Posted By Simo 79
Pigeons, i am by no means an expert but pigeons pose a biological risk, i forget the name of the disease associated with them but it origin comes from the droppings and feathers, the route of entry is through ingestion, so basically if people come into contact and then have a cig or sometihng to eat then they may become ill. i'll will locate the exact name of the bioligcal agent and post on Monday.

Working close to water, what type of water? pond? sea, lake? there are various hazards water - drowning? again bioligcal issues such a Weils disease from rats urine etc, animal bites etc, there may be sewerage in the water or other contaminants. a little more info will help. Remember, don't just look at the safety hazards but also the associated health hazards.

Simo

Posted By safety_101
The hazard from pigeon pooh is Psittacosis.
Information

Psittacosis -- also known as parrot disease, parrot fever, and ornithosis -- is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci) and contracted not only from parrots, macaws, cockatiels and parakeets, but also from pigeons, sparrows, ducks, hens, sea gulls etc. The incidence of infection in canaries and finches is believed to be lower than in psittacine birds.
Symptoms
In humans, after incubation period of 5-14 days, the symptoms of the disease range from inapparent illness to systemic illness with severe pneumonia. It presents chiefly as an atypical pneumonia with influenza-like symptoms like fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough. Pneumonia can be often visualized on a chest X-ray. Complications in the form of endocarditis, hepatitis, myocarditis, arthritis, keratoconjunctivitis, and neurologic complications (encephalitis) may occasionally occur. Severe pneumonia requiring intensive-care support may also occur. Fatal cases have been reported (less than 1% of cases).

Hope this helps

Bryn

Posted By Mick154
Thank you for your input in to the subject of Pigeons

You have provided me with a big hand full of information which will help me in the project I am undertaking

Just a bit of background, old building recently become empty,” multi story car park” small amount of pigeons to start with, but over the last few week this has greatly increased, sending in surveyors to establish the stability of the structure, then dependant on their assessment a method for demolition, so I have to protect the surveyors first to perform their duties then the demolition gang

Water, near by is a stream “approximately 4metres away and about 2 metres wide , this is frequented by ducks, have to assess the risk this may bring when we demolish the building. Would I have to contact the Environmental agency and would there be a significant risk from the local wild life?

Thanks for all the links to information and your input

Posted By Merv Newman
I think psittacosis may be the disease you are thinking of. Usually comes from direct contact with saliva or excreta. Good reason not to keep a budgie.

Farmers use a "scarecrow" doobrie which goes bang every twenty minutes or so to frighten crows from their fields. Could be of help.

Or buy a peregrine.

Actually, pigeon breasts roasted over a twig fire, or even a barbecue, are fantastic. With or without a decent claret. Spit out the shot.

Seriously though, if you are having to clean up during or after a pigeon infestation then I would require full PPE - gloves, safety glasses, disposable overalls and a mark three mask. Hard hat and safety shoes optional. Depends on your risk assessment.

Any CMIOSH out there with a shotgun license ?

Thinks : just imagine that - a safety consultant who comes equiped with their own shotgun !

Merv

Posted By Penfold
"a safety consultant who comes equiped with their own shotgun "

They might listen to us a bit more :)

Posted By Juan Carlos Arias
I have been in the food industry for a number of years and have gained lots of experience in the pest control area (qualified BPCA pest controller).

There are a many ways in which you can control pigeon activity (some of which already mentioned here), however, considering your ultimate plan is to demolish the building, I would say that your best bet to deter pigeon activity would be a getting someone to carry out pigeon shootings. They'll have to be done quite often to begin with but you'll soon see that they don't come back. air rifles are normally used for this purpose and you don't need to have a licence for those, however, for insurance purposes, you might find that the person actually doing the work might have to have training in the safe use of air weapons. Also if the area is visible to the public, you need to ring the local authority about the shooting just in case someone rings to report you using a gun. the local authority will give you a call reference. Adequate removal of pegeon faeces must be done to prevent contagious deseases (disposable overalls, dust mask,gloves & goggles)

Posted By Bob Shillabeer
Pidgeons are a problem at railway stations with canopies, well they used to be. The Station operators have had small spikes installed on all landing places and thus prevent pigeons landing so the problem goes away. This has proved very effective especially in London, you hardly see a pidgeon these days and its kind to the birds - no need to kill them anymore.