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Crossman900074  
#1 Posted : 25 January 2012 08:26:05(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Crossman900074

I have a question and am seeking advice on the cleaning of pigeon droppings. From research on the Internet it would appear that interested parties (cleaning companies and pest control companies) tend to put a bit of a spin on the disease side, which may be to generate income.
The non-interested parties ( such as the Pigeon Control Resource Centre) play the disease issue down and advise a common sense approach to cleaning small quantities of mess in the normal manner.

I would like to ask if anyone has been through this process and has any solid and sound advice on whether there is any significant hazard from low levels of pigeon droppings or if it is only in significant quantities such as cleaning out roof spaces that such a hazard will exist.

I'm trying to quantify this to enable me to carry out and informed and sensible risk assessment, to protect the work force, but not to encumber them with un-necessary equipment and safety measures.
John J  
#2 Posted : 25 January 2012 09:06:25(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
John J

Crossman,

Its generally a low risk hazard but some factors to consider are;

Condition - wet or dry with dry more likely to get airborne and be inhaled
Who is doing it - those with breathing complaints may be more at risk
Concentration - confined spaces will concentrate the material
Method of cleaning - power washing will wet the material but also lift it and make it airborne
Hygeine - dispose of or wash clothing after use, maintain good hygeine standards and consider concentration as to whether you need a respirator.
Disinfect the area with a suitable disinfectant after cleaning

I keep chickens so have similar problems relating to cleaning
John J  
#3 Posted : 25 January 2012 09:07:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
John J

I should also have included those with compromised immune systems
Brett L Greenwood  
#4 Posted : 25 January 2012 09:18:43(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Brett L Greenwood

Crossman900074 wrote:
I have a question and am seeking advice on the cleaning of pigeon droppings. From research on the Internet it would appear that interested parties (cleaning companies and pest control companies) tend to put a bit of a spin on the disease side, which may be to generate income.
The non-interested parties ( such as the Pigeon Control Resource Centre) play the disease issue down and advise a common sense approach to cleaning small quantities of mess in the normal manner.

I would like to ask if anyone has been through this process and has any solid and sound advice on whether there is any significant hazard from low levels of pigeon droppings or if it is only in significant quantities such as cleaning out roof spaces that such a hazard will exist.

I'm trying to quantify this to enable me to carry out and informed and sensible risk assessment, to protect the work force, but not to encumber them with un-necessary equipment and safety measures.


Before becoming a Health and Safety professional I used to deal with the removal of Pigeon Droppings.

There are a lot of myths in relation to this as the media and pest control companies seem to over hype the inherrant risks. It is highly unlikely and virtually nil that a human will contract a disease from the removal of pigeon droppings but there is still that inherrant risk. What I would suggest is that you look at how much pigeon guano that the individual is removing and assess the risk from that approach.

The way that I used to operate was for small amounts of feces then the individual cleaning the area would need to wear gloves as a minimum. For larger quantities where contact with clothing or boots came into effect I would use disposable coveralls, gloves and boot covers as this would protect the individual from getting the feces on them as it can be quite unpleasent. If the area wasnt well ventilated and the smell was really over powering then maybe look at other possible PPE.

If you want any further information then please pm me and I will try to help.
Crossman900074  
#5 Posted : 25 January 2012 10:00:21(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Crossman900074

That is excellent news, I was starting to build up a picture along these lines, but needed to dispel the 'fear' tactics used by pest control companies. This gives me a really good base from which to write my risk assessments.

Thank you
Ron Hunter  
#6 Posted : 25 January 2012 11:02:52(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

In the wider context, risk assessment should consider measures to preclude roosting. There are some very simple and cost-effective methods out there.
For dry guano, why not a FFP mask?
farmsafety  
#7 Posted : 25 January 2012 11:14:03(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
farmsafety

You will find this of interest: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web40.pdf
Pete Mears  
#8 Posted : 25 January 2012 13:40:54(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Pete Mears

This is worth a look too - although 10 years ago, it nevertheless shows an improvement notice is a real possibility for failing to carry out a risk assessment for pigeon droppings:

www.hse.gov.uk/noticeshi...Notice_details.asp?SF...

Also, Psittacosis is an accepted hazard to human health and should be taken into account during the risk assessment process.
Pete Mears  
#9 Posted : 25 January 2012 13:44:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Pete Mears

TSC  
#10 Posted : 26 January 2012 03:41:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
TSC

I would also add dependant on how long this has been going on in terms of pigeon entry into an area (if indeed this is internal).

Don't forget the possibility of dead little birdies as well including maggots, decomposing birds etc
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