QUESTION: Policy on who should remove ceiling dust from schools 27 Aug 2008 NSW, Australia

SCRAP Ltd has been working with schools for many years on various aspects of environmental education and action. Recently we have been involved installing sustainable infrastructure such as water tanks and solar panels in schools. During discussions with a number of principals it has become obvious that a critical factor in reducing greenhouse impact in schools relates to the lack of insulation in most school buildings of any significant age eg., pre-1980's. In many cases dust has been accumulating for years and we are now at pains to discover the correct approach in cleaning out these ceilings in order to insulate effectively. Various industry people have recommended vacuuming out using proper industrial scale vacs with hoses which has to be added to the overall cost of course. What is the LEAD Groups view/policy on these matters please?

Peter

ANSWER: 27 Aug 2008

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your thoughtful inquiry. I'm sorry that you seem to have been struggling to research this issue from base principles. I hope the Info Pack on ceiling dust that I have put together will answer all questions.

To answer your question about LEAD Group policy it is that ceiling dust should definitely be removed prior to insulation installation but only by a member of the Australian Dust Removalists Association (ADRA). I hope sub-contracting is a possibility in your case. Please see:  to find ADRA members' contact details.

All the best

Elizabeth O'Brien