Operations Manual - Station MGMT- Bed Bug Policy

Question 1

When do we inspect for bed bugs as a routine?

Answer 1

During the monthly station inspection.

Question 2

What should the mattresses have on them?

Answer 2

Bed bug bag

Question 3

Who should the captain contact if a bed bug bag is needed?

Answer 3

SDFDFacilities@sandiego.gov (correct one)

Manual says SDFDFMO@sandiego.gov

Question 4

What should be inspected for bed bugs?

Answer 4

Folds and creases in the bed linens
Seams and tufts of mattresses and the entire box spring
Corners of desk and dressers 
Behind cove molding
Bull pen lounge chairs
Laundry areas

Question 5

Whenever possible where should clothes and bedding be laundered?

Answer 5

Laundered at the station (to prevent further exposure)

Question 6

To prevent exposure, what should be done with the uniforms at scene?

Answer 6

Place turnouts and/or uniforms into a plastic bag PRIOR to getting onto the unit.

Use Tyvex suits for privacy (do we keep these on our engines)?

Question 7

What should we do with our “bed bug boots?”

Answer 7

Place in a sealed plastic bag, until you can place in a dryer for 15 minutes.

Question 8

How do we launder our uniforms?

Answer 8

Hottest water setting using soap. Dry the clothing on “high” or “hot” for 30 minutes.

Question 9

When do bed bugs die when it comes to heat exposure?

Answer 9

Temperature of 115 degrees at a minimum of 7 minutes.

Question 10

What to do if employees changed their clothes at the station?

Answer 10

Have the captain contact the FMO or Pest Control tech for evaluation

Question 11

If the exposure may have been spread to the apparatus or station, what should be done?

Answer 11

Park outside of the station on the apron and place the unit out of service.

• Company Officer needs to make a request to have the duty LOGS Officer inspect the apparatus and/or station. The FMO should contact the pest control specialist.

Question 12

If bites are found on an employee: What should be done?

Answer 12

Cleanse the wound
Minor injury report
Notify C.O.C. And the FMO via ECDC
Let your family and friends know (recent close contact with)

Question 13

What hours does FMO’s respond to bed bug calls?

Answer 13

0800-2000

Question 14

If bed bugs are found at home or in your personal vehicle, what steps should be taken?

Answer 14

• notify supervisor
• Through ECDC, notify FMO (working hours) and duty LOGS Officer (after hours)

****provide photos

Question 15

Who pays for the inspection if found at home or car?

Answer 15

The department.

Question 16

What can employee do if the department does not remediate the problem?

Answer 16

Employee can advance the issue to HR for a final review.

Question 17

If an employee hires their own vendor to eradicate the bed bugs, who pays?

Answer 17

The employee does.

Question 18

What day do we wash bed covers?

Answer 18

Sunday

Question 19

What type of equipment can we store on apparatus to prevent exposure to our equipment?

What should we keep on our apparatus for crew members to change into once they been exposed to bed bugs?

Answer 19

Plastic liners to place equipment on

Plastic Tyvex suits (to protect our employee’s decency)

Question 20

If an ambulance is exposed to bed bugs, who should be contacted?

Float unit vs ambulance assigned to a fire station.

Answer 20

Duty Medical Supervisor and the EMS BC should be contacted via ECDC for the float unit.

Additionally, contact the captain and BC of that battalion for ambulances assigned to stations.

Question 21

Are bed bug bites considered occupational injuries?

Answer 21

No, they are not.