Contractor being investigated for failing to check for asbestos

Des Moines, IO - Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Bureau officials are conducting an investigation to find out if visitors and workers at a famous building in downtown Des Moines have been negligently put at risk for exposure to asbestos.

The investigation came about back in September when the Iowa Department of Natural Resources claimed that develop Bob Knapp and his firm failed to check to for the hazardous substance when they performed work at the Equitable Building. Knapp’s firm had been contracted to convert the building’s upper floors into luxury condominiums, which are now being rented out by a law firm, bookstore, insurance firm, dental office, and jewelry store.

Employees in the building had reported to the DNR that they had found asbestos insulation used in many places. The cost to remove asbestos from such a large building can be very expensive, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Knapp’s lawyer refutes the allegations and said that his client provided state officials with documents that proved his workers had followed the proper procedures to check for asbestos.

Investigators are focusing on discovering the truth whether Knapp’s crew had followed the safety guidelines and if they had been properly trained and equipped to handle the material. Legal mandates and fines may be necessary should the investigation find that Knapp’s claims are false.

Bob Knapp has been cited before. In 2000, the DNR said that he failed to inspect another building in Des Moines.

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