Poison fumes report was not being hidden – Customs

Acknowledging that the findings of a report it received confirming poor air quality at its head office was not immediately shared with staff, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has said it was not concealing the information.

In a two-page internal memorandum to employees, which was seen by The Gleaner, Commissioner of Customs Velma Ricketts Walker indicated that the agency was reviewing the report produced by Conrad Douglas and Associates Limited to determine how to proceed.

“It is the established procedure of the management team to inform team members of all matters that directly affect them,” said Ricketts Walker.

“In this instance, the management team commenced a review of the report and was in the process of finalising strategies to implement relevant recommendations. Unfortunately, before this process was completed, The Gleaner article was published,” she added.

The commissioner said the JCA was committed to keeping its team informed at all times “and assure you that information concerning your well-being will not be withheld”.

On Monday, The Gleaner reported that the assessment, which was carried out between September and December last year, found that several departments at Myers Wharf are the hosts of noxious fumes.

These include nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, fine particulate matter, mould, bacteria and fungi.

Staff in the dark

A Gleaner source had indicated that, though the assessment had been conducted and a report submitted, staff remained in the dark about the health hazard threatening at least 11 of the 22 areas assessed.

“The reports indicated the presence of some pollutants in specified areas. These pollutants may arise from many factors including the occupancy level, the limited amount of outdoor fresh air entering the space or by-products of combustion such as vehicle emissions, burning or smoke residue, etc entering the space,” Ricketts Walker said.

The report urged that the JCA act immediately to resolve the situation and to relocate some staff.

The commissioner said over 126 plasma ionization generators have been installed to air-conditioned units.

This is to ensure air purification, pathogen reduction, odour elimination, improved air quality, energy efficiency and ozone emission. She said the installation of these units is ongoing.

Further, staff were told that the agency is “moving expeditiously” to conduct further assessment to determine the source of pollutants identified.

Ricketts Walker said air purifiers and dehumidifiers will be installed in appropriate areas, along with the increased use of indoor plants to aid in the purification of indoor air.

Additionally, she said the agency was moving to improve natural ventilation to increase the passage of fresh air and review the air-conditioning preventative maintenance programme to ensure improved servicing and replacement of units.

Finally, she said the retesting of specified areas within six months will be done.

“The agency is committed to developing and implementing strategies to optimise our safety, health and well-being,” Ricketts Walker said.

kimone.francis@gleanerjm.com