INTERNAL HOSPITAL CLEANING & BIRD FOUL REMOVAL
University Hospital of Wales - Cardiff, South Wales, CF14
Client's Challenge
NHS Wales required a specialist healthcare cleaning contractor to address internal contamination caused by bird fouling within University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
Two internal rooms and a plant room had been affected by bird fouling on pipework and ducting, creating hygiene and contamination risks that could not be resolved through routine hospital cleaning. Due to the live clinical environment, the works needed to be carried out within isolated internal areas, with strict controls in place to protect patients, staff, and hospital operations.
Maintaining hospital hygiene standards and infection control compliance was critical to allow the affected areas to be safely returned to use.
Assessment & Planning
APT ICC met with NHS representatives on site to review the affected rooms and plant area and assess the extent of contamination.
The assessment focused on identifying contamination risks, confirming isolation requirements, and determining appropriate cleaning and disinfection methods suitable for a healthcare environment. Protective measures for surrounding equipment and services were agreed, and a controlled cleaning plan was established prior to works commencing.
Full risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) were prepared and
approved in line with NHS site requirements.
Methodology
The cleaning works were delivered using a controlled, healthcare-specific
process:
1. Isolation and preparation of the two rooms and plant room.
2. Spray-wipe cleaning of internal pipework and ducting to remove bird fouling and associated contamination.
3. Detailed surface cleaning and sanitisation of all affected areas.
4. Application of specialist disinfectants suitable for healthcare environments.
5. Controlled removal and disposal of contaminated waste in line with NHS protocols.
This approach ensured effective decontamination while maintaining strict infection control standards.
Site Access & Logistics
Equipment
• Specialist internal cleaning and containment equipment
Chemicals
• Ultraclean MB – Multi-purpose cleaner suitable for healthcare environments
• Dekon 50 – Specialist disinfectant for contamination control
All products used are APT in-house formulations selected for effective
cleaning and disinfection within sensitive healthcare settings.
The Results
• Bird fouling successfully removed from internal pipework and ducting
• Two rooms and plant room fully cleaned and sanitised
• Hospital hygiene and infection control standards restored
• Works completed with minimal disruption to clinical operations
• Affected areas safely returned to use
The project ensured the contaminated areas were remediated quickly and
safely, supporting the hospital’s ongoing operational and hygiene requirements.
