Hi Bill,
We've had a number of enquiries regarding this clause so I can absolutely understand any lack of clarity you may have. Hopefully the following explanation will clear it up for you and any others that may be having difficulty with this clause:
An in-depth, documented pest control survey shall be completed periodically. These surveys are in addition to the regular inspections (e.g. monthly checks of bait and traps) conducted as part of the pest control programme (clause 4.13.1).
The aim of these surveys is a pro-active, in-depth examination of the pest control activities, to ensure that they remain appropriate and to allow an in-depth assessment of the site and equipment for evidence of activity. It allows an experienced person to examine the controls and the pest activity and, where applicable, recommend improvements to the pest management strategy.
Where stored product insects represent a potential hazard, the visits should be scheduled for a time when access to equipment for inspection purposes is available, for example grain or bulk ingredient silos,so that the greatest value can be gained from the survey.
The review will be completed by a pest control expert – for example, the pest control contractor’s field biologist. The qualifications are not precisely defined as currently there are no internationally recognised pest control qualifications to which the Standard could refer. For example in the UK the level is usually:
· Having an RSPH/BPCA Level 2 certificate in pest control
· passed a field biologists training or equivalent (ie above trained above level 2) orwhere they exist, meet the Country’s legal requirements
· over 2 years practical experience of pest control
· basic training in food hygiene
· be able to demonstrate continuous professional development
The requirements can be completed internally, by an in-house individual providing they have the appropriate experience, skills& training to do so.
Whilst there are advantages in having different individual complete the routine inspections and the in-depth survey, the Standard does not prevent the same person from completing both activities, providing:
· The individual has the appropriate level of experience/qualifications to completethe in-depth study.
· The contract and the outputs clearly show that there are two different types ofvisit – routine inspections clearly distinguished from in-depth surveys.
Typically, this survey is completed quarterly. However,risk assessment may indicate that a different frequency is required. For example, where products are produced seasonally or the pest issues are seasonalin nature, less frequent visits may be appropriate.
The results should be incorporated into the company management review (clause 1.1.3).
This clause applies to all sites, not just those carrying out their own pest control.
I appeciate this is quite a lengthy explanation but as I said I hope it clears it up.
If you need any more information, please let me know.
Thanks,
Tom
