Cops want air test at 'noxious' stations
The police union is demanding independent air quality testing at Karratha and South Hedland Police complexes amid fresh health concerns linked to alleged ongoing mould infestations.
Union president George Tilbury claimed several staff at the Karratha station fell ill with headaches yesterday after cleaning work at the complex, where there have been complaints of mould and bacteria since 2011.
The union board planned to organise independent air quality testing for both Pilbara Police complexes.
“This includes the air-conditioning duct work, to ascertain if mould, bacteria and other allergens are present in sufficient quantities to cause harm or ill health,” Mr Tilbury said.
Cleaners yesterday saturated the Karratha complex with “a noxious substance”, leaving staff and visitors complaining about the “over-powering” damp smell, Mr Tilbury claimed.
But WA Police denied the allegations, saying cleaners had put tea tree oil gel packs, which were considered safe, in the air conditioners to counter mould.
Spokesman Neil Stanbury said the gel packs had been used at the Pilbara stations for the past 18 months.
Cleaners removed the packs as a precaution after being told one woman had gone home sick, he said.
Mr Stanbury said Police took the health concerns seriously and de-humidifiers worth $2 million had been installed at the two Pilbara police complexes.
But Mr Tilbury said despite the significant resources invested by police, problems had not been resolved and something else needed to be done.
The two $17 million stations were opened in 2010 but complaints of mould and poorly ventilated buildings emerged in early 2011, with mildew putting lockers and toilets temporarily off-limits.
At least one Pilbara-based officer has previously been diagnosed with the type of legionnaires’ disease closely associated with hot and humid enclosed work environments.
The union said most of the 20 people working at Karratha police station yesterday suffered headaches they blamed on the strong smell and two were off sick today. One woman suffered vomiting.
Mr Stanbury said he was aware one staff member had not turned up for work today after they were apparently affected by the strong smell of tea-tree oil within the air-conditioning system.
WA Police have had the air quality tested in several areas at South Hedland but the tests results would not be known for up to seven working days, Mr Stanbury said.
He said the culture samples would be examined by CSIRO.
The union has warned it would consider legal action if WA Police refused permission for independent air-quality testing.
