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Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): To clean bird droppings from the top of light pole sensors in Buc-ee’s Gas Station plazas to ensure proper light sensor operations.

Bird Droppings Blocking Light Sensors
​  Pressure Wash Cleaning of Sensors
Proper Light Sensor Operations



Purpose

To remove bird droppings from the light pole sensors at Buc-ee’s gas station plazas, ensuring optimal performance of LED sensor-activated lighting.

Required Tools & Equipment

  • Soft-wash drone with 45° nozzles for precise, gentle cleaning of sensor surfaces
  • Non-conductive, quick-drying, neutral cleaning solution
  • Proprietary wash unit (triple reverse osmosis, 4–6 GPM) compatible with the specialized drone
  • Specialty wash drone with precision soft-wash capabilities
  • Protective equipment: suit, helmet, goggles, communication system, live weather monitoring, command unit
  • Safety gear: barriers, signs, caution tape, safety coordinator oversight
  • Photography drones for before-and-after documentation and job verification from above

Personnel Allocation

  • Site Supervisor (1) – Oversees operations, risk management, and documentation
  • FAA Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot (1–2) – Executes drone operations
  • Visual Observer (1) – Ensures line-of-sight compliance per FAA rules
  • Safety Coordinator (1) – Maintains secure perimeter, manages foot traffic
  • Field Assistant (1) – Handles equipment (hoses, pumps), and assists with photo records

Recommended Work Timing

  • Schedule: Avoid peak customer hours
  • Weather: Dry, winds ≤ Level 3, humidity ≤ 75%
  • Workflow: No need to block large parking sections—strategic, rotating barricades allow for seamless operation. Lights will be cleaned in small groups (e.g., two at a time), with each pole taking ~10 minutes. Interior sensors will be temporarily roped off in circular zones, re-opened immediately upon completion.

Special Requirements for Live Work

  • Only use non-conductive cleaning tools and materials
  • Employ low-pressure (150 psi), soft-wash biodegradable cleaners that remove waste and add a protective barrier against future droppings
  • Maintain minimum 5-foot distance from live components to prevent damage
  • All operations must include both a Visual Observer and Safety Coordinatorno solo work
  • Provide an on-site emergency shutdown plan and insulated tools

Cleaning Procedure

Preparation

  • Notify Buc-ee’s staff of scheduled cleaning
  • Strategically plan to minimize customer disruption
  • Set up safety perimeter with barriers and signage
  • Take before photos (front-facing and upward angles)

Cleaning

  • Position drone within 5 feet of sensor (safe cleaning range)
  • Apply 150 psi soft-wash with neutral, biodegradable cleaner
  • For heavy buildup, apply additional environmental surfactant
  • Ensure 100% removal of residue
  • Apply protective barrier coating
  • Take after photo for comparison

Wrap-Up & Inspection

  • Verify all sensors are clean and functional
  • Remove all gear and safety signage
  • Present before-and-after photo documentation to Buc-ee’s staff for sign-off
  • Log a sensor cleaning report including sensor ID and condition

Safety Reminders

  • Never touch metal parts with wet hands
  • Never allow multiple individuals to contact the same live metal part
  • Perform an insulation test before first daily use
  • Stop immediately and report if any electrical anomaly or arcing occurs
  • Always maintain safety barriers to protect Buc-ee’s patrons during operations

Operations for Buc-ee’s Facilities

We understand Buc-ee’s is currently facing issues with bird droppings obstructing the sensors that control your new LED lighting systems. The current approach—manual labor and lifts—is both labor-intensive and cost-prohibitive, especially when scaled across multiple locations.

Our recommendation: a monthly or at minimum quarterly cleaning service using our drone-based system.

Drone Force USA is equipped and staffed to service locations throughout Texas and nationwide. Our proprietary drones, chemical formulations, and wash systems provide:

  • Efficient, non-disruptive sensor cleaning
  • Long-lasting protective treatment against droppings
  • A significant cost reduction compared to lift-based manual labor

We would welcome the opportunity to present a full proposal and explore how this innovative solution can protect your lighting investment while improving operational efficiency.


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