PEST CONRTOL
MAKING THE CHOICE CRYSTAL CLEAR
The number of Pest Management companies operating within the
UK is continuously growing, which can create a potential headache for those tasked with making the selection. Simon Forrester, Chief
Executive of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), reveals how an initiative to promote high standards can deliver the solution.
Unlike goods, buyers purchasing services cannot see what they’re getting before making up their mind. The decision to take on a service contractor is therefore something of an act of faith - but it should never be a gamble.
Establishing a partnership with a pest control company without considering the right factors, could turn out to be a very expensive mistake and only by appointing a reputable, professional firm can facilities managers be assured a safe, effective and legal service. A scheme designed to promote standards in pest control throughout the EU delivers such peace of mind.
WHAT IS THE INITIATIVE
ABOUT? The European Standard for Pest Management Services EN16636 acts as a demonstration of professional credentials and a benchmark of quality. 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’s the cornerstone of a strategy to portray a positive image of the pest management industry in terms of public health, environmental sustainability and economic significance.
The accreditation, and accompanying certification programme, was launched last year by the Confederation of European Pest Management Associations (CEPA).
38 | TOMORROW’S FM
Around 50 companies in the UK have achieved the standard so far and the BPCA is putting every one of its 450-plus servicing members through the process by June next year - each independently assessed by global certification body Bureau Veritas.
The BPCA is the only UK organisation that insists on criteria that puts its members on a level playing field with the best pest management companies in the world.
We want the BPCA to remain the mark of professionalism in UK pest management and for FMs and their clients to look for our logo every time they select a pest control company, safe in the knowledge that they are hiring a professional, not a cowboy.
WHY INTRODUCE THE PROFESSIONAL
STANDARD? It was developed to professionalise the pest management sector throughout Europe and protect clients, public health and the environment.
Compliance with EN16636 enables pest management providers to demonstrate:
• They have the necessary competence and know-how to deliver professional pest management services
• They have a management system to ensure a consistent level of quality
• They systematically minimise risks for clients and the public
• They minimise potential negative
impacts on the environment and animal welfare.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN
FOR THE FM INDUSTRY? Pest controllers who are untrained and do not stay up-to-date with the latest products, techniques and legislation can create big problems and damage reputations. Companies and their clients are trusting their reputation to their pest controller, so they can no longer afford to choose the cheapest quote and sit back. Any prosecution would ask what verification process you had gone through when selecting your pest control supplier.
Facilities managers appointing companies that meet the standard will know they’re employing competent experts through companies who have been independently measured against this benchmark of quality.
WHAT DOES THE
INITIATIVE INVOLVE? The standard delves into every aspect of a pest control company, from frontline call handling, to sales, contracts and how they deal with pest management issues on-site.
All companies who wish to pass the standard need to employ integrated pest management, which means managing problems before they begin by making the site unattractive to pests. It also reduces the quantity of biocides used, which is good for the environment and helps with Corporate Social Responsibility.
www.bpca.org.uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
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