Ventilation

Respiratory issues 

If members are experiencing respiratory issues they find connected with a workspace, they should ask for the air quality in the space to be assessed using the Indoor Air Quality Complaint Investigation Protocol.

When the form is completed to send, send a copy (you may find taking a picture with your phone to attach to an email to be best if you don’t have access to a scanner) to your principal, your school health and safety rep to bring to your school’s health and safety committee, and Gavin Slade-Kerr at hs@surreyteachers.org. 

Mould 

Mould has been an issue in schools, particularly in portables.  Mould can grow where ventilation of an indoor area is inadequate, particularly where surfaces stay wet for an extended period.  Mould can lead to respiratory issues in members, especially when a member has existing preconditions.  If members find a musty, fungal-like smell in a workspace, they should ask for the air quality in the space to be assessed using the form indicated above. 

Health and Safety reps, please make a recommendation at your next health and safety meeting that the principal disclose any mould locations, dates, and reports in the school in the past.  The recommendation should be in the minutes to be followed up at the next meeting.  If members are aware of past exposures, then these should be brought to the health and safety committee with a recommendation for a follow-up investigation. 

Please contact me at hs@surreyteachers.org to assist in the process.