THE RISKS
Feral pigeons, and many other bird species, along with their fouling, nesting materials, and carcasses all pose a potential health and safety risk to anyone coming into contact with them, either directly or indirectly through third party activity. So whether it’s your employees, customers or contractors, it’s your responsibility to protect them.
The hazards of bird fouling are many, and include:
- It presents a slip hazard particularly, so subsequent litigation might arise as a result of injury.
- Fire escapes can become unusable, when fouling is allowed to occur, making the steps slippery when wet – possibly leading to closure orders by Fire Officers.
- Rainwater systems become clogged and cause damaging water ingress and damp problems.
- Bird fouling also acidic and will damage stonework, brickwork, affect the finish on shiny or painted surfaces, and will remove paint.
- Ceilings within roof voids have been known to collapse under the weight of fouling when birds infest roof spaces.
- Birds and bird fouling can transmit many diseases which can be fatal or life changing. Some bird diseases are Zoonotic. Zoonotic diseases are those which can be passed between birds and humans. Viral Diseases, such as Newcastle disease, are diseases that can infect all birds.
DEAD BIRDS & BIRD FOULING REMOVAL MUST BE DONE WITH THE UTMOST CARE
When working in an environment where dead birds are present or suspected it has to be assumed there is a risk that the birds did not die of natural causes and therefore every precaution should be taken to ensure works are completed safely and using the correct task-specific PPE. The same applies when working in an environment where sick birds are present, suspected or could have been present .
It must also be remembered that pigeon fouling and dead pigeons are toxic waste until treated (animal tissue waste), and has to be disposed of in the correct manner under European Waste coding.
The Health and Safety at Work Act states: ” It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees. ” Employees must also take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do or do not do.
This is not a job for the untrained or the unprepared; It is not sufficient to simply clear the mess away – it has to be removed safely, treated and disposed of correctly and should only be carried out by specialists who understand the risks, are fully trained and experienced.
To book a Bird Fouling Removal survey or to find out more about this service, please call our office on:
0800 030 4701
WHY YOU SHOULD DEAL WITH US
Expertise:
All of our works are carried out in compliance with Wildlife & Countryside Act and its provisions, and in compliance with the RSPB, RSPCA, DEFRA and Scottish Natural Heritage, and all proofing measures are completed to a standard consistent to that required by English Heritage, Historic Scotland and CADW.
All works to fully comply with the Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations 2007.
Full Risk Assessments and Method Statements are produced in order that works can be carried out safely.
Reliability:
Team of dedicated surveyors and installers across the country.
Trust:
We’ve been in business for over 60 years and gain most of our business through recommendations and repeat business.
National coverage:
The Bird Control Division specifically deals with bird problems on and in buildings, bridges and structures, and is able to provide fouling removal and bird proofing from our national network of twelve branches and technicians.
