An independent report has found that TasTAFE was aware of carbon monoxide risks in its automotive workshop before three people were hospitalised last week.
Two students and a staff member were taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning after being exposed at the Campbell Street campus.
The Australian Education Union (AEU) says TasTAFE is under investigation by WorkSafe as a result and has accused the provider of failing to address known hazards.
AEU Tasmania President David Genford described the incident as the second in recent months, following the collapse of a staff member in August after they smelled fumes.
“TasTAFE have plainly neglected their duty of care under the law,” he said.
“This was the foreseeable and entirely preventable result of TasTAFE’s choice not to take workers’ or students’ safety seriously.”
“TasTAFE knew better and still chose not to fix the air quality, knowing full-well this could endanger workers’ and students’ lives.”
An air quality report commissioned by TasTAFE and finalised just two days after the hospitalisations identified dangerously low air exchange levels in the workshop.
The report revealed that fumes were not being properly ventilated, potentially spreading into a nearby student lounge and office through an open door.
A previous ventilation system had been deactivated years earlier and the current system was used only intermittently due to concerns about noise.
The report directly linked these issues to the dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide detected and recommended several measures, including partially opening a roller door during engine operations and implementing air quality monitoring equipment.
“Right now, the building is still not a safe place to work or learn whenever engines are running due to sub-standard ventilation, as identified in the air quality report,” Genford said.
“TasTAFE’s air circulation system is not fit for purpose.”
“When engines are running, carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels. There are serious concerns someone could die from poisoning if TasTAFE don’t fix the system before students return.”
TasTAFE said that when safe operating procedures are followed, there is no overexposure to carbon monoxide in the automotive workshops.
In an email to staff on Thursday, TasTAFE CEO Grant Dreher said the organisation is cooperating with the WorkSafe investigation.
He added that the engine involved in the incident will remain out of service until cleared by WorkSafe.
“We are aware of information being circulated that the air in the Campbell Street building is not safe for staff or students,” he wrote.
“There is no evidence to support these claims.”