PEST CONTROL
Professional pest control companies should also be able to provide appropriate assurances that they comply fully with all aspects of legislation. They should be able to demonstrate compliance with the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 and provide the necessary documentation and risk assessment for employers to meet the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH).
“Putting right pest
control that has not been carried out
properly could cost your business a lot of money, put your reputation at risk
and even lead to an infringement of the law.”
Companies should be affiliated to a reputable trade body which ensures every servicing member is not only fully qualified but operating within the guidelines of best practice.
They should also belong to a recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme such as BASIS PROMPT.
The initiative is a professional register for the pest control industry, listing managers and technicians who hold recognised qualifications, who agree to abide by a written Code of Professional Ethics and can prove their technical knowledge is up to date.
To remain on the register, members must accrue 20 CPD points every year – obtained by attending training courses, seminars and exhibitions. They must also provide proof of public, product and employers’ liability insurance.
In short, a professional pest control contract ensures that you have no infestation problems – and that you stay that way.
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR Consider the ability of the contractor to carry out a full survey of the premises and present a clear report with action points, recommendations and a firm quotation of costs.
Your contractor should regularly review your contact and make changes as and when required. A pest control contact should not be static and should change if any significant changes in process or practices take place.
Ensure the company has the capacity to provide proofing and other preventative measures such as advice on housekeeping, storage, waste disposal, cleaning and the detection and monitoring of pest populations.
Ensure it also has robust reporting procedures that provide clear accountability on both sides.
Insist on clear contract terms to specify the pests to be covered, frequency of visits, responsibility for preventative measures and arrangements for extra treatments or emergency call-outs.
THE RIGHT CREDENTIALS Cleaning companies who insist on membership of a reputable trade body, such as the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), are on the right track.
The BPCA, which became members of the British Cleaning Council last year, is the largest and most effective pest control initiative in the UK and operates strict membership criteria designed to deliver peace of mind to end-users.
Every member will hold at least the Level Two certificate in Pest Management – a standard recognised throughout the pest control industry. They will also hold appropriate insurance allowing them to work safely at any premises and will have been visited and assessed on a regular basis by BPCA staff to ensure they provide a thoroughly professional and consistent service.
Member companies will also hold or at least be working towards an initiative designed to raise standards throughout Europe.
FIVE STEPS TO MAKING THE
RIGHT DECISION Cleaning companies should consider the following when looking to appoint a pest control contractor:
• The ability of the contractor to carry out a full survey of the premises and present a clear report, with action points, recommendations and a firm quotation of costs.
• Evidence of adequate technical resources and of correctly trained and qualified service staff, supervisors and management. Membership of the BASIS PROMPT register acts as independent proof of professional credentials.
• Proof of adequate public liability, product liability and employers’ liability insurance cover.
• The capacity to provide proofing and other preventative measures such as advice on housekeeping, storage, waste disposal, cleaning and the detection and monitoring of pest populations. Reporting procedures giving clear accountability on both sides.
• Clear contract terms to specify the pests to be covered, frequency of visits, responsibility for preventative measures, arrangements for extra treatments or emergency call-outs.
The European Standard for Pest Management Services (EN16 636) acts as a demonstration of professional credentials and a benchmark of quality. All BPCA members are now audited to this standard as part of their membership criteria. Many have gone one step further and become CEPA Certified®
.
It defines best practice and acts as an assurance that member companies are fully qualified to deal with all pest species and are experts on integrated pest management, the safe use of biocides and health and safety issues.
It means cleaning companies which insist on employing contractors audited against the standard can be totally confident of a professional service.
www.bpca.org.uk Tomorrow’s Cleaning | 65
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