Pest Control Policy SH NCP 44. Version: 4. Summary:

Transcription

1 SH NCP 44 Summary: Keywords: Target Audience: This policy sets out the requirements for pest control within Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, it takes into account initiatives such as (but not limited to) The Hygiene Code. The Trust aims to ensure that an appropriate contract is in place at all times to manage the control of pests within the Trust estate and follow the actions contained in this policy to ensure the safety of the site users. This policy supports the pesticide regulations made under the Food and Environment Protection Act (FEPA) 1985 Part III and the Health and Social Care Act 2008 Regulation 12, which requires that effective systems are in place to protect service users and staff from the risk of acquiring healthcare associated infection. Pest, Control, Rat, Rats, Ants, Pest, Pests, Vermin, Wasps, Mice, Mouse All staff employed by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. Executive & Non-Executive Directors, Volunteers, Governors and Contractors. All patients, service users, carers & their families Next Review Date: January 2020 Approved & Ratified by: Health & Safety Forum Date of meeting: 25 January 2016 Date issued: Author: Director: Tracy England, Senior Contracts and PFI/LIFT Manager Scott Jones, Head of Facilities and Environment 1

2 Version Control Change Record Date Author Ve rsi on Page Reason for Change 27/03/13 Sandra Grimes Changed to Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Format September 2014 Sandra Grimes 2 All Policy Review & Supporting References September 2015 Tracy England/ Bob Beeching Tracy England/ Bob Beeching Policy review 4.4 Change of title 7.2 Removal of IPC from paragraph 15 Supporting reference updated 4 6 and 14 Updated Estate Services Contract address Policy reviewed no further changes required Reviewers/contributors Name Position Version Reviewed & Date Sandra Grimes Commercial Contracts Manager & Project Manager V1 27 th March 2013 Ricky Somal Equality and Diversity Lead V2 October 2014 John Micklewright Counter Fraud Lead V2 October 2014 Sandra Grimes Commercial Contract Manager & Project V2 September 2014 Manager Alison Edmundson Compliance Assurance Manager V2 October 2014 Tracy England Senior Contract PFI/LIFT Manager V3 September 2015 Bob Beeching Support Services Manager V3 September 2015 Theresa Lewis Lead Nurse Infection Prevention and Control V3 September 2015 Karl Beanland Estates Operations Manager V3 September 2015 Paul Gallagher Modern Matron, Ravenswood House V3 September

3 Quick Reference Guide For quick reference, this page summarises the actions required by this policy. This does not negate the need to be aware of and to follow the further detail provided in this policy. 1. Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust employees to understand its legal obligation and responsibilities to take necessary measures to prevent the risk of pest infection in all food storage, distribution and catering areas and to ensure good standards of pest control in all other areas of its sites. 2. All sightings of pests or evidence of their existence should be reported in the first instance to the Local Site Manager/Administrator on the relevant local phone number at the earliest opportunity, who should contact the Pest Control Contractor. 3

4 Contents Section Title Page 1. Introduction 5 2. Who does this policy apply to? 5 3. Definitions 5 4. Duties and Responsibilities 5 5. Main Policy Content 6 6. Basic Pest Control Measures 7 7. Pest Control Contract 7 8. Visitors Pets 8 9. Guide Dogs/Canine Helpers Pet Therapy Training Requirements Monitoring Compliance Policy Review Associated Trust Documents Supporting references 9 Appendices 1 Individual Pests And Wildlife 10 2 Responsibilities Authorised Officer for Pest Control 14 3 Training needs analysis 15 4 Equality Impact Assessment Tool 16 4

5 1. Introduction 1.1 The presence of pests can be offensive, present 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. The policy supports the pesticide regulations made under the Food and Environment Protection Act (FEPA) 1985 Part III and the Health and Social Care Act 2008 Regulation 12, which requires that effective systems are in place to protect service users and staff from the risk of acquiring healthcare associated infection 1.2 Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, (the Trust) recognises its legal obligation to take necessary measures to prevent the risk of pest infection in all food storage, distribution and catering areas and to ensure good standards of pest control in all other areas of its sites. 1.3 The Trust and its contractors will adopt procedures to rid Trust owned and leased premises of existing infestation and thereafter, by pro-active work, maintain this position. 1.4 Information on common pests and their control is provided in Appendix Who does this policy apply to? 2.1 All staff employed by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. Executive & Non-Executive Directors, Volunteers, Governors and Contractors. All patients, service users, carers & their families. 3. Definitions 3.1 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. 4. Duties and Responsibilities 4.1 The Trust has a legal obligation to take necessary measures to prevent the risk of pest infection in all food storage, distribution and catering areas and to ensure good standards of pest control in all other areas of its sites. 4.2 Chief Executive The overall accountability for the safe and effective management of Trust s premises resides with the Chief Executive of the Trust as accountable officer to the Trust Board. 4.3 Director of Finance The Director of Finance for the Trust will determine the available budget for the pest control service within the Trust premises and for: Arrangements to ensure compliance with the Trust s Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions 5

6 Ensuring that satisfactory arrangements are in place for the provision or procurement of the pest control contract. 4.4 Head of Estates Services Head of Estates Services has responsibility to the Director of Finance and Corporate Services for ensuring robust arrangements are in place for the control of pests. 4.5 Directorate / Service Leads / Service / Locality Manager/Site managers The manager for any service or premise is responsible for ensuring that procedures and organisational arrangements are made to disseminate information and awareness to staff in their area of responsibility to maintain a safe environment. Managers must ensure staff are aware of, have access to and comply with this policy 4.6 Authorised Officers The Trust will nominate an Authorised Officer to act as the representative of the Trust for all purposes specified in this Policy. The Trust s nominated Authorised Officer is the Head of Estates Services. Details of the Authorised Officers duties can be found in Appendix 2. The Authorised Officer will nominate a deputy (the Supervising Officer) who will monitor the performance of the pest control contractor to ensure that the Trust is receiving an effective service. The Supervising Officer will receive, investigate and initiate appropriate action on all reports of pest evidence or sightings of pests. The Trust will ensure that there are sufficient resources, including appropriate training, for the role of Authorised/Supervising Officer to be effectively undertaken. The Supervising Officer will hold regular progress review meetings to identify any areas of concern requiring the implementation of specific remedial measures. To ensure service visits are carried out for trust properties related to pest control. A job plan for the roles of Authorised/Supervising Officer is given in Appendix All Staff All employees are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others due to their actions or inactions with respect to Health and Safety Law. Staff must ensure they are aware of the procedures for reporting any sighting or evidence of infestation. 5. Main Policy Content All sightings of pests or evidence of their existence should be reported in the first instance to the Local Site Manager/Administrator on the relevant local phone number at the earliest opportunity, who should contact the Pest Control Contractor. The information required will include: The location, i.e. ward, department, clinic, 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 the sighting 6

7 In the event that a satisfactory response is not received within 24 hours of the time of reporting the Supervising Officer or the Authorised Officer should be contacted by estateservices-contracts@southernhealth.nhs.uk Action taken by the contractor following notification will be ed to the contracts team and records of visits will be held centrally by the contracts team. Any site which needs to review works carried out should request information from the contracts team by ing: estateservices-contracts@southernhealth.nhs.uk 6. Basic Pest Control Measures 6.1 Food should be covered or stored in 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 Accumulation of static/stagnant water should be avoided. 6.5 Buildings should be of sound structure and well maintained, drains should be covered, and leaking pipe work repaired and damaged surfaces made good. Defects should be reported to the Estates Department 6.6 Cracks in plaster and woodwork, unsealed areas around pipe work, damaged tiles, badly fitted equipment and kitchen units are likely to provide excellent harbourage and should be maintained in a suitable condition. 6.7 Where fitted, fly screens should always be closed when windows are open. 6.8 Doors to food storage/preparation areas must be kept closed and adequately proofed to prevent access to pests. Where appropriate the doors should be fitted with metal kick plates at base of door. 6.9 Treatment with insecticides and rodenticides alone is seldom sufficient; attention must be paid to good hygiene and structural maintenance. 7. Pest Control Contract 7.1 The Trust will ensure that an appropriate pest control contract is in operation at all times. 7.2 The pest control contract will be monitored by the Nominated, Supervising and Authorised Officers against a pest control contract specification. 7.3 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 weekly by the main user of the area. Other catering areas such as storage areas, ducting and associated plant rooms will be inspected at least quarterly by an external contractor. 7.4 All pesticides used by the Trust s 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 the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations Also Food and Environment Protection Act (FEPA) 1985 Part III. 7

8 8. Visiting Pets 8.1 In principle pets should not be brought into healthcare settings, except for guide dogs/canine helpers or as part of the national Pet Therapy scheme. However, there may be occasions when a visiting pet is beneficial to a particular in-patient for instance a cat and under these exceptional circumstances agreement must be sought from the infection control team, modern matron or out of hours the executive on call and a risk assessment should be carried out. 8.2 For other pets these should be dealt with on a case by case basis with the ultimate decision being taken, with advice from those professionals already referred to, by the person-incharge. 9. Guide Dogs/Canine Helpers 9.1 In most cases there is no restricted access but a common sense approach to meet the needs of the owner and maintain safety. The Infection Team can be contacted for advice. (See next section for practical advice). 10. Pet Therapy 10.1 The importance of Pets as Therapy within the rehabilitation setting is acknowledged, however it is important that the following guidelines are adhered to at all times. The visiting dog must be approved as part of the Pets as Therapy scheme. This ensures the dog has been passed as fit by a vet received all necessary vaccinations and is appropriately trained. A member of staff should be designated as the responsible person for the duration of the visit. Staff must ensure that there are no service users or staff in the setting who suffer dog allergy and/or phobia. Staff should feel assured the dog is healthy at the time of the visit, is on a leash and is under control. The dog should be taken to a designated area and not allowed in any food preparation area or clinical rooms. The day room should be used for visiting in patient areas. The dog can only be fed and watered outside the building. If the dog vomits, urinates or defecates, the responsible person should ensure that this is appropriately removed and area cleaned thoroughly with detergent and water. Personal protective clothing should be worn, disposable paper roll/cloths used and disposed of correctly. All persons in contact with the dog must ensure they wash their hands using soap and water after contact. The room where the dog has visited should undergo its normal daily clean. 11. Training requirements 11.1 Staff awareness by line manager for identification and reporting procedures. 8

9 12. Monitoring Compliance Element to be monitored Compliance to the specification Contractors reports Regular review meetings with the contractor Site visit form, signed and dated by Trust Site Coordinator or representative Lead Tool Frequency Reporting arrangements Contract / Quarterly A breakdown of service Manager Helpdesk activity levels e.g. scheduled/planned/ Contract Manager Contract Manager Contract Manager undertaken. Report Quarterly Details of all requests received from the Contractor s Helpdesk or other authorised source. Meeting Quarterly A review of previous quarter s quality PPM and ad hoc site visits. Identification of repetitive short fall in service and trends, together with steps being taken to improve performance. Report Form Quarterly Site inspection forms reviewed to ensure they contain appropriate information. 13. Policy Review This policy may be reviewed at any time when government legislation & guidance is reviewed or when other significant circumstances dictate. This policy will be reviewed by Estates Services team at two yearly intervals or earlier if required to meet national guidance or statutory legislation. The policy will be ratified by the Trust Health and Safety Forum. 14. Associated Trust Documents SH HS 04 Health & Safety Policy SH CP12 Hand Hygiene Procedure SH HS 05 Moving & Handling Policy SH NCP 47 Handling and Disposal of Healthcare Waste Policy SH HS 06 Fire Safety Policy 15. Supporting References The Contractor, or any third party employed by the contractor, will ensure compliance with all relevant UK Legislation, European Directives and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust arrangements in relation to Health, Safety and Environment. This pertains to all work undertaken for or in conjunction with Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust 9

10 APPENDIX 1 - INDIVIDUAL PESTS AND WILDLIFE (INCLUDING BUT NOT EXCLUSIVE) 1. Houseflies 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. 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 cushions, bead screens or self-closing door equipment with rubber seals and maintained electronic fly traps. 2. 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 disease such as dysentery, gastro-enteritis, 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. 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. 3. 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 10

11 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, ants nests must be eradicated. If infestation is to be successfully controlled, hormone treatment is required which sterilises the female ant. 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 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. 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. 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 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 Local Site Manager/Administrator. 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. 7. Bats Bats are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) Regulations 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. 11

12 8. 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). 9. 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, insulation or electrical wiring or tear up the loft insulation to form a drey. 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. 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 feeding habits described above there is the 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. 11. Rabbits Rabbits can cause great damage by burrowing under buildings and putting at risk the foundations of buildings, however there is strict guidelines on their removal so please contact the nominated officer for advice. This applies to any suspected myxomatosis cases. 12. Moles Moles are a widespread species and are not protected by conservation legislation, only having basic protection from cruelty under the Wild Mammals Protection Act The mole is a common British mammal and, although not often seen, the results of its tunnelling 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 grasscutting 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 aluminium phosphide. Please note that strychnine hydrochloride can no longer be legally purchased or used for mole control in the UK. 12

13 13. Deer From 1 October 2007, under the Deer Act 1991 (as amended), all wild deer with the exception of Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) are protected by a close season. The Regulatory Reform (Deer) (England and Wales) Order 2007 amends the original Act and will improve deer welfare in a number of ways. 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 is best achieved through a wider, co-coordinated cull undertaken by a local Deer Management Group (DMG) rather than on an ad-hoc basis by individuals. However, the legislation makes provisions for actions that can be taken in exceptional circumstances where problems cannot readily be resolved through normal deer management. 14. Badgers Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which makes it illegal to kill, injure or take badgers or to interfere with a badger sett. Interference with a sett includes blocking tunnels or damaging the sett in any way. The majority of problems posed by badgers can be resolved non-lethally, normally by the partial or complete closure of the sett of the badger(s) causing the problem. Sett closures require a license. 13

14 APPENDIX 2 - RESPONSIBILITIES Authorised Officer for Pest Control The Authorised Officer is: Supervising Officer: Head of Estates Services Contract and Project Manager estateservice-contracts@southernhealth.nhs.uk 1. To appreciate the significance of the prevalent pests and the problems associated with them. 2. To monitor 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 effective service. 3. To receive, investigate and initiate appropriate action on all reports of pest evidence or sightings of pests. 4. To assess the Contractor s written reports and to note: a. The action taken to combat pest infestation since the Contractor s last report; b. An assessment of the current situation, including any works required to be done to eliminate harbourage and improve hygiene; c. Any proposals for further action by the Contractor. 5. To form the main link between the Trust staff and the Contractor in respect of pest control issues. 6. To have a knowledge of contracting for pest control and NHS Conditions of Contract for Pest Control. 7. To provide technical advice in respect of local requirements during the preparation of contract specifications and adjudication of tenders. 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. 9. To disseminate information and implement pest awareness training within the Trust, calling on advice from specialist sources when necessary. 14

15 Appendix 3 LEaD (Leadership, Education & Development) Training Needs Analysis If there are any training implications in your policy, please complete the form below and make an appointment with the LEAD department (Louise Hartland, Strategic Education Lead or Sharon Gomez, Essential Training Lead on ) before the policy goes through the Trust policy approval process. Training Programme Frequency Course Length Delivery Method Trainer(s) Recording Attendance Strategic Operational Responsibility & Staff Awareness & reporting How often will the target audience need to attend this course? How long will the programme run (April April?) and how long will each course take (3 hours?) How and where do you intend delivering this programme (face to face, e-learning, Essential Training Days)? Who will be delivering this programme if delivery method is face to face? Who do you anticipate recording attendance? Who is accountable for this training strategically and who is operationally accountable? Directorate Division Target Audience MH/LD ICS Corporate Services Adult Mental Health Learning Disability Services Older Persons Mental Health Specialised Services TQtwentyone Adults Children s Services Specialist Services All (Workforce & Development, Finance & Estates, Commercial) 15

16 Appendix 4: Equality Impact Assessment The Equality Analysis is a written record that demonstrates that you have shown due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations with respect to the characteristics protected by the Equality Act Stage 1: Screening Date of assessment: November 2015 Name of person completing the assessment: Tracy England/Bob Beeching Job title: Senior Contract PFI/LIFT Manager/Contract and Project Manager Responsible department: Estates Services Intended equality outcomes: No adverse impacts Who was involved in the consultation of this document? Tracy England Senior Contract PFI/LIFT Manager Bob Beeching Contract Manager Theresa Lewis Lead Nurse Infection Prevention and Control Karl Beanland Estates Operations Manager Paul Gallagher Modern Matron, Ravenswood House Please describe the positive and any potential negative impact of the policy on service users or staff. In the case of negative impact, please indicate any measures planned to mitigate against this by completing stage 2. Supporting Information can be found be following the link: Protected Characteristic Positive impact Negative impact Age N/A No adverse impacts Disability N/A No adverse impacts Gender reassignment N/A No adverse impacts Marriage & civil partnership N/A No adverse impacts Pregnancy & maternity Risk assessments carried out as No adverse impacts required Race N/A No adverse impacts Religion N/A No adverse impacts Sex N/A No adverse impacts Sexual orientation N/A No adverse impacts Stage 2: Full impact assessment What is the impact? Mitigating actions Monitoring of actions 16

17 Sign Off and Publishing Once you have completed this form, it needs to be approved by your Divisional Director or their nominated officer. Following this sign off, send a copy to the Equality and Diversity Team who will publish it on the Trust website. Keep a copy for your own records. Name: Scott Jones Designation: Head of Facilities and Environment Signature: Date: November