Latest Tips from Joe
Joe Griffin had a 16-year tenure at Sheppard Pratt and a total of
35+ years of Senior Level Facility Support Operations experience.
Joe is a consultant to the IPM in Health Care Facilities Project.
EVS Directors have their hands full, so we tend to rely on our contracted pest and land care vendors. That's why it's critical to remember that your vendors work for YOU and under YOUR guidelines to provide a safe facility environment – without adverse harm from pesticides.
Tip #1:
"Vendor's work for YOU. Prevent "See 'em, spray 'em" approach
Make sure vendors understand and adhere to your ecological Prioritized IPM guidelines. A bi-weekly or monthly round review with your vendor should be conducted in areas with pest pressures to identify needed maintenance and housekeeping actions.
Tip #2:
"Practice and teach first-line defense: Food waste."
- Store food in sealed plastic bags or glass containers in break rooms.
- Place garbage containing food scraps in tightly covered trash cans.
- Clean trash containers and trash compactor areas on a regular schedule.
Use these two essential documents to provide important guidance
to your pest control vendor:
Tip #3:
"Pesticides are poison. Know what is being sprayed."
The facts on pesticides that are often used in health care facilities and the
potential health hazards they pose to your patients, as well as staff.
Tip #4:
"There's a world of safer alternatives, try them."
How best to address pest pressures, while also ensuring you are protecting patients/residents/staff from unnecessary hazardous exposures.
