HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - June 2, 1993 (82)v`
CITY OF LODE COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Contract for Seriices with Crawford Risk Control Services
to evaluate the Fire Station #1 Air Quality
MEETING DATE: June 2, 1993
PREPARED BY: Assistant City Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the Citv Council approve contracting for
services with Crawford Risk Control Services to
evaluate the second floor of Fire Station #1.
BACKGROUND: After receiving complaints from firefighters
regarding poor air quality in tb-; Fire Department
headquarters, staff measured the carbon dioxide
level of four areas of the fire station. The downstairs and kitchen had
acceptable levels of carbon dioxide, however, the sleeping quarters and the
classroom both measured high with readings of 1000 parts per million (ppm).
The normal acceptable limit for carbon dioxide is less than 600 ppm. Upon
consultation with CalOSHA, it is recommended by staff that an industrial
hygienist be hired to determine the overall quality of the air in the fire
station.
According to CalOSHA, individuals exposed to bad air quality over a period of
time will suffer symptoms as described by the firefighters: stuffy noses,
difficulty breathing, scratchy throats, and drowsiness. CalOS:iA also
recognized that the health effects may be partially attributable to the high
level of carbon dioxide which is a result of poor air circulation, but may also
be due to the fact that the ventilation system has never been vacuumed or
cleaned.
Staff solicited proposals from two companies which clean ventilation systems;
EMS Cleaning for $4,900 and M&M Heating for $15,640. Because the costs are so
diverse, and because the price is so high for an assumed solution to a problem,
staff is recommending instead that the City spend $2,600 for an industrial
hygienist. The industrial hygienist can evaluate the system from an unbiased
standpoint and determine if in fact the problem is due to poor air circulation,
a dirty ventilation system, or if ocher contaminants are present in the
atmosphere.
Two industrial hygiene companies were recommended by CalOSHA: Crawford Risk
Control Services and Radian Corporation. Both firms submitted proposals each
totalling $2,600 to evaluate the system. Because of the possible ill effects
which firefighters may be suffering due to the air quality, staff contends that
it is in the City's best interest to hire an industrial hygienist who can look
APPROVED t — 1
THOMAS A. PETERSON ecycied paper
` City Manager J
JGFIRECC/TXTA.01V CC -1
Agenda Title: Contra^.t for Services with Crawford Risk Control Services to
evaluate the Fire Station #1 Air Quality
Date: June 2, 1993
Page Two
at the ovexall picture and help determine the root of the problem, rather than.
investing $4,900 - $15,640 to clean the ventilation system. Should the
industrial hygienist recommend in the evaluation that the system be cleaned,
then at least the City will be secure in knowing that the air flow and
ventilation is adequate for the number of people and the type of equipment in
the building.
Crawford Risk Control Services was previously hired by the City to evaluate the
air quality in City Hall. Their report was comprehensive and informative for
staff to use as a planning tool for the City Hall renovation and the
distribution of employees in work spaces.
FUNDING: Contingency Fund.
Respectfully submitted,
ry L. Glenn
sistant City Manager
Prepared by: Janet Keeter, Administrative Assistant to the City Manager
Dennis Callahan, Building and Maintenance Superintendent
JGFIRECC/TXTA.OIV