old Fire Station on Manchester Road - Page 2

MargaretR · 27-01-2009, 21:31

I suspect that many public buildings are not a sound as they look.
When I looked after Melbourne House we had a problem with the concrete pillars which are the basis for the whole structure - think 'Ronan Point' and you will understand.
The weight on the floors holds the walls in - there were 'no go' areas where you could not place heavy filing cabinets.
These pillars are metal reinforced concrete and they were shoddily made because the bubbles were not shaken out of the concrete mix -these air bubbles contain moisture which is now rusting the metal reinforcement -it showed internally with the finding of some damp patches on the pillars.

So if Melbourne House ever becomes 'a block of luxury apartments' don't buy one

jaysay · 28-01-2009, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

I suspect that many public buildings are not a sound as they look.
When I looked after Melbourne House we had a problem with the concrete pillars which are the basis for the whole structure - think 'Ronan Point' and you will understand.
The weight on the floors holds the walls in - there were 'no go' areas where you could not place heavy filing cabinets.
These pillars are metal reinforced concrete and they were shoddily made because the bubbles were not shaken out of the concrete mix -these air bubbles contain moisture which is now rusting the metal reinforcement -it showed internally with the finding of some damp patches on the pillars.

So if Melbourne House ever becomes 'a block of luxury apartments' don't buy one

I can remember working there in the early 70s Margaret, the staff on the first floor were complaining that the heat from the boiler room was affecting their tootsies so we stuck fire retardant tiles on the concrete ceiling, was one of the worst jobs I ever had to do, wearing shorts and no shirt in the middle of winter and was still sweating my nadgers off

MargaretR · 28-01-2009, 10:49

You were exposed to asbestos - or maybe the tiles you installed were asbestos.

I took over the responsibilty for the building in mid 80s.
By then all asbestos had been removed from the cellar in a special operation.

Retlaw · 28-01-2009, 12:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

You were exposed to asbestos - or maybe the tiles you installed were asbestos.

I took over the responsibilty for the building in mid 80s.
By then all asbestos had been removed from the cellar in a special operation.

All those pipes that run in the tunnel under the front of the fire station, were covered in the old fashioned lagging, painted red, so that could be asbestos, now got me wondering about the number of times I was in that tunnel, the boilers in the police cellar were covered in the same lagging.

Retlaw.

MargaretR · 28-01-2009, 13:07

I have a friend whose husband has asbestosis which he got whilst working as a maintenance fitter for CEGB Huncoat power station. It was a long battle for compen but he eventually got it, helped by the fact that he had had no other employer and never smoked cigarettes.
There has been a recent court ruling which will help with the battle for compen
Landmark ruling for asbestos victims - Health News, Health & Wellbeing - The Independent

emamum · 28-01-2009, 13:15

is this the fire station next to the police station in accy? im still not good at street names.

emzy · 28-01-2009, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by emamum

is this the fire station next to the police station in accy? im still not good at street names.

Yes, its the building that had the big red doors on it

emamum · 28-01-2009, 13:23

shhhh......i know that it used to be a fire station, i just didnt know if there was another one somewhere else

emzy · 28-01-2009, 13:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by emamum

shhhh......i know that it used to be a fire station, i just didnt know if there was another one somewhere else

There is but its the new one near KFC and lidl lol

jaysay · 28-01-2009, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

You were exposed to asbestos - or maybe the tiles you installed were asbestos.

I took over the responsibilty for the building in mid 80s.
By then all asbestos had been removed from the cellar in a special operation.

No they weren't asbestos Margaret, I know that for sure

MargaretR · 28-01-2009, 17:31

There was asbestos lagging in the cellar at the time you worked there.
One inhaled particle of lagging accidentally disturbed can be lethal

Retlaw · 28-01-2009, 18:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

There was asbestos lagging in the cellar at the time you worked there.
One inhaled particle of lagging accidentally disturbed can be lethal

Its known as blue asbestos, long fibers like minature needles, float in air, and when inhaled can penetrate the lung wall, the little beggars can lie dormant for over 40 years. Then the other two sorts of asbestos, some are paranoid over the substances, but the one mixed with cement and made into asbestos cladding is different, the 3rd one is an asbetos mineral used in making jewelry, called Tiger Eye.

Retlaw.

Atarah · 28-01-2009, 23:32

Here is a photo which I wanted to post on Monday but didnt know how to do it. Today (Wed) three of the old doors in total have been replaced by glass.

will keep you posted.

Atarah

Atarah · 29-01-2009, 00:03

Here we can see that two windows are now installed.

Atarah

cashman · 29-01-2009, 00:23

wonder how long the glass doors will survive.