPROVAL RECORD
Committees / Group Date
Consultation:
Local Security Management
Specialist
September 2012
Infection Control Group
Approved by Director: Interim Associate Director of
Facilities
May 2010
Received for information: Infection Prevention & Control May 2010

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CONTENTS
Page
3 1.0 Statement
3 2.0 Organisational Responsibilities
3 3.0 Reporting
4 4.0 Signs of Infestations
4 5.0 Pest Control Contract
4 6.0 Basic Pest Prevention and Control Measures
5 7.0 Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Pet Therapy
5 8.0 Implementation and Compliance
Appendix 1 Individual Pests
Appendix 2 References
Appendix 3 Equality & Human Rights Screening Tool

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1.0 STATEMENT
The presence of pests can be offensive, present infection risks, 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.
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.
This policy is created to ensure compliance of Pest Control and in order to fully
comply with our responsibilities under the law.
“Rid and Riddance”
The terms rid and riddance are defined as eradication or achieving the best level of
control that is technically and practicably possible.
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 site.
2.0 ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Board Level Responsibilities
The Board is responsible for ensuring that in-house services are either
managed by someone with the appropriate qualifications and experience in all
matters relating to pest control, or sub-contracted to PASA approved agents.
2.2 Management Responsibilities
• Ensuring that all staff are aware of the content of this policy.
• Ensure that all staff are aware of this policy and procedures contained
within.
2.3 Employee Responsibilities
Be aware of and follow the procedures in this policy.
3.0 REPORTING
All sightings of pests or evidence of their existence should be reported in the first
instance to the Facilities Department Helpdesk at the earliest opportunity.
The information required will be:
• Location ie ward, department, clinics etc
• Precise location ie bathroom, office etc
• Type of pest if known

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• Possible numbers of and the frequency of sighting
• Name and contact number of the person reporting
• Date and time of sighting
Facilities (Soft FM) will contact the contracted pest control company who will respond
within 24 hours. Action taken by the contractor following notification will be recorded
in the pest control record books which are held at the following locations:
• Macclesfield District General Hospital
• Congleton War Memorial Hospital
• Knutsford & District Community Hospital
• Handforth Health Centre
Outside of normal working hours, in an emergency contact the switchboard and ask
to be connected to the on-call duty pest control engineer.
4.0 SIGNS OF INFESTATION
Staff should be alert to the possibility of infestation on discovery of any of the
following:
• Direct sightings of vermin/pests
• Droppings near food source
• Evidence of nesting
• Evidence of gnawing
5.0 PEST CONTROL CONTRACT
5.1 The Trust will ensure that an appropriate pest control contract is in
operation at all times.
5.2 The pest control contract will be monitored by the Facilities (Soft FM)
Department against a pest control contract specification.
5.3 Due to the particular vulnerability of catering areas there will be a strict
timetable of inspection. Main catering areas, including dining rooms,
kitchens and ward kitchens will be inspected monthly. Other catering
areas such as storage areas, ducting and associated plant rooms will
be inspected yearly.
5.4 All pesticides used by the Trust’s pest control contractor will be
approved in accordance with The Control of Pesticides Regulations
(COPR) 1986 (amended 1987). They will be strictly controlled and
monitored and full comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous
to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.
6.0 BASIC PEST PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES
• Food should be kept covered or stored in airtight pest proof containers.
• Spillages should be promptly removed.
• Waste should be stored in a manner suitable to prevent access from pests.
• Accumulation of static/stagnant water should be avoided.

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• 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 Facilities Department (Hard FM).
• 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.
7.0 GUIDE DOGS, HEARING DOGS & PET THERAPY
For guidance please refer to the Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Pat a Dog
Policy which is available on the Trust intranet.
8.0 IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE
8.1 To appreciate the significance of the prevalent pests and the
problems associated with them.
8.2 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 effective service.
8.3 To receive, investigate and initiate appropriate action on all reports of
pest evidence or sightings of pests.
8.4 To assess the Contractor’s written reports and to note:
• The action taken to combat pest infestation since the Contractor’s 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.
8.5 To form the main link between the Trust staff and the Contractor in
respect of pest control issues.
8.6 To have a knowledge of contracting for pest control and National Conditions
of Contract for Pest Control.
8.7 To provide technical advice in respect of local requirements during the
preparation of contract specifications and adjudication of tenders.
8.8 To liaise with the Pest Control Contractor, Environmental Health Officer of the
relevant local authority, and appropriate personnel within the Trust on matters
relating to pest control.

August 2012
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Appendix 1
INDIVIDUAL PESTS
HOUSEFLIES
Significance
Houseflies can transmit intestinal worms or their eggs and are potential vectors of disease
such as food poisoning and gastro-enteritis. 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 screen, 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 diseases such as food poisoning and gastroenteritis
and can spread antibiotic resistant bacteria of many types. Their diet is omnivorous and
includes fermenting substances, soiled dressings, hair, leather, parchment, wallpaper,
faeces and food for human consumption.
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.
Hygiene/Management
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.

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(b) Pharaoh's 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. They are particularly attracted to sweet or light protein.
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 sterilises the
female ant.
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 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.
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 who can be found infesting dried foods such as flour weevils.
MICE AND RATS
These are the vertebrates with greatest potential for damage to food stocks and building
fabric in hospitals. Modem 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 (amended 2007). 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
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.

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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 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 arises where the squirrel enters the roof spaces of
houses by climbing the walls or jumping form nearby trees. Once inside, they chew
woodwork, ceilings, and insulation on electrical wiring or tear up the loft insulation to form a
dray. 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 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. 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
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
• Food Safety Act 1990
• Health and Safety Etc. 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 & Food Services in the National Health
service
• English Nature
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
• The Control of Pesticides Reguations1986 (as amended 1997)

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Appendix 3
Equality Analysis (Impact assessment)
What is being assessed? Name of the policy, procedure, proposal, strategy or
service:
Pest Control Policy
Details of person responsible for completing the assessment:
• Name: Sarah Haigh-Turner
• Job title: Facilities Contract & Performance Manager
• Team: Facilities
State main purpose or aim of the policy, procedure, proposal, strategy or service:
(usually the first paragraph of what you are writing. Also include details of legislation,
guidance, regulations etc which have shaped or informed the document)
The aim of this policy is to ensure appropriate preventative measures are adopted to provide a safer
environment for staff, patients, and visitors.
This policy is created to ensure compliance of pest control and in order to fully comply with the Trust’s
responsibilities under the law.
Reference documents: Food Safety Act 1990, Health & Safety Etc 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 & Food
Services in the National Health Service, English Nature, Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, The Control of
Pesticides Regulations 1986 (as amended 1997)
2. CONSIDERATION OF DATA AND RESEARCH
To carry out the equality analysis you will need to consider information about the people who
use the service and the staff that provide it.
2.1 Give details of RELEVANT information available that gives you an understanding of
who will be affected by this document
The Pest Control Policy is intended for all staff, patients and visitors.
2.2 Evidence of complaints on grounds of discrimination: (Are there any complaints
either from patients or staff (grievance) relating to the policy, procedure, proposal,
strategy or service or its effects on different groups?)
None
2.3 Does the information gathered from 2.1 – 2.3 indicate any negative impact as a
result of this document?
There is no negative impact as a result of this document.
3. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT
Now that you have looked at the purpose, etc. of the policy, procedure, proposal, strategy or service
(part 1) and looked at the data and research you have (part 2), this section asks you to assess the
impact of the policy, procedure, proposal, strategy or service on each of the strands listed below.

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RACE:
From the evidence available does the policy, procedure, proposal, strategy or service affect, or have
the potential to affect, racial groups differently? Yes No √
Explain your response: This Policy, and the Law, does not permit any discrimination on the grounds of
race. If the patient’s first language was not English, and information needed to be given, then the trust
interpreters policy would be followed by trust staff.
GENDER (INCLUDING TRANSGENDER):
the potential to affect, different gender groups differently? Yes No √
gender.
DISABILITY
the potential to affect, disabled people differently? Yes No √
disability. If a patient had a sensory disability and information needed to be given, then the trust
interpreters policy would be followed by trust staff.
AGE:
From the evidence available does the policy, procedure, proposal, strategy or service, affect, or have
the potential to affect, age groups differently? Yes No √
age.
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL:
the potential to affect, lesbian, gay or bisexual groups differently? Yes No √
being lesbian, gay or bisexual.
RELIGION/BELIEF:
the potential to affect, religious belief groups differently? Yes No √
religion/belief.
CARERS:
the potential to affect, carers differently? Yes No √
Explain your response: Please see sections on race and disability.
OTHER: EG Pregnant women, people in civil partnerships, human rights issues.
the potential to affect any other groups differently? Yes No √
Explain your response: This Policy does not affect, or have the potential to affect, this group differently.

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4. Safeguarding Assessment - CHILDREN
a. Is there a direct or indirect impact upon children? Yes No √
b. If yes please describe the nature and level of the impact (consideration to be given to all
children; children in a specific group or area, or individual children. As well as consideration of
impact now or in the future; competing / conflicting impact between different groups of children
and young people:
c. If no please describe why there is considered to be no impact / significant impact on children
If information needed to be given to children, then parents would be involved and picture communications
books from the communications boxes could be used.
5. Relevant consultation
Having identified key groups, how have you consulted with them to find out their views and
made sure that the policy, procedure, proposal, strategy or service will affect them in the
way that you intend? Have you spoken to staff groups, charities, national organisations etc?
Not applicable
6. APPROVAL – At this point, you should forward the template to:
• The Trust’s Equality and Diversity Lead lynbailey@nhs.net
• The Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children melaniebarker@nhs.net
Equality and Diversity response: Approved
Safeguarding Children response:
7. Any actions identified: Have you identified any work which you will need to do in the
future to ensure that the document has no adverse impact?
Action Lead Date to be Achieved
8. Review Date:
Date completed:
The Trust’s Equality and Diversity Lead:

Pest control 1782

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