Bird Droppings Health Hazards

Bird droppings carry harmful bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause serious illness in construction workers.
Pigeon droppings are the most common hazard, found in roof voids, ledges, plant rooms, and derelict buildings.
Diseases transmitted through bird droppings include psittacosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and salmonellosis.
Psittacosis causes severe flu-like illness with pneumonia and can be fatal if not treated with antibiotics promptly.
Dried droppings crumble into dust that becomes airborne when disturbed, creating an inhalation hazard.
COSHH 2002 requires a risk assessment before any work that may disturb accumulated bird droppings.
Refurbishment, demolition, and roofing projects frequently expose workers to large accumulations of droppings.
Bird droppings are also corrosive and can weaken structural steelwork, concrete, and stone over time.
Nesting materials may also contain fleas, mites, ticks, and other parasites that affect human health.
Specialist cleaning contractors may be required for heavy accumulations in enclosed or confined areas.

Serious illness risk	Psittacosis and histoplasmosis cause pneumonia-like illness requiring hospitalisation — both can be fatal without treatment.
Airborne hazard	Dried droppings generate invisible dust when disturbed — a single sweep can release thousands of infectious particles.
Legal requirement	COSHH 2002 requires biological hazard assessments before disturbing bird droppings during any construction activity.

Do

Don't

Complete a COSHH assessment before starting any work that may disturb bird droppings.
Wet down dried droppings with water and detergent before attempting to remove them.
Wear minimum FFP3 respiratory protection when cleaning or working near bird droppings.
Wear disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection during removal and clean-up work.
Ventilate enclosed areas before entry where bird droppings have accumulated significantly.
Bag and dispose of droppings and contaminated materials as controlled waste.
Wash hands, face, and forearms thoroughly after any contact with bird-contaminated areas.
Report heavy accumulations of droppings to your supervisor before starting demolition work.
Seek medical advice if you develop flu-like symptoms after exposure to bird droppings.
Consider specialist contractors for large-scale pigeon guano removal in confined spaces.

DON'T dry sweep, brush, or scrape dried bird droppings without wetting them first.
DON'T use compressed air or leaf blowers to clear droppings from surfaces.
DON'T enter heavily contaminated roof voids or plant rooms without RPE and coveralls.
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke in areas where bird droppings are present or being removed.
DON'T handle dead birds without disposable gloves — they carry the same disease risks.
DON'T assume small amounts of droppings are harmless — even minor exposure carries risk.
DON'T put contaminated PPE in your vehicle or take it home with personal clothing.
DON'T ignore persistent cough or fever after working in areas with bird droppings.
DON'T disturb active nesting sites — birds and nests are protected under wildlife law.
DON'T allow droppings removal debris to fall onto workers or public areas below.

See also: RPE Selection and Face Fit Testing | COSHH Awareness

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