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Phil10

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My work want me to work in the shop after a fire the warehouse is smoke damaged but they expect us to clean it up? I am concerned about health as smoke can cause cancers and breathing issues. Any advice?

“It is dangerous to sleep in a house after a fire, regardless of how small or big the fire was. ... Even if the fire is contained in one room, smoke particles easily spread to other parts of the house, and they linger on after the fire is put out.”
 
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am6985

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You are correct smoke can cause cancers. There are multiple factors to consider(duration of exposure,type of things that were burning,etc). They really should have a professional company clean the smoke and water damage. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to wear a respirator while in the environment. Good luck.


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Phil10

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am6985 said:
You are correct smoke can cause cancers. There are multiple factors to consider(duration of exposure,type of things that were burning,etc). They really should have a professional company clean the smoke and water damage. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to wear a respirator while in the environment. Good luck.


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Thanks I am also worried about long term affects working in the shop now? I am annoyed that they want me to clean it up seemingly some professional staff but details are few and far between. I really don’t want to work there but I would need to demand a move to another shop which isn’t easy.
Fire was 2 days ago.
 
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am6985

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I understand. Smoke exposure with the cancer causing issues is really more a prolonged thing during active burning of a fire. That being said it still isn’t good to be around any of it.


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Phil10

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am6985 said:
I understand. Smoke exposure with the cancer causing issues is really more a prolonged thing during active burning of a fire. That being said it still isn’t good to be around any of it.


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Like it’s a shop so thousands of customers would be in and out of the shop and staff but still worry it’s not safe?
 
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The deal with such things is a fire marshall will check the place out. If it is not fit for the purpose it is been used for he will not write it up as safe. Especially after a fire. It will have to be checked out fully and pass a test of sorts. They can't just clean it up and open it themselves. It would have to be safe for both workers and customers. As per the fire marshall's inspection.
 
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Phil10

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Update:

Shop warehouse is all black empty shell. Needs rewired new roof they want us cleaning down stock I did it for 10 mins and could feel the soot on my throat so I complimented getting moved shops for next week for one week I said I won’t be back until it’s safe and clean. Very worrying they want to make staff work in that.
 
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Following any fire a building has to be inspected. If it is not safe to be near that building, they would make sure you were not in the building. The after effect of a fire can leave a lingering smell / taste. Is horrible. You could ask questions about how it is making you feel. Union rep. But from what I can gather, you are only working around the stock that came out of the building? Which means the building is unsafe to be in. Especially if it needs a new roof.
 
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Phil10

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Cuchculan said:
Following any fire a building has to be inspected. If it is not safe to be near that building, they would make sure you were not in the building. The after effect of a fire can leave a lingering smell / taste. Is horrible. You could ask questions about how it is making you feel. Union rep. But from what I can gather, you are only working around the stock that came out of the building? Which means the building is unsafe to be in. Especially if it needs a new roof.
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Yes the stuff on shop floor just has a little soot. The smoke damage was warehouse. I am just worried I may need to work in another store incase the clean up isn’t that good. They want to sell fire damaged stock off.
 
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Most place that have a fire sell the fire damaged stock off. Dealers nearly always buy it at a cheap price. But if the warehouse is unfit to be in, they should not let you in it. Simple as that. They would know this. Fire inspector would have told them if it was safe or unsafe. Considering it needs a new roof, I would say unsafe.
 
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Phil10

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The work still smells of smoke and it’s coming up toilets the smell

I am in another shop but they have put me in extra day shorter hours and late so transport is hard

What’s a bigger risk covid getting busy trains to work or working in a store stinking of smoke? Any advice please
am6985 said:
I understand. Smoke exposure with the cancer causing issues is really more a prolonged thing during active burning of a fire. That being said it still isn’t good to be around any of it.


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So working in the shop for years could cause cancers?
 
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Phil10

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So is there any risk going back into store after clean up? Is buildings that have been on fire a risk?
 
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I am doubting that very much. Or else they would not open the place up again. If it was that bad they would knock it down and build from scratch. It has to be deemed safe by fire and health inspectors.
 
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Phil10

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They were very kind and offered me a job at other shop but I have held off until I see damage to the other store to see how bad it would be to work in is that a good choice? As negative is I need to get a bus now but I do enjoy both shops but worry if they will clean the damage up?
 
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They would have to clean the place up. Then it would have to pass a health and safety test. Fit for people to work in. In order to pass those tests they have meet certain requirements.
 
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Phil10

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I have been told it’s been cleaned but not by industrial cleaners so like is the building safe or is the ample damage a cancer risk? A staff member told me shop doesn’t smell now but I worry any building ever been on fire is a risk is that a fair assumption or am I over worrying?
 
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That is a question you would need to ask an expert. I would have no idea. Would still need to pass heath and safety checks.
 
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Phil10

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I went in today still smells like cigarettes smoke? They clean warehouse tomorrow and get dehumidifiers in? I am unsure if that will get smell out any ideas? Or do I take job elsewhere and risk covid on bus? Hard choice covid risk or the smell of fag smoke?
 
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Only you can decide on that one. But it will have to undergo certain health and safety checks before anybody is allowed work in it again. So after the repair work is done someone will come along and check the place over. It has to pass all tests. Keep that in mind.
 
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