WA's 'sick' police stations

Whiteboard duster and a handcuff pouch covered in mould at Karratha police station in 2012.

The WA Police Union says it will demand WorkSafe inspectors examine two Pilbara police stations hit by a plague of mould and bacteria if WA Police refuses to allow an independent air testing audit.

Union president George Tilbury said officers at Karratha and South Hedland police stations had been grappling with "sick building syndrome" for years and the force had done little to address the situation to ensure the health and safety of officers.

At least one Pilbara-based officer has been diagnosed with legionnaires' disease, but several others have reported serious respiratory illnesses believed to be linked to the mould outbreaks, which have occurred since 2011.

Back of a whiteboard at Karratha police station in 2012.

Mr Tilbury said the union would commission independent air quality testing so a thorough examination of both Pilbara police stations could be conducted.

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"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," he said.

"The [union] board also recommended that if WA Police prevent the entry of such an independent body, then I am authorised to exercise any lawful avenue to ensure member safety, including requesting that a WorkSafe inspector attend the premises."

On Wednesday, cleaners saturated the Karratha complex with an over-powering "noxious substance", leaving staff complaining of headaches and feeling unwell, the union said. One woman suffered vomiting and two people took sick leave on Thursday.

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WA's 'sick' police stations