PPC116 | Business
The assessment process can strike fear into the hearts of many current and potential members. BPCA Assessor Kristian Nettleship has put together this guide to put your mind at ease and prepare you for your visit.
“...we are here to help. Our aim is for every business to benefit from the assessment.”
|
Assessing to the BS EN 16636 standard
The BPCA assessment process will help you achieve the standards of BS EN 16636. Most members are already achieving this without even realising they are.
On the day of the assessment, we will review the requirements together and complete the accompanying form. You will then be sent the final version, which is yours to keep. Why not show it to your customers, demonstrating everything a BPCA member must adhere to and the professional standards you work to achieve?
|
Before working for BPCA, I experienced the old auditing process myself, so I know all too well the nervousness felt. Previously, the ‘yes and no’ formality of the audit was something that members were not used to, and feedback told us it was preferred to have a more assistive process. But a lot has changed since then.
The new BPCA assessment replaced the TAS Audit around three years ago, but still focuses heavily on the principles of BS EN 16636, the British and European standard for professional pest management. This helps us ensure that professional standards are continually met.
The assessment also ensures that all of the members’ customers receive a professional service, which is why they have chosen a BPCA member to carry out their pest control service or treatment.
A three-year journey
The form is a live document over three years:
- Part 1 physical assessment
- Part 2 digital assessment
- Part 3 desktop assessment.
The assessment form is exactly the same for all members, so whether you’re a sole trader or have a thousand technicians, the whole process is the same.
At this point, I can imagine some sole traders are feeling a little bit worried. But trust me, from experience, it will be fine. Why? These assessments are just as much about help and support as they are about compliance.
After seeing over 330 members already, a large proportion of them have been sole traders, and these smaller members are really quite impressive.
To quote a member: “You think you are making sure everything is done correctly, and then somebody comes to look at your baby [business] to tell you it’s all wrong.”
In this particular case, there was nothing wrong with their business, it was a well-organised machine. But generally, if there is something that you are missing or something that needs a little improvement, we are here to help. Our aim is for every business to benefit from the assessment.
If we do find any areas for improvement, they’ll be followed up with a phone or video call so we can continue to help you meet the standard.
Environmental risk assessments
A common area for improvement, environmental risk assessments (ERAs), need to be completed at any point you use rodenticide externally!
We’re all aware that the product label is the law. It will give you all the information about the product, like where it can be used, what it is for, and for how long. It goes on to say that this product must be used in compliance with CRRU guidelines, and it seems some people either stopped reading at this point or didn’t read or understand CRRU guidelines.
- This is really important. If you get this wrong, you are breaking the law. You should always document:
- Potential environmental impacts and risks to non-target species
- How carrying out the treatment could affect the environment
- How to minimise risks to non-target species
- Justification for your chosen actions, both legally and morally.
We probably all do these, but the most important part of any report is to document it! CRRU’s ERA is available to download.
Hopefully, by following this process, you can answer yes to all of those questions. You also demonstrate to clients that you have a legal and ethical approach; you’ll show them how pest professionals protect the world around us.
Waste management and your legal responsibilities
Another fairly common pitfall is understanding how to legally manage your waste and setting up systems to stay compliant. Here are the basics of operating in England:
- Waste, when it is generated, needs to be kept in a clearly labelled container in the vehicle.
- Waste in your storeroom (if you have one) also needs to be clearly labelled and in a suitable container.
- You need a minimum of a lower-tier waste carriers licence, and must contain the correct details. Failure to comply with this can result in a £5,000 fine. Holding a waste carrier’s licence is a requirement, no matter the quantity of waste you produce.
- Waste disposal must be through the correct waste stream. It is your responsibility to ensure your waste provider knows exactly what gets collected.
- Quarterly returns also need to be completed for the Environment Agency, which is not as complicated as it sounds!
Waste looks complicated and, to be honest, it is at the beginning. But, as with pretty much everything else, help is at hand via your member benefits.
Other nations
Each organisation is responsible for managing their own waste and disposing of it in line with the local legislation (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland).
It is also the organisation's responsibility to ensure that they are fully compliant. We recommend that you speak to your local environment agency for further guidance.
Guides to hazardous waste regulations can be found as follows:
Tailored support
The assessment process recommendations from members are collated. This identifies where members need the most support, allowing us to concentrate all efforts on helping them be compliant in every way.
We use this information to develop member benefits and webinars delivered by Natalie Bungay and John Horsley. All those webinars are available for you to watch at your leisure.
I can’t believe how many members haven’t yet explored their benefits. If you’ve not checked for a while, as soon as you’re finished with this article, head over to bpca.org.uk/benefits
On the day of your membership assessment, we’ll spend some time making sure you’ve got everything you need and are making the most of your membership. But don’t wait until then – get exploring!
Site visits
At the end of the assessment day, we will normally carry out the site visit which can be done at any time in the day.
Don’t be tempted to take us along to your dullest site. Please make it interesting! The assessment visit is nothing to be worried about. Going to a site or job with a particular problem will make things more interesting for you and us!
I’m not saying I will have all the answers, but another set of eyes and an extra brain might help.
This will help make your assessment and portfolio more useful for you and all the customers (or potential customers) you show it to.
In conclusion
Yes, the assessment process ensures that all BPCA members meet a minimum standard. But it’s also designed to demonstrate how fantastic you are.
Make the most out of your assessments. Use them as a business development and marketing tool. Ask us questions. Give us feedback on your membership. Tell us what you need to be even more successful.
Got questions?
Our membership support team is here to help before, during and after your assessment. If you need some support or have a question about an upcoming assessment, contact us today.
membership@bpca.org.uk