Work in an attic with bats present

[Gavin John Hyde]

Got a job lined up where the inline extractors for bathroom and ensuite were done by a numpty... left the hose sitting in the loft stuck into the old water tank!
Customer has had me round to check it out as it was tripping out, turns out the guy didnt terminate the wires properly and had a loose wire, which somehow moved about when the fan came on.
Now going to drill through the wall in attic and fit a proper ventilation flap and piping. also redo the wiring.
Is there any issues (hygience/ ppe aside due to risk of bacteria in bat droppings etc) in terms of doing this with bats present in the attic? customer told me they are up there and a flash of the torch showed them up in the top corner minding there own business. could also see evidence of the droppings. but did not start prodding..
Just cant find a clear answer on doing the work with the bats present.. I know you aren't allowed to trap them in or 'disturb' them etc...
Advice welcome...

 

[Pete999]

Hi Gavin, I seem to recall that you need to contact, the local council for advice, I believe they will put you in touch with some sort of Bat Conservation outfit, sorry don't know the official title, but the council will be or should be able to advise you on the next step, it can be a right pain I believe.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Hi Gavin, I seem to recall that you need to contact, the local council for advice, I believe they will put you in touch with some sort of Bat Conservation outfit, sorry don't know the official title, but the council will be or should be able to advise you on the next step, it can be a right pain I believe.

Ah wells its in Bradford on Avon just out of Banes council so will give Wiltshire council a call and see where i get to.

 

[Spoon]

Ah wells its in Bradford on Avon just out of Banes council so will give Wiltshire council a call and see where i get to.

You might get to talk to Bat Man......
Yes, that was sad and pathetic..... I'm going now.....

 

[mattwoott]

Hi Mate
Have a look at this, seems to have some info on what to do if working were bats are and PPE. - http://www.bats.org.uk/data/files/BatsandBuildings_2012.pdf

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/batwork_manualpt2.pdf

Hope this helps
Matt

 

[Pete999]

Ah wells its in Bradford on Avon just out of Banes council so will give Wiltshire council a call and see where i get to.

Good luck, don't go too Batty, you could always contact Wayne Enterprises via the Bat light, sorry couldn't resist.

 

[telectrix]

as long as you install a Bat Pole before starting, you'll be OK.

 

[FatAlan]

All sorts of legislation around bats and disturbing them. Just had planning delayed by six months due to wildlife trust requesting bat survey. Had to wait for an emergent survey as well. Cost around £1k and no bats found! Could be on dodgy ground if it’s a maternity roost as they shouldn’t be disturbed. I know what I’d do now before putting in for planning Your welfare will be a secondary concern!!

 

[FatAlan]

Wear a mask and gloves and crack on without telling anyone or turn down the job.

 

[telectrix]

Bat Soup Recipe - http://www.grouprecipes.com/52476/bat-soup.html

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I have batted off all those cheesy bat jokes...
I will speak to the customer, its not an urgent job. But they are both very eco conscious and the tree hugging green sort so will want it all above board, they like that they have bats up there.
By reading that leaflet above it seems they need to get in touch with a local volunteer bat specialist to have a look around and advise, I only need to core drill a hole out the wall and then connect the ventilation tubing up. the electrics are a doddle and can be done from the hatch.

 

[FatAlan]

Do they know what species? You can download an app that works with a microphone which identifies the species by the noise they make.

 

[Spoon]

Do they know what species? You can download an app that works with a microphone which identifies the species by the noise they make.

That app sounds great.... Do they have one that can help me with what my 12 year old son is saying.... Teenage bumble syndrome....

 

[loplug]

I done some work in a loft with bats a while back but there had been a bat survey done before the work started from memory this is the time of year that they will be in the maternity roosts and move out in the autumn.

 

[LankyWill]

It’s common for bats to have rabies and they are riddled with disease, I’d suit up and clean your tools down after.

 

[ipf]

Interesting one, is that. Is there any chance of danger to them and do they frighten easily?

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

well I have spoken with customer and called the council, somebody on the main building control/planning number has emailed somebody else to get back in touch with me regarding the issue. surprise surprise they cleared off early due to the footie..
It will be a white disposable suit and mask job.

 

[AJshep]

I worked in a private school that had bats in the loft.
Was having a look about up there ( part of a EICR) with my torch and must of disturbed them somehow.... felt like 20 of the blitters flew past my head at close proximity.
It took me by surprise, I think i even may have screamed a bit but at least the caretaker and collages found it funny.
After that the bat conservation people got involed and we were not allowed up there until the bats had moved on.

 

[plugsandsparks]

Never mind bats. I have 5 starling chicks camped in the engine bay of the on-site fork lift. Had to delay my job and am trying to encourage them to literally fly the nest. As for bats, all poo is bad, full bio suit job.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

as long as you install a Bat Pole before starting, you'll be OK.

Needs double bat pole isolation.