Fumes investigation launched
11.05.09
Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is to launch tests at London City Airport after a report that workers and passengers are being blighted by toxic fumes. The HSE will conduct tests at the hub after workers complained of persistent breathing difficulties from aircraft fumes.
Due to a unique parking system for aircraft at the airport, fumes are allegedly propelled directly into customer lounges, and members of staff have been taken ill as a result. A report by Professor Douglas of Medical & Professional Services found that staff and passengers were at serious risk from ‘volatile organic compounds’ inside the airport.
A spokesman for the GMB union, which commissioned the report, said: ‘Workers have complained of stinging eyes, sore throats, itchy skin and in some cases severe breathing difficulties. During winter months the situation is worse because aircraft engines have to be on for longer to warm up. Once the fumes get into the lounges it can't get out, so they stay there.’
‘It's not just staff who are at risk, passengers who spend any length of time in customer lounges are exposed to them. We welcome a decision by the HSE to monitor the airport for pollution.’
However, a spokesman for the airport said: ‘We have a comprehensive air quality monitoring programme in place throughout the airport. We have monitored extensively the areas alluded to by the GMB. During that time our records show that we have not breached any statutory air quality limits. The results were made available to the union and our staff.’
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