I work in a windowless office located about 10 feet away from a large server room. There's also a big cabinet nearby with a tunnel underneath that carries thick cables. Last week, a sulfurous smell filled the room, kind of like a mix between fart gas and natural gas, but not as intense as the rotten egg smell typically associated with hydrogen sulfide. A building inspector initially brushed it off, but a safety professional later tested the air with a four-gas detector and found no hydrogen sulfide, even though the odor persists. The management suggested that renovations above could have accidentally disturbed a sewer line, and advised us to ventilate heavily. I didn't notice the smell at first this morning, but it returned just before lunch and now I have a headache. I'm really worried about whether it's safe to keep working there. If it *were* hydrogen sulfide, I know the smell wouldn't be a reliable warning sign at dangerous levels, so I'm trying to evaluate the risk without overreacting.
5 Answers
Are you sure it’s not just someone in your office pulling a classic prank? Like Bob crop-dusting after lunch? Just a thought!
Honestly, working in a dungeon sounds uncomfortable. It might be time to consider a change of scenery, at least until they get to the bottom of whatever’s causing that smell!
If the smell keeps coming back, I'd definitely take it seriously. Even if it’s not hydrogen sulfide, there could be something else hazardous in the air.
I’d say it's worth raising the alarm if you keep smelling it. You shouldn't have to work in an unsafe environment just because of renovations above.
You should definitely consider getting a portable four-gas detector for your desk, especially if your employer isn't going to improve ventilation. The explanation about possibly drilling into a sewer pipe doesn't really provide peace of mind, to be honest.
Exactly! If there is a leak, that could be a serious issue. I'd rather work in a place that has fresh air than deal with unknown smells every day.