Requirement:

The Grade I listed building in Newcastle upon Tyne had an existing Bird Deterrent system in place however the local Kittiwakes had in time managed to overcome this and  certain areas of the building were beginning to show evidence of Bird inhabitation. There is a  popular and busy Sunday market that is held weekly and the ongoing cleaning costs to remove the Bird Fouling and staining in preparation each week were rising.

The purpose of our works were to deny the incumbent birds from roosting and nesting further as well as improving the overall Bird Control Deterrent systems both aesthetically and operationally. Bird Fouling can cause extensive damage to historic building as  the irreversible damage to the building surfaces often results in the scarring of building fabric leaving a damaging and unsightly appearance.

Solution:

Removal and disposal of existing Bird Spikes from high level leading edges.

Alterations to existing Bird Netting that would allow for a new stainless-steel wire support framework.

Supply and install Avishock to the leading edges, this discreet electric deterrent system is an alternative to our traditional bird control methods and often favoured on protected Heritage sites. 

We used a combination of black and stone track to ensure that the system blended with the existing stone work.

Access Strategy:

Our IPAF trained technicians installed the Bird Netting, Bird Spikes and Avishock via MEWP access.

Chapter 8 Barriers were put in place to protect our workforce and the public and were used as part of our Site Safety plan.

All of our trained MEWP operators have attended a recognised operator training course and received a certificate and card listing the categories of MEWP the bearer is trained to operate.

Further information relating to Working at Height Safely can be found by visiting http://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/height.htm

Comments:

Jonathan Taylor (Project Manager) commented:

Some people do not realise the associated risks of coming in to contact with Bird Fouling. Commercial building managers need to do everything possible to ensure that health risks are minimal for those who frequent the properties, and this task should form part of their Property Management control plan.