While looking at the photos being shown in the video, I remembered having to work in a similar situation many years ago. Back in the Dark Ages, we simply didn’t know better. Mold, mildew and lord knows what else grew in various parts of the station, especially in the spring when it was damp and humid. I recall having to scrub out bathrooms with bleach and water, trying to at least make the tile appear cleaner than it was.
But that was decades ago. We know that mold can be a major contributor to “sick building syndrome.” Cleaning mold and mildew takes special precautions to keep the spores from aerosolizing, and N95 respirator masks are needed to minimize inhalation of the spores. Eye goggles without ventilation holes are recommended to limit exposure through the eyes.
Better yet, prevent mold growth in the first place by making sure there is adequate ventilation throughout the station, especially in areas that tend to be more humid such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and storage areas where anything wet is hung up to dry. Check plumbing and fixtures for any signs of leaking, especially in ceilings and walls where it’s difficult to see the pipes, valves and junctions directly.
You can’t eliminate every bit of biological pathogens, but you can reduce your chances of becoming sick while working.
In terms of this particular report, the employer should know better. If the news media is to be believed, it sounds like there are some odd happenings going on in “cleaning up” the situation. Painting over mold? That would seem strange. Cleaning while employees are physically close by? At least I hope the cleaning crew was wearing the appropriate protective gear.
Bottom line is, the station should be at least a healthy place to work. It’s already stressful that EMS providers worry about getting sick from their patients; getting sick from work shouldn’t be an issue.
