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.
Tip #1:
"Your vendor logbook entries should regularly include recommendations for improving pest prevention
re: housekeeping and maintenance needs and list any
least-toxic pesticides used, when non-toxic efforts are exhausted.
Per visit, vendor reports should be expedited back to the TVS office with updates
and recommended action plan, to resolve any pending pest issues.
Tip #2:
"Check out our IPM in Health Care Facilities Project brochure to help
you understand how a prioritized IPM program takes into account
a growing body of science on pesticides and health impacts."
It differs from earlier IPM programs to ensure that facilities "first do no harm."
Tip #3:
"When contracting or renewing a contract with a pest control vendor, be sure to review their background in the industry closely,
reaching out to references they provide."
Do they have a track record for embracing and successfully implementing a prioritized IPM program where non-chemical preventive strategies and interventions are prioritized and least-toxic pesticides are only used as a last resort? Safety officers at your facility should be part of facility pest management/landscaping meetings, coordinated by the EVS director, and take place monthly or at least quarterly. The goal for both facility and pest control vendor should be the absolute need to keep the facility both pest and pesticide-free.