[drive surgeon]

had a job today jet washing pidgeon sh*t off the brick walls of an apartment block. i used extendable lace with a fan nozzle. seemed really hard to shift with just water pressure. does anyone use a chemical?

[BDCS]

You should have pre-sprayed with a biocide which would have softened the guano and removed the risk of infection. What did your RA throw up

[Pristine Clean]

I wonder how many people actually do an RA for each job?

Then realise after would's, say an accident that has happened when it too late and H&S have visited and ask for an RA there and then.

Then you cannot produce one your in deep doo doo, Then that's when you realise just how important an RA actually is. As it covers you and the client.

Dave

[BDCS]

These posts in general show a general lack of understanding on what is being undertaken, the risks involved and the measures needed to overcome these risks.  The classic example of this is that LOU on grime fighters when he collects sharps holding the container in one hand and the needle in litter tongs with the other - his left hand must look like a darts board. He never sprays the needle which would reduce the risk and also his method is wrong, But he is on telly. If you are a small firm you can do a mental RA but it must be based on an idea of whats needed

[drive surgeon]

sorry no guys you are going far too much into detail here. i was working on my own, at myn own risk, only washing a bit of sh#t off the wall. been doing this job for 10 years now and not had any problems with any health and safety issues.

[BDCS]

Oh so that makes swerving correct procedures ok then, is the overspray airbourne ? your happy to make yourself ill ? You really are trigger 

[The Great One]

sorry no guys you are going far too much into detail here. i was working on my own, at myn own risk, only washing a bit of sh#t off the wall. been doing this job for 10 years now and not had any problems with any health and safety issues.

Hi

Although i understand you in that you've never had an issue, doesn't mean you never will.

Pigeon Guano is very nasty stuff with over 60 diseases of which 40 are communicable to humans. This can go through any open pathway, mouth, ears, eyes, a cut on your hand. This is why proper PPE is so important, this is why goggles, face mask, gloves and a suit are so important.

You have to treat this stuff prior to cleaning with a bio cide which has to stay on for at least 15 mins.

Martin

[drive surgeon]

i had all the appropriate ppe on.

[jasonl]

So you have been doing it for 10 years , you could have been doing it wrong for every one of those 10 years, I have been in clening for 19years , still some things re not done correctly.
You have to do a risk assessment on each job , its the law, I have self carbonating books printed up , with a tick sheet RA , takes 5 mins to do on each job , I know I am legal , the customer knows I am legal , as they get a copy too , and have to sign it.

When you say at your own risk , great!  what about the public ? there is a risk , however small , what about the kid who wanders onto the place you are working, what about the old dear who trips on your hose.  Why not spend 50 quid printing off some forms , fill them out and do the job right.

 15 quid will buy you some ornacide too and make shifting the Pigeon guano easier and safer. Just spray it on , let it dwell for 15 min and it will clean off easier.

[drive surgeon]

i have a health and safety officer and always produce risk assessments, that what not the question. the question was what is the best way to remove it?? cold water was not the best method.

[drive surgeon]

"15 quid will buy you some ornacide too and make shifting the Pigeon guano easier and safer. Just spray it on , let it dwell for 15 min and it will clean off easier"



thanks guys. simple answer was all i was after.

[ryan mca]

 Is it still the law that you need a written risk assesment if you have 5
or more employees including yourself or has this changed

  Ryan