Lesson 10: Vehicle Standards & Product Storage

Objective:
By the end of this training, technicians will be able to understand and follow vehicle standards for Clements Pest Control, including maintaining vehicle cleanliness and safety as well as proper storage of pest control products. This training is essential to promote vehicle safety, uphold company image, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations related to commercial pesticide transportation.

Overview:
Maintaining vehicle safety and correctly storing pesticide products are critical for technician and public safety, and help reduce the risk of incidents. As representatives of Clements, technicians’ vehicles are often the first impression customers receive, and any lack of cleanliness can negatively impact the company’s image. Additionally, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has the right to inspect commercial pest control vehicles to ensure regulatory compliance. This lesson provides guidance on vehicle maintenance, safety procedures, and proper storage practices.

To get started, watch the videos below to familiarize yourself with maintaining a safe pest control or lawn commercial vehicle:

• Identification and Locking Storage: Safe Vehicle Step 1

• Proper Pesticide Labels: Safe Vehicle Step 2

• Spray Tank and Pesticide Storage: Safe Vehicle Step 3

• Category- Appropriate Pesticides: Safe Vehicle Step 4

• Pesticide Labels and MSDS: Safe Vehicle Step 5

• Spill Kit and Signage: Safe Vehicle Step 6
  

  Review the documents below to understand vehicle standards and routine maintenance requirements:

• Clements - Vehicle Inspection checklist copy.docx

• Vehicle Inspection Form

Caring for Your Service Vehicle:
As a pest control company, our vehicles represent our brand and frequently serve as the first impression we make on customers. Clean, organized vehicles project professionalism, reinforce Clements’ brand, and support our reputation. Properly maintained vehicles create positive impressions that can build customer loyalty and increase business.

Routine Maintenance on Your Service Vehicle:
Technicians rely heavily on their service vehicles, making regular maintenance essential for reliability and safety. Scheduling maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, is your responsibility as a technician, and coordination with your supervisor is key. Routine maintenance helps avoid breakdowns, saves on repair costs, improves fuel efficiency, and maintains vehicle resale value.

Be proactive in addressing any vehicle issues, such as unusual sounds, vibrations, or warning lights, by reporting them to your supervisor immediately. Ignoring warning signs can lead to more severe issues and compromise road safety. Coordinate with your supervisor for routine maintenance ahead of time, ideally two to three weeks in advance, and plan around PTO to ensure vehicle availability.

Weekly Washing & Inspections:
To uphold high standards, all technicians are required to clean and wash their vehicles every Friday afternoon upon returning to their local office. Supervisors conduct monthly inspections to confirm vehicle and equipment standards are met, including proper chemical and equipment storage. Review the checklist below for weekly cleaning expectations.

The checklist below provides a detailed guide to maintaining the standard that we expect from you each week. 

Vehicle Exterior Cleaning:

• Start by rinsing the vehicle with a hose to remove any loose dirt.

• Wash the vehicle with soap and water, making sure to clean all exposed (painted) areas, including the hood, roof, sides, bumpers, and lips of fender wells.

• Wash the windshield, side windows, rear window, and mirrors, including the backside of mirrors where bugs collect.

• Remove grease and brake dust from the hubcaps and lips of fender wells.

• Rinse all soapy areas with a hose to prevent streaking.

• Inspect the headlights and front bumper to ensure all bug splatters are removed.

• Dry the wet exterior with a towel, paying special attention to spots like the roof line just above the windows that could spill excess water later when you move the vehicle.

Toolbox and Bed of Vehicle:

• Organize all aerosol cans.

• Clean the B&G with a damp cloth if necessary, ensuring that there are no leakages in the bottom of the toolbox.

• Check the lock to make sure it closes and locks properly, and ensure that all chemicals are properly labeled and legible.

• Mark all water containers with "H2O," and ensure that MSDS and spill kits are stored and complete.

• Remove any empty cans, containers, or waste from the toolbox and bed of the vehicle.

• Make one final lap around the vehicle to inspect the exterior for missed areas, and open both doors to inspect the interior for any missed areas.

Vehicle Interior Cleaning:

• Remove all trash from inside the vehicle, including papers or materials on the dashboard or in the visors.

• Sweep or vacuum the floorboard.

• Clean the dash, doors and handles, vinyl surfaces, and plastic trim with a damp cloth, ensuring that all grease and oils are removed from the steering wheel and dash buttons.

• Wipe down cup holders and remove any dry liquid stains, and wipe down the center console if applicable.

• Wipe down the white door jams and ensure no dirt is visible.

• Clean the floor mats, if applicable, by shaking them and wiping them down with a damp cloth.

• Move the seats all the way forward and then all the way back to get the nose of the vacuum down in the cracks. Check for any trash behind the seat and tidy any stored equipment while the seats are in the forward position.

• Wipe down the floorboard and hard-to-reach areas under the seat with a damp cloth.

• Do not place hats or cloth materials on the dashboard where they will fade due to sun damage.