Is dried bird poop dirty?

Introduction

As experts in the domain of bird poop cleaning, we are often asked about the cleanliness and potential health hazards associated with dried bird poop. In this informative post, we will address the question: Is dried bird poop dirty? We will provide valuable insights into the dangers of dried bird droppings, the precautions that should be taken during cleanup, and the proper disposal procedures.

The Dangers of Dried Bird Poop

Dried bird droppings can pose health risks due to the potential presence of pathogens such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum. These pathogens can cause infections when their spores are inhaled through the nose and mouth. It is important to note that dried bird droppings are most dangerous when they become airborne as a fine dust, especially when they are disturbed by activities like sweeping or scraping.

Precautions for Safe Cleanup

When cleaning small amounts of fresh droppings, scraping or hosing them down with water can be sufficient. However, when dealing with large areas or dried waste, additional precautions should be taken to ensure worker protection from infective organisms. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Protection of Workers from Infective Organisms

  1. Preliminary Consultation: Before disturbing accumulated droppings, it is advisable to inform the Director of Environmental Management about the proposed activity. This step allows for consultation with local health officials who can provide advice on personal safety measures.
  2. Breathing Protection: When working with accumulated droppings, it is crucial to wear a NIOSH-approved respirator with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters capable of excluding particles as small as 0.3 microns. Dust and particle masks are not suitable for this purpose.
  3. Protective Clothing: Disposable coveralls, gloves, boots, and hats should be worn to protect personal clothing from contamination. The interfaces between gloves/sleeves and boots/legs should be sealed with duct tape. After vacuuming the protective clothing, it should be placed in plastic bags before removing respiratory protection. Non-disposable work clothing and respirators should be disinfected before reuse.
  4. Showering: If the disposable coveralls or other protective clothing are torn, workers must shower before putting on their street clothes. Showering and thorough hair washing at the end of the shift are recommended.

Waste Removal Procedures

To prevent the dispersal of debris and pathogens, it is recommended to saturate dried droppings with water before removal. This can be done with a low-velocity mist spray. Non-metallic tools, such as plastic spatulas and brushes with natural fiber or nylon bristles, should be used to remove droppings from historic or sensitive structures. Coarse wire brushes that can damage building surfaces should be avoided.

Public Protection

Bird excrement removal in public areas should only be performed with proper precautions. Whenever possible, schedule the removal for weekends or periods of minimal building or area use. Close all heating and cooling system air intakes during cleanup to protect interior air. If the droppings are outside the building, perform all work from the exterior. Provide barricades and signage to keep the public away from the work site.

Disposal

Proper disposal of bird droppings is essential to prevent the spread of potential infections. Double bag the droppings and any associated soil in 3 mil or thicker plastic bags, securely close the bags, and place them in a cardboard container. It is important to contact the Director of Environmental Management before placing the bags in a trash dumpster. If the droppings have been proven to contain Cryptococcus neoformans and/or Histoplasma capsulatum, they will be incinerated through a bio-hazardous waste disposal company. Do not leave the bags at a collection point for later pickup, as they could tear during handling and release their potentially infectious contents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dried bird poop can indeed be dirty and pose health risks due to the potential presence of harmful pathogens. Proper precautions should be taken during cleanup to protect workers and the public from infective organisms. If you require professional bird poop cleaning services in Bangkok, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [hello@khunclean.com] or call us at [082-797-3702]. We are here to help keep your balconies, homes, storage facilities, and factories free from bird poop, droppings, eggs, birds, chicks, and nests.