Waiora House test results show limited exposure likely in offices
Swab test results from each of the individual offices in Waiora House have come back negative for asbestos meaning any exposure to office workers is likely to have been minimal.
The swabs were taken after air monitoring showed elevated levels of asbestos in the corridors and shared areas, forcing the buildings closure in August until remedial work could be undertaken.
Facilities manager Garreth Robinson said the results were extremely positive, particularly for the people who had been working in the building over the years.
Contractors Ward Demolition had begun removing asbestos from the ceiling which was the likely cause of the elevated levels in the air. Asbestos had been successfully removed from the basement of the building prior to the air monitoring taking place, he said.
"The site is a highly controlled environment with the building sealed and internal negative pressure being used. Air monitoring is underway and will be regular for the duration of the process," he said. The removal was likely to take about 14 weeks.
The council had found alternate premises for the community groups and agencies forced to relocate.
Family Focus, Anamata Caf, Tipu Ora, Youth Services and the Waiora Community Trust manager's office are now located on the first floor of 28 Heuheu Street.
Taupō Community Foodbank/Women's Refuge and the Taupō Citizens Advice Bureau have moved to 107 Tamamutu Street and DHB Lactation Consultants will be opening in Office 7 of the Tauhara Wing of Waiora House from October 1.
Pregnancy Help, who had planned to relocate from Waiora House prior to the discovery of asbestos, are now in operation at 65 Lakewood Drive (Inspire Church), and REAL Youth Mental Health is now located at 111 Tūwharetoa Street.
All agencies can be contacted by telephone:
Taupō Citizens Advice Bureau 0800 367 222;
DHB Lactation Consultants 0800 525 372;
Pregnancy Help, see their Facebook page;
REAL Youth Mental Health 027 200 8945;
Taupo Community Food Bank 07 377 1507;
Taupo Women's Refuge Crisis Line 07 377 1055;
Waiora House Manager 07 378 0953;
Youth Service 0800 884 7782;
Tipu Ora 0800 348 2400.
For more information on asbestos or health related issues please contact Taupo District Council Environmental Health Officers Shane Hancock or Bryan Brett on 0800 275 832 or Toi Te Ora Public Health Service, phone 0800 221 555.
September 27 2018
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa NairneHead of Communications and Customer Relations 07 376 0762 027 839 8410