There was more criticism on Tuesday of the first urban search and rescue workers to arrive at the scene of the collapsed CTV building in Christchurch.
An inquest into the deaths of eight people who initially survived the collapse during the February 2011 earthquake has resumed in Christchurch.
The inquest has previously heard evidence the rescue effort slowed when urban search and rescue personnel began to take over from the volunteer rescuers.
Detective Sergeant Rex Barnett, a police officer who arrived early at the scene, on Tuesday described a frustrating meeting with Alan Edge, a contractor, and an urban search and rescue officer.
Detective Sergeant Barnett said the officer seemed preoccupied with occupational safety and health and would not use methods suggested by Mr Edge to lift concrete beams away from the building.
