1 reply to this topic

[Patrick.OB]

Hi

 

What do you do about pest control at open gates?

 

Here I am thinking in particular of how it can be solved if it is not possible to make a lock with 2 gates in a row and where synchronization with the next gate into the production itself can not be done, as it would create too many stops. We have made procedures for it that describe how people should minimize the risk as much as possible and what to do if pests should enter. We have also looked a bit at alternative solutions, such as. Gatekeeper* by Mortalin https://www.mortalin...-mus/gatekeeper. Anyone know if this is ok?

We have had IFS auditors at several of our facilities who wants synchronization between 2 gates, when the first gate is delivery from the outside and the next gate is into production/the cold store. But below are the demands which we need to fulfill according to IFS** and it seems like it is possible to meet the demands if you can justify it by risk assessment, so that is what we are trying to do..

 

*"Simple technique exploits the natural skepticism of rodents

A pipe and a ring chamber fan are mounted around an existing door, which is activated when the door is opened. The powerful air flow through the two nozzles on either side of the gate discourages rodents from moving into the building. When the door is closed, the fan automatically stops again.

 

Rodents are naturally skeptical animals that do not like irregularities and unusual incidents. A stream of air a rodent will be skeptical of. They will therefore turn around and seek away from the open gate."

 

**"4.9.6 Doors and gates

4.9.6.1 Doors and gates shall be in good condition and easy to clean. They shall be constructed of non-absorbent materials to avoid: • splintering parts • flaking paint • corrosion.

4.9.6.2 External doors and gates shall be constructed to prevent the access of pests; they shall be self-closing, unless non-essentiality is justified by risk assessment.

4.9.6.3 Plastic strip curtains separating the internal areas shall be in good condition and easy to clean."

 

 

[Evans X.]

Greetings Patrick,

 

Synchronization between two gates is just the personal opinion of the auditor, which should stay as that, a personal opinion and not a "want". If the standard doesn't describe in detail for how something should be managed, then it is up to you to find a way and provide evidence that it works.

In your risk assessment I would suggest also taking into account the trend analysis from the pest control, meaning if there are no findings inside the facilities for an X amount of time then your approach works and it will be re-assessed on an on-going basis (once a year/ 6month/ 2month/ monthly/ weekly, whenever it is that you have the pest control company visit you and give you a findings report with the analysis (and the overall result will be reported in the Management Review).

 

Regards!

Edited by Evans X., 10 November 2021 - 02:40 PM.