SOP: PEST CONTROL OPERATION

1. Purpose

To have an effective pest management and pest control practices. This program provides an overview of key requirements; additional specific, mandatory requirements are given in this Pest Control Program.

2. Scope

This program is designed to assist the site internal and external facilities in establishing appropriate programs to control pests that help to ensure the safety and quality of products in manufacturing and facilities.

3. Responsibility

4. Definition and Acronym

•  Pesticides: These are substances or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest.
•  Label: Label refers to the printed material attached to the pesticide container.
•  Non-residual Insecticides: These are compounds that have a limited period of effectiveness, generally a few hours, after which they disintegrate into harmless
• products. They are generally pyrethroids and may be used in production areas, but only during non-production hours.
•  Residual insecticides: These are compounds retaining their activity for a considerable period of time after application. They are generally chlorinated hydrocarbons,
• organophosphates, or carbamates, and may be used only in non-production areas.
•  Rodenticides: These are compounds lethal to rodents, and are used as baits. Only anti - Coagulant type rodenticides may be used.

5. Documents and Program requirement

5.1 List of pest specific to site shared by PCI representative after site visit will be prepared. On the basis of report, pest control program will be designed for controlling pest taking into consideration of site requirement, Government statutory and regulatory requirement for chemical usage. (Refer: PCI contract for list of pest and services.)

5.2 Pest Management requirements will be documented & communicated. The document will address,

5.1.1 Yearly service contract agreement.

5.2.2 Pest management plan, methods & schedules.

5.2.3 Facility map drawing with all bait station & Insect Light traps marked with numbers.

5.2.4 Records of following activities will be maintained and reviewed by pest management Coordinator as per schedule.

•  Pesticides inventory & usage of chemical.
•  Pest Activity Log.
•  Insect Light Traps Inspection.
•  Lizard Monitoring.
•  Rodent Inspections.
•  Cockroach Treatment.
•  Spider Management.

5.3 Trending Data of pest monitoring and observations.

5.4 Training and medical certificate document of Technician.

5.5 Pesticide application record, methods and schedules.

5.5 Pesticides labels and Material Safety Data Sheet.

5.6 License and certificates of external pest control agency

6. Pest Management Program requirement

Only approved pesticides will be used in manufacturing and distribution facilities. A pesticide is considered approved if all of the following criteria are met.

•  Compliance with all local laws.
•  Application methods are being followed as per the labeled instructions.
•  Suitable for use in the designated environment with controlled access.
•  Not categorized by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) as a BAD Actor Product.
•  In the event of a pesticide being considered for use is not in the approval list, a special approval is required from the Asia Pacific Regional Sanitation Manager.
• Special treatment like anti-termite/ exotic species of ants to be carried out as and when required.

7. Pesticide Application

7.1  The Pest control contractor using the pesticides in the premises is required to keep the records for retrieval when asked by site.

7.2  Current specimen labels as (mentioned in the table below) through the use of signal words and the skull & cross bones symbol.

7.3 Applicator (Pest vendor) must be licensed according to Govt. of India legislation. The operators are trained under the supervision of Govt. approved pest control

vendor. Applicator will be ensure the usage and condition of all safety and protective equipment while application of chemicals at site.

7.4 The most hazardous materials are assigned to toxicity Category I and the least hazardous to Category IV. i.e-

• Category I : Highly Toxic, Danger, Skull & Crossbones, Poison
• Category II : Moderately Toxic, Warning
• Category III : Slightly Toxic, Caution
• Category IV : Relatively Non-toxic, Caution

7.5 All Material Safety Data Sheet are to be maintained for each pesticide being used at the location.

7.6 The pest control contractor must document the following information for each pesticide application:

•  Applicators name (Pest Control Technician’s name)
•  Targeted pest
•  Each pesticide used along with the volume used
•  Concentrated and diluted volume used
•  Pesticide lot/batch number
•  Area where the pesticide was used.
•  Application date
•  Inventory control

8. Pesticide storage & Inventory control

8.1 As it is necessary to store pesticides in the plant site the following practices will be followed.

•  Monthly inventory will be maintained for each chemical.
•  Volumes of the pesticide chemicals used are to be recorded.
•  There will be a dedicated storage area, reserved for this purpose.
•  The pesticide area will be securely locked at all times when not in use and only pesticides and pesticide application equipment may be stored.
•  The pesticide storage area must have a sign clearly designating this area for pesticide storage.
•  The area will be properly ventilated.
•  Any new stock of pesticide brought into the premises will be documented & verified by the security.
•  Surplus pesticides & empty containers to be returned by the pest operator & handed over to their office.
•  An eyewash station and sink with potable water will be available besides the storage area.
•  A fire extinguisher will be available nearby along with absorbent materials to handle pesticide spills.
•  No floor drains are permitted in pesticide storage areas.

8.2 All containers of pesticides will contain the date of receipt to help control the age of inventory. Stocks that have expired will have to be returned the pest control agency.

8.3 Pesticides will be stored at ambient temperature.

8.4 No reuse of containers. If a pesticide container is damaged, then immediately the contents should be transferred to another container with an identical label.

8.5 The pesticide storage room will have the appropriate hazardous material symbol posted on its exterior

8.6 The room will have a cement floor (or equivalent), which will not absorb spilled material

8.7 Triple rinsing of containers with recapture of first rinse for makeup water is recommended.

9. Insect Light Trap

•  ILT’s will be utilized regularly as surveillance devices to monitor flying insect activity. They are not generally considered a control method.
•  ILT will not be used on the exterior of any facility, as they would attract more insects toward the facility.
•  ILT will be installed in locations that would prevent damage by forklifts, personnel, etc.
•  ILT will be emptied and cleaned at least monthly and the contents evaluated.
•  Map of ILT will be maintained.
•  Lights will be shatter proof bulbs and replaced annually.
•  An inspection tag will be replaced on each ILT and will be dated and signed each time it is checked.
•  In processing room the ILT should be at least 10 feet / 3 m away from exposed food.
•  In the warehouse areas the ILT should be 12 to 15 feet / 3.65 – 4.50 m from entrance.
•  Wall mounted units at elevation of 6 to 7 feet / 1.8 – 2.1 m will be considered while installation.
•  Insect Light Traps are monitored on monthly basis. The Activity of flies is expressed in terms of Number of insects found.
•  For installation considering appropriate location of doors, location of attractants & it will be used only indoors to intercept flies and flying insects that are normally attracted to the facility.

10. Insect Control Bait gel

•  When bait gels are used as a control method for cockroaches, locations of application will be documented.
•  The bait gel is applied at cracks and crevice using a syringe or bait stations. The application rate for gels is usually measured in grams/meter sq. and the amount can range from 0.24 to 1.0 grams per m2 .
•  Other pesticides must not be applied over areas treated with gels, as these pesticides may act as repellents & make the treatment ineffective.

11. Rodent traps/Bait Stations

•  Bait stations placement area will be identified in all outside areas where rodent activity is possible and will be maintained / changed if any damage observed.
•  Bait stations will be tamper proof and secured. The lid of the bait station must be secured by means of locks.

Interior traps (Rodabox with glue boards)

•  Site is control under B moderate level.
•  Storage area like EM / PM warehouse and FG warehouse should be control under B moderate level.

Exterior traps (Rodabox with bait):

•  Rodent traps are required on the interior ground level floors at perimeter walls and doors of the facility and ground level storage areas.
•  Rodent traps must be placed internally on both sides of entry / exit doors. They must be clean and free of rodent evidence.
•  Rodent traps should be resistant to weather, strong enough to prohibit entry of large non-target species. They should be capable of being anchored securely to resist the movement of the container or to displace its contents.
•  A cemented platform may be used to elevate stations subject to wet conditions, however the block must be anchored or secured appropriately, and bait stations must be anchored to the block.
•  Each Rodent station should be identified as
  • IT (Internal Trap) Rodent bait station No: XX
  • BP (Building Parameter) Rodent bait station No: XX 
  • CW (Compound Wall) Rodent bait station No: XX

Temporary Bait/glue pad stations:

• In case of temporary stations to be installed or initiated from corrective actions and extended monitoring of rodent activities – the following will be followed:-
• If temporary devices are used for up to 6 months, they do not need to comply with identification and mapping requirements, but must be checked at least weekly and documented. Devices in use for more than 6 months will be considered permanent.
• All permanent and temporary devices are to be well maintained, kept clean, free of rodent evidence and located adjacent to walls.

Usage of Rodenticides:

•  Rodenticides are not permitted in the plant & warehouse since poisoned rodents will hide and die which would deteriorate & cause contamination. Rodents may also carry poisonous baits within the facility. Only glue pads are to be placed inside the roda boxes & they will be fastened to the wall (where applicable).
•  Only Mondelez approved rodenticides will be used. If PAN Bad actor, Mondelez Regional sanitation approval should be available.

Glue Boards:

•  Glue boards will be kept free of debris and will be replaced when they become soiled.
•  Glue boards when inspected will be replaced when they contain rodents, rodent evidence, insects, or other vermin. Every change of glue boards will be documented with a reason for change.

Disposal:

•  Any rodents trapped on glue board or found dead during inspection will be immediately removed from the Rodabox, placed in a paper bag and will be taken out of factory premises by pest service provider.
•  Gloves and a dust mask will always be worn when handling trapped or dead rodents to prevent transfer of communicable diseases.
•  The roda box need to be cleaned and sanitized using sodium hypo chloride solution before replacing the glue board.
•  Trapped or dead rodents which are taken out of factory premises by pest control service provider will be documented in log book, which is placed in security room.
• When the roban cakes are found nibbled or damaged during inspection of Rodabox, they are removed and put in to the burrows and will be buried by pest control service provider. The same will be recorded in the rodent monitoring check sheet.

12. Bird Control

•  Most birds are protected under federal laws. Regulatory laws will be checked before attempting bird control.
•  Bird killing, usage of Toxic perches and reproductive inhibitors are not allowed as per National and environmental norms, but bird if found inside the manufacturing area needs to be removed strategically by any local practices.
•  For keeping birds away from manufacturing area manufacturing, loading and unloading doors were needs to be strategically secured with effective bird control mechanisms (netting , spikes , rope curtains etc.) as per the requirement of the building so as to prevent the entry , nesting and siting
•  Screening and keeping exterior openings such as doors and windows sealed, screened or closed prevent birds from entering facilities and warehouses.
•  Eliminating roosting places through good sanitary design especially in warehouse area.
•  Evidences of the birds can be detected via presence of droppings and live siting.
•  Nesting in sight or places to roost may attract birds and will be eliminated.
•  An effective sanitation program that eliminates food sources will be maintained.

Disposal:

•  Any bird killed or found dead will be immediately removed, placed in a plastic bag and then placed in a dumpster.
•  Gloves and a dust mask will always be worn when handling dead birds to prevent transfer of communicable diseases.
•  Dead birds which are taken out of factory premises by pest control service provider will be documented in log book, which is placed in security room.
•  If any bird enters inside plant, then following must be the course of actions:
  •  Entry to the manufacturing line area doors, shutters shall be closed immediately on priority . 
  • If bird enters inside the manufacturing line area affecting the bare product/equipment or work in progress material , then stop the line and have a close eye on the siting areas  
  • The birds shall be removed out strategically, by making noise to expel the bird out again or arranging for physical catch.  
  • Strategic catching of the live bird on glue pads/ nets also can be used for catching the bird and then releasing the live bird out in open area.
  • If any dropping is seen on product or equipment parts and/or suspected, then whole of the line including equipment’s will be undergo cleaning and sanitation in accordance with plant sanitation program prior to restart of the line. Suspected product shall be analyzed for micro contamination and either be scraped or reworked based on actual assessment. Confirmed contaminated product shall be scrapped off as per policy.  
  • Detail root cause analysis shall be carried out and corrective actions shall be initiated for the closure. All the course of actions and details shall be documented. 
  • Facilities will respond to increased bird activity with root cause evaluation, corrective actions and will document this process.

13. Facility and Site Design

Program Requirements:

•  All possible entrances into the facility to be eliminated. All doors, windows, and screens will fit tightly. Doors will be kept closed.
•  Pipe openings through facility walls will be sealed.
•  Product pipes will be capped when not in use.
•  High grass and weeds around the facility or in adjacent areas will be eliminated. These provide excellent hiding areas for rodents.
•  Scrap, pallets, pipe, drums, etc., will not be accumulated on the grounds or parking lot.
•  Metal refuse containers will have tight fitting covers and be stored on racks, if outside.
•  All rat holes and burrows will be closed.
•  All ingredients, equipment, and supplies received will be inspected upon receipt for rodent excreta or any signs of gnawing and chewing on the containers. Mice often enter the facility on supply loads.
•  All openings on wall and roof penetrations will be screened to prevent insect or rodent ingress.

14. Contracted Services

•  Documented controls will be established in accordance with Legal & Statutory requirements to manage and monitor activities of external pest management contractors.
•  Pest management contractors will be licensed by the relevant local authority and maintenance of that license will be a condition of contract. A copy of the license from the Local authority will be obtained & filed.
•  A yearly contract to be signed off with the selected agency for the service & Quality Assurance.
•  The pest control agency would conduct regular trainings to the onsite technician & relevant documents to be submitted to the Quality department.
•  The technician would carry a valid identification card & prominently to be displayed when moving around the plant premises.
•  The technician will wear all necessary PPE’s and follow MSDS while handling chemicals and during pest control service done in the factory. Ex: Safety Goggles, Safety Gloves, Dust Mask.
•  The technician would carry along with him a torch light to access areas that are dark.
•  All records & documents to be maintained by the technician & to be reviewed by the QA department on a daily / alternate day basis.
•  A bimonthly audit would be conducted by the agency & necessary changes / suggestions / feedback to be forwarded for subsequent action.

15. Pheromone traps:

• Cockroaches (pheromone traps) are additionally installed for monitoring the activities at site under the pest management program. The amount and placement of traps/detectors will be consider the range of influence of the device used and will not encourage pest entry into the facility.
•  Inspection and cleaning frequency of traps will be on fortnightly basis and Maintenance of traps will be done on requirement basis or physical condition of traps. Variable inspection frequencies are acceptable, if the activity level changes due to seasonal fluctuations.
•  Results of each inspection (species, numbers) will be documented in the pheromone pest activity log.
•  Each Rodent station should be identified as
  • DT (Drone Trap) bait station No: XX
  • PT (Pheromone Trap) bait station No: XX

16. Associated Records

• Daily Glue Board Monitoring Check Sheet
• Daily Flies Inspection Record
• Lizard Treatment Report
• Pest Activity Logbook (For employees)
• Daily Pesticide Usage Log sheet
• Pheromone Trap Record
• Rodent Activity Checklist
• Rodent Monitoring Trend
• Monthly Pesticide Usage Log sheet
• Flies Monitoring Trend
• Lizard Monitoring Trend
• IT Device Location Map
• ILT Device Location Map
• Pheromone Device Location Map
• Pheromone Trap Trend

After every service of the pest control in the respective area, the people responsible for that area will acknowledge the service by signing the pre scheduled checklist and pest control co-ordinate will verify.