Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan

INTRODUCTION 

Pests are populations of living organism (animals, plants, or microorganism) that interfere with use of healthcare and other facilities for human purposes. 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach that establishes a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks. 

Oregon Coast Community College has adopted this Integrated Pest Management Plan for the buildings and grounds it manages. The plan outlines procedures to be followed to protect the health and safety of staff, patients and visitors from pest and pesticide hazards. The plan is designed to voluntarily comply with policies and regulations promulgated by the Department of Agriculture for public buildings and health care facilities. 

Objectives of this IPM plan include: 

• • Elimination of significant threats caused by pests to the health and safety of patients, staff and the public. 
  • Prevention of loss or damage to structures or property by pests. 
  • Protection of environmental quality inside and outside buildings. 

This IPM plan will be stored in the office of the IPM Coordinator. 

IPM COORDINATOR 

The Facilities Manager or designee shall be OCCC’s IPM Coordinator and be responsible to implement the IPM plan and to coordinate pest management-related communications between OCCC, service providers, staff and patients. 

The IPM Coordinator is responsible for the IPM implementation at each OCCC Facility. 

POSTING AND NOTIFICATION OF PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS 

The IPM Coordinator shall be responsible to annually notify staff, faculty and students of the procedures for requesting notification of planned and emergency applications of pesticides in facility buildings and on facility grounds. 

When pesticide applications are scheduled in OCCC-managed buildings or on grounds, OCCC Service Providers and staff shall provide notification in accordance with law, including: 

1. 1. Posting a pest control information sign with the date, time and location of the application and the product applied in an appropriate area, including contact information for additional details. 
   2. Providing this information to all individuals working in the building. 
   3. Providing this information to all individuals who have requested notification of individual applications of pesticides. 

Where pests pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of employees or students, OCCC may authorize an emergency pesticide application. Disinfectants, anti-microbials and self-contained or gel-type pesticide baits applied in inaccessible areas are exempt from posting, notification and the 7-hour reentry requirement. 

RECORD KEEPING & PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION 

OCCC will maintain records of all Service Provider visits and pest control treatments for at least three (3) years. Information regarding pest management activities will be made available to the public at the Facilities administrative office. Requests to be notified of pesticide applications may also be made to this office. 

TRAINING 

All Facilities staff will be provided with training on OCCC’s IPM policy at hire and during annual update training. Training will include the rationale for the IPM policy and program and specific elements including use of the pest-sighting log and prohibition on pesticide applications by non-certified individuals. 

Additionally, designated staff including the IPM Coordinator, IPM Site Coordinators and those who conduct regular inspections of OCCC facilities will receive advanced training on identifying pest infestations and pest-conducive conditions. This training will improve the ability of staff to oversee Service Providers and staff compliance with OCCC’s IPM policy and plan. 

GENERAL IPM STRATEGIES 

Pest management strategies may include education, exclusion, sanitation, maintenance, biological and mechanical controls, and pre-approved, site-appropriate pesticides. 

An Integrated Pest Management decision at OCCC shall consist of the following steps: 

1. 1. Identify pest species. 
   2. Estimate pest populations and compare to established action thresholds. 
   3. Select the appropriate management tactics based on current on-site information. 
   4. Assess effectiveness of pest management. 
   5. Keep appropriate records. 

Decisions concerning whether or not pesticides should be applied in a given situation will be based on a review of all available options. Efforts will be made to avoid the use of pesticides by adequate pest proofing of facilities, good sanitation practices, selection of pest-resistant plant materials, and appropriate horticultural practices. 

When it is determined that a pesticide must be used in order to meet pest management objectives, the least-hazardous material, adequate for the job, will be chosen. 

All pesticide storage, transportation, and application will be conducted in accordance with the requirement of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 United States Code136 et seq.), Environmental Protection Agency regulations in 40 CFR, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, OCCC policies and procedures, and local ordinances. 

No person shall apply, store, or dispose of any pesticide on OCCC-managed property without an appropriate pesticide applicator license. All pesticide applicators will be trained in the principles and practices of IPM and the use of pesticides approved for use by OCCC. All applicators must comply with the IPM policy and follow appropriate regulations and label precautions when using pesticides in or around facilities. 

Pest-specific strategies will be included in the IPM Program Specifications provided to each service provider. OCCC adopts the most current Low-Impact Pesticides List developed by Oregon State University, and made available upon request from the OCCC Office of Facilities and Public Safety or found here.

OCCC SERVICE PROVIDER ROLES

OCCC service providers including cleaning, pest control and landscape maintenance will be guided by written and signed contracts including OCCC-developed IPM program specifications for structural pest control providers.

Service providers will be directed to provide special attention to pest-vulnerable areas including food storage, preparation and serving areas; washrooms; custodial closets; mechanical rooms and entryways into the building.

Service providers or other IPM experts will be asked to provide input on any OCCC facility renovation or reconstruction projects including reviewing plans for pestconducive conditions, suggesting pest-proofing measures and inspecting construction where applicable to prevent and avoid pest problems.

OCCC STAFF ROLES

OCCC administration will provide support to assist the IPM Coordinator in maintaining an IPM program that relies on minimal pesticide use. Such support will include efforts to 3 promptly address any structural, horticultural, or sanitation changes recommended by the coordinator to reduce or prevent pest problems.

Furthermore, administration will assist the Coordinator in developing and delivering materials and programs for staff, students, and the public to educate them about the importance of good sanitation and pest control.The facility manager is responsible for ensuring staff compliance with the IPM policy and plan.