Ask the Advisor: Q&A

Posted on May 6, 2014

Q. Are pigeon droppings classed as hazardous waste?

A. Pigeon droppings are hazardous to health, but are not classed as hazardous waste, as some removal companies would have you believe. Large amounts of droppings are to be dampened with a mist spray to control the dust created from removal. The operatives involved should wear PPE appropriate to the task during the removal process. The droppings can be placed in sealable bags and disposed of as general waste.

Q. Can you use a mobile tower to access roof areas?

A. Yes, mobile towers can be used to access roofs. They would normally be used when the need for scaffolding is not practicable and access cannot be avoided. However, once an operative steps onto the roof area, the roof should be afforded edge protection. This is only if they the operative is working within two metres of the edge; if they are working outside of the two metre point, a physical barrier is required to give warning of the edge.

Q. How many hours would an employee need to use a computer to be classed as a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) user?

A. There are no set hours as such. The DSE regulations do not apply to workers who use DSE infrequently, or for short periods of time. If, for example, a surveyor were to use DSE for short periods of time, in-between surveys; they would not need to be DSE assessed. But if the surveyor’s job included full days in the office using DSE, it would be good practice to carry out an assessment.