Demolition company: the asbestos was already there
FRATER Asbestos and Demolition, the company responsible for demolishing the Gladstone Civic Cinema building last month, says its asbestos removal procedures were in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland standards.
The Brisbane-based company knocked down the asbestos-ridden structure on lot 157-175 Goondoon St, Gladstone, on February 6.
Frater Asbestos and Demolition director Roger Frater said although asbestos particles in soil beneath the building were disturbed during the demolition of the cinema, WHSQ and an independent asbestos removalist had since deemed the site safe.
"After the demolition was complete, we also had workers comb the area to make sure there was no visible asbestos on the ground," Mr Frater said.
"I personally carried out the final inspection myself and found no visible asbestos."
Around 50mm-100mm of clearance soil was further removed from the site following demolition.
Mr Frater said it was procedure to have an independent asbestos removalist check all demolition work.
Mr Frater said Envirohealth Consulting would visit the old Gladstone Civic Cinema site to carry out random soil testing and would further discuss the results with the client.
