Quality Pro Designations New Seal of Approval

You may have noticed a new “seal of approval” for the pest control industry – the QualityPro designation. Like other total quality management programs and industry awards, the QualityPro mark of excellence in pest management has key compliance areas. QualityPro is administered by the National Pest Management Association and was designed to increase professionalism of the pest management profession. If your pest management company has the QualityPro designation, this certifies they have met a number of important requirements.

To achieve QualityPro, a company must certify that it follows key steps in four areas – (1) Business Operations; (2) Environmental Stewardship; (3) Consumer Relations; and (4) Sales/Technician Training.

The qualifications for Business Operations focuses on both recruiting and hiring new pest control service technicians. A QualityPro company must have a comprehensive employment application and have job applicants outline their last 15 years of job history and provide explanations for any employment gaps. The QualityPro employer must carefully screen applicants and conduct a formal interview with applicants before hiring. QualityPro practices include a number of applicant checks including confirming references, performing a criminal background checks with the local sheriff’s office, and conducting a DMV or a motor vehicle records check for accidents and drug/alcohol related accidents or violations and to ensure the applicant has a valid driver’s license. In addition, all current employees must meet these same evaluations and background checks to remain employed. Quality Pro firms must have a drug-free workplace policy and once hired, applicants will be asked to comply with an initial drug test with random drug and alcohol tests performed for all employees.

For the QualityPro firm, a minimum of $1 million liability insurance must be in place along with auto insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Vehicle maintenance is also a key qualification under the business operation category. Vehicles must be marked in accordance with state laws and should be clean and maintained on a formal vehicle maintenance policy. Employees have a formal company dress policy which includes proper identification and protective/safety equipment.

The Environmental Stewardship qualification certifies the company provides integrated pest management (IPM) services to all customers. This means the company focuses first on the inspection and identification of pests, the establishment of threshold levels for pest activity, using appropriate control and management, and a final evaluation of the effectiveness of the chosen measures. This QualityPro standard also covers safe pesticide handling practices, storage, and disposal.

The Consumer Relations statute of the quality program is directed at all advertising and requires such advertising is true and uses easy-to-understand terminology. The statute also covers contracts and warranty practices. The final qualification is for Extensive Sales/Technician Training. Tennessee and Georgia has required examinations for sales technicians. To be QualityPro, all sales and service employees must be in compliance with state requirements, including passing a written test and maintaining their certification with yearly continuing education classes. Training for employees includes from on-the-job safety training to the highest State and industry standards. Quality Pro companies also agree to periodic audits that ensure adherence to the principles of the program.