Guidance on disinfecting using fog and mist during the COVID pandemic have been issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
All pest management companies carrying out these services should pay close attention to HSE’s advice.
Around this time last year, the British Pest Control Association released a position statement on disinfection services. The BPCA said its position remains the same; it recommends pest controllers proceed with extreme caution.
Before offering these services, you must:
- Check that the technicians carrying out these treatments are fully trained to do so;
- Check your insurance covers you to offer this service;
- Use disinfectants following the label instructions;
- Have your contract/terms and conditions checked with a legal advisor; and
- Read the advice on the Government and British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) websites.
Key advice by HSE
HSE said fog, mist, vapour or UV (ultraviolet) treatments may be suitable options to help control the spread of coronavirus, by cleaning and disinfecting a larger space or room.
It broadly agree with BPCA’s position statement and remind users to talk to suppliers about the appropriateness of products.
The product you use will depend on:
- The size of the area you’re treating, its shape and how easily it can be sealed off while delivering an airborne product;
- Whether there are hard or soft surfaces;
- The sensitivity of a site – some areas may be better suited to UV surface treatments; and
- Any equipment used to deliver the disinfectant by these means must comply with the relevant UK law – the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations.