12 replies to this topic

[PQAManager]

We recently had our SQF audit and we got a minor for one of the outside bait stations being open and the pesticide being beside the bait station.  The pest control company came 2 days before the audit and I didn't get a chance to go around and check behind them.  I have never had problems in the past.  My question is how you do a root cause and corrective action on this?  I reached out to my pest control company to let them know about it, but haven't heard back yet.

[SQFconsultant]

Bait was secured back into trap.

All employees were trained on the importance of reporting any issues with pest and vermin control devices to the QA department.

[Charles.C]

Bait was secured back into trap.

All employees were trained on the importance of reporting any issues with pest and vermin control devices to the QA department.

Hi Glenn.

 

Hopefully Re-trained.

 

Of course one could enquire as to why employees were not properly trained but auditors are not usually that "diligent".

 

Change the Pest Control Company ?

[SQFconsultant]

Well as a long time Auditor I actually believe that many anomalies happen on purpose by employees that want to trip up an audit. Unfortunately an Auditor can't speculate as to why something happened only to report that it is this moment.

Most QA mangers will do a walk around interior and exterior just prior to an auditor arriving and that does not appear to have happened here - thus you get this nags that pop up.

I doubt it was the pest company, however when one does not readily return a call it automatically becomes suspect.

[Scampi]

What's odd to me, is that those units generally need a key

 

My guess is the PCO was simply human and missed latching it properly when closing it

 

Retrain PCO and any employees who perform inspections

[Scotty_SQF]

What clause did they put the minor on?  Just curious.

 

On a similar note, this year I was informed SQF auditors are not to have you open any traps for them to look into.  First time I was told this, the auditor told me that that is between us and PCO and they are just to assess the program.  They are not supposed to ask us to open up traps and such.  I told him the past few years I was asked to open up random traps and I was told if you get asked again, question them cause we have been instructed not to do that.

[PQAManager]

11.6.4.5 - Personnel who handle hazardous chemicals and toxic substances, including pesticides and cleaning chemicals,: Shall be fully trained in purpose of the hazardous chemicals and toxic substances, their storage, handling, and use; ii. Be provided first aid equipment and personnel protective equipment (PPE); and iii. Ensure compliance with the proper identification, storage, usage, disposal, and clean-up requirements.

 

Minor- Bait station number 10 was found to be unlock with bait pulled from the unit showing poor compliance of usage and cleanup of the pesticide.

 

I like this SQFConsultant:  (My auditor, I just feel like she is going to want more verbiage.)

Bait was secured back into trap.

All employees were trained on the importance of reporting any issues with pest and vermin control devices to the QA department.

nd ours do require a key. 

[Charles.C]

11.6.4.5 - Personnel who handle hazardous chemicals and toxic substances, including pesticides and cleaning chemicals,: Shall be fully trained in purpose of the hazardous chemicals and toxic substances, their storage, handling, and use; ii. Be provided first aid equipment and personnel protective equipment (PPE); and iii. Ensure compliance with the proper identification, storage, usage, disposal, and clean-up requirements.

 

Minor- Bait station number 10 was found to be unlock with bait pulled from the unit showing poor compliance of usage and cleanup of the pesticide.

 

I like this SQFConsultant:  (My auditor, I just feel like she is going to want more verbiage.)

Bait was secured back into trap.

All employees were trained on the importance of reporting any issues with pest and vermin control devices to the QA department.

nd ours do require a key. 

So how often do internal QA people check the bait traps ? Documented ?

 

I would anticipate the Auditor asked the same things.

[Scotty_SQF]

Should be checking them whenever you do your audits/inspections of outside areas.  If you are not, that would be a good preventative action.  I get training your employees and putting bait back in trap, but shouldn't some of this fall on the PCO?  Maybe Corrective Action is contacted PCO and they properly placed bait block back into station and secured the trap.  And some of the CA should include reviewing finding/discussing with PCO the issue.  Just a thought, as how many employees walk around the perimeter and would notice this, I bet not many, so to me it was more of a miss on the PCO.

[AJL]

Hi, 

This is really the fault of the PCO. Basically RCA needs to come from them, unfortunately. The traps have special keys that only you and the PCO should have? So not plausible the staff member did it. 

RCA: 

Why: Was exposed

Why: PCO did not close trap properly after last visit

Why: lack of training/experience OR lack of attention

Corrective action: Re secure, train your staff, include this check on weekly/monthly rounds

Preventative: You will need a response from your PCO, but it might be enough to close this minor by saying that you have contacted them and the matter will be discussed at your next meeting/review with the PCO company. Request their training records, too - for all those that visit your site. 

Good luck, you got this!

[jfrey123]

"Similar to the notices to employees to only consume food in the breakroom and outside break areas, we have posted signage requiring the rodents to consume all bait before leaving the bait station."

[WeedFeedNSeed]

It is one of those soft ball ones, I personally wouldnt knee jerk in to creating another tick sheet, see if you can get away with the old re-training ruse like others have suggested

[AJL]

I have a check in my rounds, that all the UV lights are functioning- so it could be - 

are all UV lights functioning, all bait places in place and covered? So you aren't adding more lines to the long form... and you are showing that you are also taking some responsibility. 

Make sure your minors are communicated to staff - break room? Staff meeting? :D

Our staff actually enjoy coming with corrective actions and suggestions when we have NC's, but they are SO dedicated and I have such great buy in. They really enjoy our good audit outcomes.