Cluny Fire Hall safety evaluation

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

An internal site safety inspection of the Cluny Fire Hall was recently completed.
“It is occupational health and safety legislation to provide a safe working environment for the volunteer firefighters in Cluny to serve their community,” said Judy Unsworth, Wheatland County fire and emergency manager.
Remediation of the fire apparatus was done by Wheatland County at a cost of $17,000. The gear remediation cost $6,000.
Wood Environment and Infrastructure did a safety assessment of the fire hall. A moisture and water inspection was conducted, and samples were taken and analyzed for harmful agents.
The wall dividing the common area and the washroom had visual evidence of contamination. The bottom portion of the drywall through to the furnace room also showed damage. Moisture readings were taken and the drywall showed high moisture holding readings. Areas of the ceiling in the furnace room were also affected. The samples did show fungal contamination and it was suggested that a qualified individual do remediation work.
“Due to the age of the construction, asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are suspected. If ACM is known or identified, the required code of practice and the use of correct government-regulated control methods would adequately protect workers’ exposure to fungal-contaminated building materials during their removal or renovation,” stated Keith Lawson, Wood’s occupational health and safety technician. They included the breakdown of measures needed to be taken for safely dealing with the mould.
Cluny fire association members said they should have been let in the hall to fix the issues, but Wheatland County Reeve Amber Link emphasized the need for specialized handling of mould issues as outlined in the report.
Wood Environment and Infrastructure suggested contaminated areas be sealed and/or materials removed in a prescribed manner to protect workers, as disturbance of the mould would exacerbate its spread.
The building and safety officers assessed the building infrastructure and recommended repairs to plumbing and electrical.
“There are areas that need to be addressed prior to giving the signoff, before it is safe to be in the building,” said Mike Ziehr, Wheatland County manager of infrastructure and transportation.
He recommended a quote for repairs be done, so council can make decisions moving forward.
There was a question of ownership and who should be responsible for repairs on the building. The Cluny Fire Association had renewed its society status, but the status of its contract with Wheatland County was unclear.
Alan Parkin, Wheatland County chief Administrative officer, said due to the dissolution process, ownership has not yet been transferred to the county. The association is consulting legal representation to address some of the issues in the transfer contract.
Council accepted the report for information and requested staff get quotes on how much it might cost to bring the building up to code. It does not obligate council to a specific action at this time.
Quotes for repairs will be available by Dec. 4 for consideration by the Cluny Fire Association and council. Association members commented about the length of delays and requested council try to cut through red tape. The association also wanted to ensure the services were still functioning, due to freezing temperatures.