❓ Hon. Kate Doust raises concerns about mould and OH&S at South Hedland and Karratha Police Stations. The Minister responds outlining remediation efforts undertaken by WA Police and associated agencies.
AnsweredQoN 291Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the South Hedland and Karratha Police Stations, and ask: (a) is the Minister aware of the occupational health and safety issues of mould in both police stations; (b) what steps has the Minister taken to ensure that this workplace hazard is removed; and (c) when can police officers expect their workplace to become mould free?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
15 October 2013
Responded by
Attorney General representing the Minister for Police
Response time
34 days
(a) Yes.
(b) Western Australia Police sought expert advice from the Department of Finance (Building Management and Works), the Department of Health and other external experts. It was recommended that dehumidifiers be installed at both stations and, as an interim measure, portable dehumidifiers were purchased and installed.
BMW subsequently facilitated the installation and commissioning of permanent dehumidifiers, which was completed in November 2012. Clearance certificates were issued on completion of this process, which stated that "no further actions were required".
Additionally, a robust cleaning and programmed air quality testing regime was introduced and will continue to operate until such time as WA Police are entirely satisfied with the success of this upgrade and that the defect period for these works has expired.
(c) WA Police is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of its people and has introduced extensive remediation work to address the mould issue in both the Karratha and South Hedland police stations. WA Police personnel should be reassured with the extensive efforts that have been undertaken which includes providing information on mould to employees as well as a mould inspection checklist. WA Police are confident that the Karratha and South Hedland police stations are safe environments for people to work in.
(b) Western Australia Police sought expert advice from the Department of Finance (Building Management and Works), the Department of Health and other external experts. It was recommended that dehumidifiers be installed at both stations and, as an interim measure, portable dehumidifiers were purchased and installed.
BMW subsequently facilitated the installation and commissioning of permanent dehumidifiers, which was completed in November 2012. Clearance certificates were issued on completion of this process, which stated that "no further actions were required".
Additionally, a robust cleaning and programmed air quality testing regime was introduced and will continue to operate until such time as WA Police are entirely satisfied with the success of this upgrade and that the defect period for these works has expired.
(c) WA Police is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of its people and has introduced extensive remediation work to address the mould issue in both the Karratha and South Hedland police stations. WA Police personnel should be reassured with the extensive efforts that have been undertaken which includes providing information on mould to employees as well as a mould inspection checklist. WA Police are confident that the Karratha and South Hedland police stations are safe environments for people to work in.
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