Health & safety bulletin
Vermin
5th July 2007
Vermin is a term applied to various species regarded as pests or nuisances and especially those associated with the carrying of diseases. Pigeons and rats are two typical examples of vermin that we may encounter regularly whilst carrying out our jobs on site.
Pigeons have thrived in our cities by adapting to life, learning to roost and breed in seemingly inhospitable places such as tall buildings, petrol station canopies etc. Feral pigeons are sometimes referred to as “the flying rat” and over recent years there has been a marked increase in their numbers.
Pigeon droppings have a high acid content which can cause damage to property and also can block gutters etc. The droppings can lead to severe slip hazards on pavements and also carry Pathogenic Organisms which can be fatal to the health of people who come into contact with it.
Pigeons carry a number of potentially infectious diseases such as Salmonella, Tuberculosis, Ornithosis, Histoplasmosis , Cryptococcosis and even Bird Flu. There is potential for these illnesses to spread to people through contact with pigeon droppings, feathers, parasites or where dead infected pigeons get into food or water sources.
Due to the nature of Xmo Strata’s work engineers will often be exposed to the potential hazard of pigeon droppings, but some basic steps are taken, the risk of illness or disease can be minimised. When de-branding a canopy, shop fascia etc the correct type of hand protection should be used. Engineers should wash their hands before and after eating or drinking.
If any engineers find dead pigeons and or excessive amounts of droppings they must stop work immediately and inform a supervisor. Engineers should not be tempted to clean it themselves as they are not qualified and do not posses the correct equipment or training to do so correctly or safely.
Rats also pose a significant health risk to humans. Common diseases carried by rats include Salmonella, Weils disease, E-coli and Tuberculosis. Rats also carry fleas, mites, ticks and can cause allergic reactions. Usually nocturnal animals hide from humans, but may on occasion be seen during the day. They have teeth that grow continuously and they gnaw on wood and plastic to keep them trim and can cause fires by chewing through cables. Rats usually nest in warm, hidden areas using materials, building them from newspapers and fabrics; they may also be found in forecourt bin areas. This is the ideal location due to the scraps of food disposed of and the packaging materials in the bins.
The most common risk is Weils disease or Leptospirosis which can be contracted by exposure to the urine of rats, cattle and foxes. The bacteria enters the body via cuts to the skin hence the need to always wear gloves, or via the nose, mouth or other mucous membranes. Again always practice good hygiene and housekeeping, PPE must be worn, hands must be washed before and after eating and drinking and keep all foodstuffs must be kept in sealed containers.
If work must be carried out or materials need to be stored in or near the bin storage area on site then gloves must be worn and disposed of after use. Gloves must never come into contact with the engineers face. Disposable gloves are cost effective and are invaluable in these circumstances. If any engineer is in doubt, they must contact a supervisor immediately.