New case of improper asbestos removal
In Middletown, NY the owner of the former Classy Leather Goods warehouse will be penalized for improper removal of asbestos. The city building inspector received a tip that workers were leaving the premises to dump bags of asbestos-containing materials.
The Labor Department’s Asbestos Control Bureau inspected the building, discovering that it was filled with asbestos. Another warehouse tenant said workers were breaking up the asbestos with sledgehammers, without wearing protective masks.
A Labor Department spokesperson stated that the property owner will be cited for failing to use a contractor certified in asbestos removal; for using workers not certified to perform asbestos removal and for completing the asbestos removal improperly.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen, often leading to mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos removal may only be done by certified workers, following proper procedures and using proper safety equipment. Visit the Times Herald Record for the complete article.
Inver Grove Heights school benefits from Asbestos removal
EnviroTech Remediation Services Inc., a company specializing in the process of asbestos abatement, was cited $13,200 for improper removal of asbestos in the Inver Grove Heights, MN school district.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) claims the material was not kept wet to prevent dust, and breakage of the materials could have created an air-borne breathing hazard. The MPCA requires notice of asbestos removal before the process is started.
In lieu of paying the fine to Minnesota’s general fund, EnviroTech chose to perform $12,000 worth of asbestos removal for the Inver Grove Heights school district, free of charge.
An EnviroTech representative states that completing the asbestos removal was a company decision. Fighting the charges would have cost the company more money, and this decision benefited the school district and the MPCA. EnviroTech safely removed 11,000 square feet of ceiling tile and 300 pipe fittings as a result of the project.
To view the entire article, visit Southwest Review News.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, or to learn more about Mesothelioma, visit Drug Alert Updates.
November 23, 2009
Tags: Mesothelioma Posted in: Asbestos
One Response
That’s great that the company decided to help the school district benefit from their mistake. It’s not too often that you see a company go out of their way to make such a huge donation of their time and funds. I’m sure IGH was greatful.
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