Product Overview

Summary: This Bird Proofing Safe Operating Procedure sets out a safe, compliant and humane approach to managing pest birds around Australian workplaces. It helps businesses control contamination, slip hazards and structural damage caused by bird activity while protecting workers, the public and native wildlife.

Uncontrolled bird activity around buildings, plant and infrastructure can create serious WHS risks and hygiene issues. Accumulated droppings increase slip hazards, spread disease, corrode structures and equipment, and compromise food safety and public presentation. In many Australian workplaces—such as warehouses, transport depots, food processing plants, healthcare facilities and commercial buildings—bird proofing is not just a cosmetic issue; it is a critical control for worker safety, public health and regulatory compliance.

This Bird Proofing Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step method for assessing bird-related risks and implementing appropriate control measures such as netting, spikes, deterrent systems and exclusion practices. It addresses safe access to roofs and elevated areas, correct use of PPE, handling and disposal of contaminated materials, and humane, legally compliant bird management methods. By following this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation, reduce costly damage and cleaning, and ensure that bird control activities are carried out consistently, safely and with respect for animal welfare and environmental obligations.

Key Benefits

• Reduce slip, trip and fall risks from bird droppings and nesting materials in walkways, access routes and public areas.
• Ensure humane, legally compliant bird control practices that align with Australian animal welfare and environmental requirements.
• Protect building fabric, plant and services from corrosion, blockages and damage caused by droppings, nesting and roosting.
• Standardise bird proofing activities across sites, improving contractor management, training and WHS compliance.
• Minimise business disruption, cleaning costs and reputational damage associated with unsanitary or unsafe bird‑affected areas.

Who is this for?

• Facilities Managers
• Property Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Operations Managers
• Construction Site Managers
• Asset and Infrastructure Managers
• Cleaning and Grounds Team Leaders
• Pest Management Technicians

Hazards Addressed

• Slip hazards from bird droppings on walkways, stairs, platforms and access routes
• Exposure to biological contaminants (e.g. histoplasmosis, psittacosis and other zoonotic diseases) from droppings, feathers and nesting materials
• Manual handling injuries when installing bird netting, spikes and deterrent systems at height or in awkward locations
• Falls from height during access to roofs, ledges, canopies, plant platforms and elevated work areas for inspection and installation
• Contact with sharp edges, fixings and tools during installation of proofing hardware
• Electrical hazards when working near overhead services, lighting, solar panels or communication equipment
• Structural damage and corrosion to buildings, plant and services from accumulated droppings and nesting materials
• Blocked gutters, drains and ventilation intakes leading to water ingress, mould growth and indoor air quality issues

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Site Survey for Bird Activity
• 6.0 Selection of Bird Proofing Methods (Netting, Spikes, Deterrents, Exclusion)
• 7.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 8.0 Safe Access and Working at Heights Requirements
• 9.0 Handling, Removal and Disposal of Bird Droppings and Contaminated Materials
• 10.0 Step‑by‑Step Bird Proofing Installation Procedure
• 11.0 Infection Control and Hygiene Measures
• 12.0 Environmental and Animal Welfare Considerations
• 13.0 Communication, Signage and Public Interface Management
• 14.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Ongoing Monitoring of Bird Proofing Systems
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Contractor Management
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
• 17.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• Relevant state and territory animal welfare legislation and wildlife protection laws