Call 0333 567 2020 for advice and quotes or contact us online
Nesting gulls at Kier Construction Ltd site
Gallery
Providing a solution to gulls nesting, roosting and defecating
NBC Environment were contacted by our national client to advise and provide a solution to prevent issues occurring with gulls nesting, roosting, and defecating. Bird faeces are hazardous to human health and it was starting to build up on the roof areas of the newly constructed Exeter Bus & Coach Station.
Project overview
The roof area has a flat parapet roof area with external plant equipment installed throughout. This provided a perfect location for nesting and roosting gulls and feral pigeons which are prevalent throughout the vicinity of the new bus and coach station. The flat roof area provided the perfect habitat for gulls and pigeons, providing them with a safe and secure nesting and roosting location.
Maintenance teams were unable to carry out the essential installation of the external roof plant which could delay the project and miss the targeted project completion date due to the very aggressive behaviour of the gulls. Gull behaviour can result in potential injuries to personnel as these birds defend their territory and their young.
If immediate action was not undertaken to deny bird access, there was a very high risk of a build-up of gull faeces which is hazardous to human health and the associated nesting materials which could result in potential building structural damage due to flooding and water ingress.
NBC Environment consulted the client to design and then install a netting system to ensure the flat roof and all external roof plant were encapsulated.
Our solution
NBC Environment designed and installed a 75mm gull deterrent netting systems with stainless steel fixtures and fittings to create a physical barrier in order to prevent gulls from entering the areas beneath. This in turn provided secure protection for the maintenance teams to carry out essential servicing of the external roof plant.
Due to the nature of the project which was being carried out on a live construction site, NBC were required to provide a specialist Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) operative to oversee the project with a team of fully qualified and construction site experienced Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) NBC team to carry out the installation project.
The team also required valid International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) licences in order to operate rough-terrain scissor lift access equipment. Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association (PASMA) licences were also required in order to use within the flat roof parapet areas as directed by the client specification standards of operation. Roof installed mansafe systems with fall arrest harnesses were utilised to ensure project team safety at all times.
The project was mobilised and carried out by the NBC specialist netting installation team over a three day period on time and within the budgeted schedule, which in turn assisted with the client project completion date.
Find out more about our gull control services
For further information read our article "How to get rid of Seagulls".