Teachers’ union still concerned over air quality at Lindsay school

Kawartha Lakes This Week

(LINDSAY) Despite improvements made in several areas at Leslie Frost Public School, the local teachers union continues to be concerned over air quality at the Lindsay facility.

On Sept. 26, an independent environmental consultant tested three classrooms and an Oct. 9 report indicated elevated carbon dioxide levels in one room. An air handling unit problem was found and fixed, but retesting on Nov. 13, showed levels remained elevated.

More work and testing followed. Parents were informed that results fell outside of provincially legislated, allowable levels. As a precaution, staff were asked to open windows and doors.

Still concerned over conflicting reports - documents showed CO2 levels were above American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards - and after complaints from members, local Elementary Teachers Federation (ETFO) president Steve Colliver pushed the Trillium Lakelands District School Board for further action.

The Ministry of Labour was contacted and further testing, this time on all classrooms and portables, took place Dec. 6.

The Board has always believed it has been following the Health and Safety Act, said board human resources administrator Earl Manners, citing union referenced standards were not the proper ones.

A report filed by the Ministry indicated the Boards action meet the Act. No orders were issued for the Board.

Further work was done, including minor repairs to individual air units in portables as well as duct work and cleaning inside the school.

However, the union is still not overly pleased.

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Teachers’ union still concerned over air quality at Lindsay school