Hi,

I follow this exchange because its excellent and wonderful in so many of its own ways, and I compliment you all on the work you  do, and the dedication to do it.  Now and then I can chime in with a thought, idea or other to contribute. 

I'm not sure what state, town or other you are in, but given the topic this is something you all might want to be aware of. 

Within your state, most likely associated with the public utility there is both a business and residential energy audit program. 

The program may or may not be directly related to the utility.  But as part of the energy audit program there will be at least a vendor or several that also provides what is known as a healthy home or healthy workplace audits. 

Have no fear they are very used to working with everything from the home of a OCD neat knick...to the ultimate slob, smoker, slacker and so on.  Likewise the healthy business people are used to every thing from auto body and aeronautical machine/repair shops, to bakeries and jewelry stores, to bikes shops and kennels. 

Lingering odors are a sign of a much larger problem that should not go without concern.  Radon itself might be odorless and colorless, but it harbors other odors.  Mold can smell like things you would not recognize as mold or must. 

They can do air quality tests that will not only tell you what the issue is, but if its dangerous or not.  They also have equipment that will be able to define the source of the problem and how to resolve it most of the time. 

Sometimes there is a not for profit vendor or program that offers these services as well.  You might well qualify.  Equally important, they offer financing for certain fixes or installations that may resolve your problem and increase the health and safety of your workplaces. 

It can't hurt to inquire.  In could be devastating if you don't.  While you are at it, they can do an energy audit and hopefully help you save a few bucks on the power use in your shops.  You might want to invite them to your living space too. 

Just some thoughts to help you breath easy in your work space.  Safety first, on the road, and in the shop.

Best of luck to you all,

Matt


-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Rehder <mark@re-cycles.ca>
To: The Think Tank <thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org>
Sent: Mon, Jun 17, 2013 9:02 pm
Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] shop air quality

A few things may contribute:

- we hang used rags up so they can dry out (this may be the biggest culprit)

- we use MEC's Bio-Cycle, and while it's "green" it still has an odour.

- we keep grease mostly in screw-lid tubs, but lids are not always put back on properly

- and yes, both new and old tires (and tubes) have their own smell (my partner says I come home smelling of "old tires")

We have a very few chemicals such as rust-buster, etc. (only one is an aerosol) but they are used sparingly and always stored capped.

Mark

On 2013-06-17, at 2:53 AM, james bledsoe wrote:

new tires can really smell bad 
we use simple green to clean things 
and tend to not allow spray cans 
what is the source of your bad smells?


From: Vernon Huffman <vernonhuffman@yahoo.com>
To: "thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org" <thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org>
Sent: Sunday, June 16, 2013 9:27 PM
Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] shop air quality

Our shop has plenty of air flow year round, so smell hasn't been an issue. Luckily it doesn't get that cold here.

What is the source of the smell? Do you need to contain your degreaser more tightly or scale back the use of toxic chemicals and aerosols? Is it time to have a chat with some of the mechanics and volunteers about personal hygiene?

Bicycles shouldn't smell bad. Commercial bike shops don't generally have an odor issue. What's different about your shop?
 

From: Mark Rehder <mark@re-cycles.ca>

Hi all,

During the warmer months we have a few doors open so the stink in our shop is not so bad, but when all sealed up during our cold winters it's not ideal.  We've thought about a large filter unit, and it has also been suggested to use a large exhaust fan, though that would also waste heat.

How does your shop deal with this? 

Thanks,

Mark Rehder - Coordinator
re-Cycles Community Bike Shop
http://re-cycles.ca

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