TITLE: Infestation Control Policy (Including Bedbugs) SECTION
EXAMPLE ONLY
TITLE: Infestation Control Policy (including Bedbugs) SECTION:
TO: (STAFF)
DATE:
FROM:
Background
Climate change and other conditions have led to increased pest control issues throughout the Metro Vancouver area, including infestations of bedbugs, cockroaches, spiders and ants.
The intent of this policy is to prevent infestations at all buildings through prevention, quick remedial action, and education. All infestations, especially Bedbugs, are difficult to prevent, thus timely management and prevention are key. All clients, visitors, tenants and staff need to understand and be fully engaged in infestation prevention and management to reduce the risk of infestations and increase the successful treatment of them. A high level of cooperation is required amongst everyone.
POLICY
Each employee is responsible to reduce the risk of infestation at any building by closely monitoring all individuals, belongings, and materials coming into the premises. All belongings are to be segregated immediately upon entry and wherever possible, are to be treated using procedures outlined below. Deliveries of furnishings, supplies, etc. are to be scheduled for delivery during staffing hours, and segregated upon entry or immediately inspected and dealt with accordingly. All new shelter and residential clients are to be strongly encouraged to shower and wear clean clothes on intake/move in and the clothes they wore, isolated treated and laundered.
Employees are to quickly control any infestation as located, and prevent the spread of insects through implementing immediate pest control treatment and containment strategies. Any item believed to be infected is to be moved or disposed of only after being double bagged and treated. Where a pest control company is involved, employees are to follow their instructions. Where there is conflict with this policy and pest control instructions, immediately seek clarification from the Property Manager or designate. Where building renovations or new buildings are developed, preventative treatment is to be used during the renovations/construction, including the use of insect control between studs and through ensuring joints are caulked and the caulking well maintained.
Employees are to limit their risk of becoming infested with bugs by bringing a minimum of items with them to work. During off-site visits, employees are to minimise the items taken with them; taking care not to put their belongings down. When moving a tenant’s belongings, always use the double-sealed bagging procedure.
Should an employee find an infestation at their home, the employee may access a paid leave as a domestic crisis - with prior authorization from their Manager. Employees are advised to follow Procedures, as listed below, to prevent the spread of infestations to their homes and personal vehicles.
Where bugs are located, the Manager is to be informed no later than the next business day. At no time should remediation wait for the notification of the Manager. Should staff feel that a room needs to be closed for treatment, the Manager is to be consulted prior to the closure, and a service plan for the resident be developed, including transfer between rooms, between sites or into a shelter. Where transfers occur, treatment of the individual and their belongings is mandatory. Staff of different programs will work cooperatively with the tenant to provide seamless, supportive assistance.
Designated employees are to disinfect and clean all common surfaces such as couches, chairs, car seats and car storage areas, etc. as part of their daily routine.
Failure to follow this policy, or breaching the intent of this policy, will lead to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
PROCEDURES
PREVENTION
1. Employees are to inform Tenants upon move in of the bedbug proliferation and our procedures to prevent an infestation at our building(s).
2. On intake, all new residents (shelters and residential) are to bathe immediately prior to, or upon initial entry to programs. They are to wear newly cleaned and disinfected clothing. Where they do not have suitable clothing, employees are to provide the necessary clothing free of charge. Where it is an existing client whose cleanliness is questionable, err on the side of caution and encourage showers and offer clean clothing and laundry following the same procedures as that of a new client.
3. Employees are to inform everyone moving into a building(s) that their deliveries, packages and/or belongings must immediately be securely segregated or treated to reduce the risk of infestation. They are to be informed that the organization is not responsible for any damages that may be incurred during the treatment process.
NOTE: Where treatment is initiated, employees are to use gloves when spraying, and take care that spray is contained within the bag. See Pesticide Safety below.
a. All personal packages/belongings coming into building(s)are to be double bagged with each bag sealed separately. The designated treatment solution as outlined in the “product list” is to be sprayed within the bag containing the belongings.
b. All washable items are to be laundered on a cycle that uses high heat and/or disinfectant (bleach) to kill any bugs as well as their eggs.
c. Where clothing is not washable (e.g. some leathers, silks, etc.), they are to be treated with the designated treatment solution.
i. The owner of the clothing is to be advised that we are not responsible for damage to clothing.
d. Larger items, e.g. furniture – are to be double bagged and moved to designated treatment areas and treated using the designated treatment solution outlined in the “Supply List”. Treatment may consist of applying a topical solution, spray and steam cleaning.
e. Delivered items are to be securely segregated or treated immediately.
f. Donated clothing is to be security segregated immediately and laundered as soon as possible.
g. All goods are to be stored in double sealed plastic bags until chemical treatment has been completed.
4. Employees are to consistently assess everyone coming into a premise for signs of bedbugs, insect bites, rashes, nits, etc. Where there are any signs of infestation, suitable treatment is to be immediately implemented.
5. Where employees make home visits, limit the number of items, such as backpacks, you bring into their residence. Do not put your belongings down. Use the double sealed bagging procedure when moving a client’s belongings. Transport goods in sealed bags to prevent movement of insects. Store in sealed bags until chemical treatment has been completed. Where there exists questions that bugs may be present (or eggs), spray with our cleanser.
building infestations
A combination of: preparation prior to treatment, pest proofing and chemical treatment is needed to effectively eliminate bedbugs. As soon as the room preparation is complete, the Building Services Manager will arrange professional pest control services. For heavy infestations, expect multiple treatments.
1. Upon discovery that a room or area is infested, employees are to immediately implement segregation and treatment procedures as well as notify their Manager and the Property Manager.
a. Quarantine the area and vacate as soon as possible to reduce risk. Where visible signs of live bedbugs are seen, spot spray the area using designated product. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
b. Persons who had been in the area are to be provided with newly laundered clothing and instructed to bathe immediately. Any item removed from the off-limit area is to be placed in the double sealed bags to prevent subsequent infestation.
c. Remove the contents from furniture, tables, wardrobes, and closets. Any items that are moved are to be double-bagged prior to being transported to prevent further contamination. Treat where appropriate within the bags.
d. If it is determined that the infestation is caused by bed bugs, the designated staff will call in pest control for any infestation that is greater area/intensity than can be treated in-house.
e. Any smaller items not being moved are to be stored in double sealed bags and sprayed where appropriate.
f. Any larger items not being moved are to be sprayed using the designated supplies.
2. As soon as possible, and within 48 hours of segregation and double bagging of infested goods, the following treatment is to be implemented.
a. Any washable items are to be laundered on a cycle that uses high heat and/or disinfectant (bleach) to kill any bugs as well as their eggs.
b. Move furniture to centre of room, away from all walls and edges. Where appropriate, dismantle bed; unscrew bed legs, pull drawers out to ensure chemical penetration to all areas of furnishings.
c. Remove pictures and electrical/switch plate covers from walls
d. Eliminate clutter using the double sealed bag process ensuring nothing is left on the floor.
e. Steam-clean all cracks and crevices in walls, ceilings, and floors, paying particular attention to areas around pipes.
i. Steam cleaners are available on-site.
ii. Only trained employees are to use steam-cleaners.
f. Spread diatomaceous earth (food grade):
i. Into any cavities that are accessible including between walls/floors
ii. Onto areas that are rarely accessed such as behind or underneath fridges, stoves, or under counters, etc.
g. Caulk cracks and crevices in walls, ceilings, and floors. Caulk the bottom and top of any floor base.
h. Large gaps around pipes should be filled in with steel wool prior to being sealed. Pipe ‘collars’ should be fitted and caulked into place.
i. If heavy infestation, mattresses, and fabric covered furniture may be discarded after the initial treatment. Discarded Mattresses or fabric covered furniture are to be cut or broken to reduce the risk of someone else utilizing them and spreading the infestation. Transport in sealed bags to prevent insect transferral.
Areas treated with pesticides are to:
o Always post instructions on door and follow the advice of the pest control supplier.
o Vacated during treatment
§ Re-entry time will vary depending on the treatment used, method of treatment and individual susceptibility. Re-entry will be determined by the Property Manager or Pest Control. In bed bug infestations, the area is to be kept vacant for 4 to 8 hours (24 hours if person is pregnant, or has respiratory ailments, allergies or is sensitive to chemicals) or as instructed by the pest control.
o Ventilate the area well after treatment.
RENOVATION/CONSTRUCTION PROTOCOLS
Food-grade Diatomaceous earth has been identified as a long-term, natural insecticide for bedbug and insect control within buildings.
1. On new construction, the general contractor is to be instructed to spread food-grade diatomaceous earth into all building cavities, 1-3 mm’s or larger - including stud spaces, wall cavities, between floors, inside roofs, and all other areas where insects may hide. The material is to be spread at the rate of 500 grams per 100 square metres. Spreading will occur prior to sealing, boarding, caulking, or painting for long lasting effectiveness.
2. In existing buildings, whenever walls or ceilings are opened, or whenever there is building remediation, maintenance employees will spread food-grade diatomaceous earth into all building cavities, 1-3 mm’s or larger - including stud spaces, wall cavities, between floors, inside roofs, and all other areas where insects may hide. The material is to be spread at the rate of 500 grams per 100 square metres. Spreading will occur prior to sealing, boarding, caulking, or painting for long lasting effectiveness. A hand duster may be used.
3. Should bedbugs be present, initial treatment will begin, combined with a dusting of diatomaceous earth – as per the above procedure. Diatomaceous earth should be spread in wall corners, floor/wall interfaces, (baseboards) and furniture including bed frames, mattresses, and bed-leg cavities.
4. All cavities are to be sealed and well caulked to prevent any infestations from spreading.
For further information, see INFORMATION ON BEDBUGS including:
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· What are bedbugs
· Bedbugs and disease
· About infestations
· Prevention
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The highlighted areas are something you can include if applicable. This is just a reference to help in developing policy, in no way is it meant to be used as policy without approval of those responsible for creating and implementing policy for an individual organization. Board approval may be necessary.
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