Sharjah cracks down on pest control firms

Sharjah: The municipality of Sharjah has launched a crackdown against pest control companies that are either unlicensed or use toxic materials.

"We have collected all advertising leaflets distributed in residential areas which claim to provide pest control services. We've discovered that many either operate without a trade licence, or are registered under fake company names," said Jaafar Ali Jaafar, Head of the Solid Waste Department at Sharjah Municipality.

He pointed out that the ministry departments concerned have been alerted and are establishing ways of controlling the practise.

Pest control companies flouting the rules will first be issued a warning, given a fine of Dh500 for their second offence and Dh1,000 for their third. If they commit a fourth offence, they will be forced to shut down.

The crackdown is a much-needed initiative after a Nepalese man and an Indian woman died in worker accommodation in June, when they were exposed to toxic pesticides.

Packaging

Jaafar told Gulf News that pest control companies are required to store pesticide in its original packaging. The containers usually carry warnings to store it at room temperature in an area which has proper ventilation. There should also be fire extinguishers to hand, warning signs on the walls and a first aid box.

"There are currently 62 companies in Sharjah that have met the requirements of the municipality, and that have been approved to operate," said Jaafar. In addition to private companies, the municipality is also responsible for fumigating areas infested with rodents and insects. As part of last month's activities, the Solid Waste Department fumigated a number of wells, pools, animal and vegetable markets and aluminium rubbish containers, as well as residential areas, mosques and hospitals.

Jaafar explained that 6,045 rodents were exterminated from 2,488 houses, 44 buildings and 17,852 outdoor areas. With regard to pesticide, 3,345 buildings and 46,470 areas in Sharjah had to have mosquito larvae exterminated.

"Only rat poison is allowed to be used directly by residents. It can be collected from the Pest Control division at the municipality," explained Jaafar.

According to decision Number 19, Article 4, 1994, as issued by Sharjah Municipality, companies are prohibited from using pesticide that is either ineffective or highly toxic and hazardous to the public's health.

"Containers with pesticide should only be transported by company vehicles that are equipped to carry such materials. Empty pesticide containers should not be re-used and should only be disposed of in allocated areas."

Jaafar also noted that one of the most common company violations involves mixing pesticide in unsuitable conditions, which can pose a health hazard.

Companies which mix pesticides have to ensure the materials are combined in a designated room which has a fan, a wash basin and towels, in addition to employees being provided with protective clothing, such as rubber boots, gloves and goggles.