Requirement:

The specialist Roofing and Cladding contractor on site contacted Eco Environmental towards the end of this project as there had been reports of numerous incidents in situ where the ballast appeared to be coming off the roofs of the accommodation blocks and a solution needed to be found.

Urgent ballast protection to three roof areas in order to prevent the juvenile gulls who were already picking up the ballast in situ and dropping them on to the ground below. The gulls simulate and practice the smashing of shells to obtain food by picking up ballast & stone (20mm – 80mm) and dropping them on to hard surfaces, this is behaviour they copy from observing their parents and can occur all year round.

Solution:

Eco Environmental supplied and installed our own discreet Ballast Netting System with non-mechanical fixings ensuring that it is fully compatible with the existing roofing system – our unique fixing method ensures that the ballast is fully encapsulated and remains so at all times thereby removing the risk of any further, potential H&S incidents.

Access Strategy:

Internal stair access to the man safe latch way system found on the roof; certified install teams wearing inspected harnesses and extended lanyard ropes to provide safe access; works were carried out using a variety of hand and power tools.

Comments:

Project Manager for Eco Environmental (Stephen Gowling) commented “falling ballast is an obvious Health and Safety risk to the general public and all who use the buildings and surrounding areas such as car parks and outside space areas on a daily basis. Our specialist teams are professionally trained in cutting, joining and tensioning our Eco Ballast Nets which means that no trip hazards are created by the installation. Eco Ballast Nets are installed without any mechanical components which means that no fixings are required through the waterproof systems and all roof warranties are protected”

Are you currently working on any roofing projects that may benefit from a Ballast Netting System – if so call one of our specialist team members at Eco Environmental on 01752 669009 or contact us www.ecoltd.net

Further Bird Control information can be found by visiting https://www.ecoltd.net/news/reduce-impact-residual-risk-installing-ballast-netting