11 replies to this topic

[Altermanm]

Hello, we are planning to build a new facility and we will have some land for future expansion options. The plan that there will  be no vegetation in close proximity to the building. Are there any special requirements for the distance from the building? Do we have to pave the entire territory or only the territory in the immediate vicinity of the building? Can we have wild grass, for example, on unused land, until we decide to use it to expand? I would appreciate it if you could share some guidance documents. Thanks 

[Scampi]

That requirement is so that you're not giving pests a home

 

Gardens that are spaced and covered in gravel should not be a problem, as long as they are kept tidy.  Generally speaking, plants aren't going in the ground right up against the foundation anyway

 

Keep all vegetation away from docks/mandoors, that's just inviting trouble

 

If you think the "wild" area is becoming a problem, you can have your PCO set up live traps to rehome them (groundhogs, skunks etc)

[TimG]

Well, SQF doesn't let the random Joe pull up the SQF code anymore so I can't copy/paste parts of the code.

 

Anyway, I'm pretty sure the terms were 'pest harborage' and 'inspection perimeter.' I don't believe SQF had a hard fast rule, but most PCO's will give you an idea of what would be a pest harborage in your area, and it's pretty standard industry practice to keep several feet of bare ground (or clipped extremely short) from the wall for an exterior inspection perimeter around your warehousing and production buildings.

[olenazh]

I just remember from somewhere - 8 feet from the building

[ESuttmiller]

I just remember from somewhere - 8 feet from the building

 

 

I affectionately call it "the bubble". 

[SQFconsultant]

I don't know if there is a hard and fast rule, but we plan on using a buffer path with no grass, weeds, or overhang around our new facility in central Florida for 24 inches, if panthers were not an issue we'd recind that to 18 to 12 inches to allow for clear running of rats and mice - right into the traps, but Panthers, even small ones like to hang out in overgrowth.

[Scampi]

Here's the section from the code  11.1.8.1

 

A suitable external environment shall be established, and the effectiveness of the measures shall be monitored and periodically reviewed. The premises, its surrounding areas, storage facilities, machinery, and equipment shall be kept free of waste or accumulated debris, and vegetation shall be controlled so as not to attract pests and vermin or present a food safety hazard to the sanitary operation of the site.

[HaloQA]

Hi! 

 

As far it seems to not exist a strict rule on it, thus it will be assessed on audit basis. We created a risk assessment, as on one of the sides we have something I call "the jungle". Basically we decided to create a path of 1 meter of separation between "the jungle" and our wall. We paved it, set some rat traps and we carry maintenance every 6 months to ensure the area remains clean. We carried BRC audit and it was enough satisfactory to our auditor. 

The main issue in here is the pests, so as far a you can manage to keep them away, I think you can freely choose how much green area to eliminate. In any case, we were told that planted areas should never be directly in contact with the building.

[Altermanm]

I don't know if there is a hard and fast rule, but we plan on using a buffer path with no grass, weeds, or overhang around our new facility in central Florida for 24 inches, if panthers were not an issue we'd recind that to 18 to 12 inches to allow for clear running of rats and mice - right into the traps, but Panthers, even small ones like to hang out in overgrowth.

I guess we are lucky here in Manitoba, no panthers, just black bears. Lol

 

Thank you Glenn!

[Altermanm]

 

Here's the section from the code  11.1.8.1

 

A suitable external environment shall be established, and the effectiveness of the measures shall be monitored and periodically reviewed. The premises, its surrounding areas, storage facilities, machinery, and equipment shall be kept free of waste or accumulated debris, and vegetation shall be controlled so as not to attract pests and vermin or present a food safety hazard to the sanitary operation of the site.

 

SQF are vague as usual. 

I will wait to hear from Pest Control Operator.

Thank you!

[Altermanm]

Hi! 

 

As far it seems to not exist a strict rule on it, thus it will be assessed on audit basis. We created a risk assessment, as on one of the sides we have something I call "the jungle". Basically we decided to create a path of 1 meter of separation between "the jungle" and our wall. We paved it, set some rat traps and we carry maintenance every 6 months to ensure the area remains clean. We carried BRC audit and it was enough satisfactory to our auditor. 

The main issue in here is the pests, so as far a you can manage to keep them away, I think you can freely choose how much green area to eliminate. In any case, we were told that planted areas should never be directly in contact with the building.

Thank you for the info. Sounds reasonable. I  prefer to keep the jungle as far as possible, however it would be nice to have some flowers and grass in front of the building.

[Hoosiersmoker]

Our Auditing Body is a former pest control company offshoot. Our building is surrounded by "lawn" they tell us to keep a vegetation free perimeter of 18" around the base of the entire building. Not sure you would want a "jungle" near your building for debris / allergen reasons anyway let alone harborage issues? I also don't see how panthers would be a food safety risk? More an employee safety risk!   They would also keep the vermin population to a minimum!