Cops want air test at 'noxious' stations

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.

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Cops want air test at 'noxious' stations