Page 635 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 21 March 1990
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Mr Alex Stewart, a consulting engineer and project manager, had developed a cheaper, faster method of asbestos removal basically involving a different form of canopy over the structure. Now, could I ask Mr Duby does the structure satisfy - - -
A member: Keep talking.
MR STEVENSON: Does the structure satisfy engineering and wind loading - - -
Mrs Grassby: You are not saying it the way he told you to.
MR STEVENSON: He did not tell me to do anything. You should know that by now.
Mr Duby: Come on, do not pull the rug out.
MR SPEAKER: Order!
MR STEVENSON: Is it correct that the structure would indeed make the process faster and more cost efficient?
MR DUBY: I thank Mr Stevenson for the question concerning wind loading values. There is no question about the fact that my department was approached by Mr Stewart following the Government's announcement about the 750-contract that was let for the removal of asbestos. This is something which we are very proud about and something which the previous Government could not get together at all.
In discussions with my department Mr Stewart indicated at first that he was unwilling to indicate what his idea was but, in later discussions, he indicated that it involves the outer weatherproof canopy which is required for asbestos removal. He agreed to document his idea and claims so that they could be examined by my departmental officers who are technical experts in the area.
As I understand Mr Stewart's idea, Mr Stevenson, it involves using air filled ribs to support the outer canopy, rather than the aluminium frame currently required under the standards set. Mr Stewart apparently was not aware that the roof must be taken off to properly clean a house; that an inner airtight canopy was needed to provide for negative air pressure or that substantial scaffolding was required for safe and adequate worker access and tile storage.
On average it takes about a week to prepare a house for cleaning and about one and a half days to erect the outer canopy and its frame, using five workers. The rest of the time is spent sealing up the house and its furniture, putting up the scaffolding and erecting the inner canopy. Consequently, there are substantial grounds for questioning Mr Stewart's claims to be able to save up to 50 per cent of removal costs.
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