Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following announcement on Oct. 20.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) today announced it has fined Compass Restoration Services of Ludlow $10,000 for asbestos violations that occurred at Holyoke Medical Center. MassDEP discovered the violations while conducting a compliance inspection of asbestos abatement activities at the hospital and observed the potential release of asbestos fibers from improper management of asbestos-containing building materials.
On October 4, 2019, MassDEP personnel conducted an unannounced compliance inspection while Compass personnel were performing asbestos abatement activities in two areas of the medical center. Several violations of Massachusetts asbestos regulations were observed. Specifically, a work area at the first-floor blood-drawing laboratory was inspected and asbestos-containing material was observed stored in a hallway outside of an established containment area. Compass workers also failed to completely wet asbestos-containing materials, including floor tiles, sheet rock and joint compound, during removal in violation of the wetting requirements specified in the regulations. MassDEP also determined that Compass personnel were removing asbestos-containing floor tile from a third-floor area of the medical center, and that MassDEP had not been notified in advance of that activity as required.
“Asbestos is a known carcinogen and following required work practices is imperative to protect hospital employees, patients and visitors. Additionally, Compass failed to notify MassDEP of all areas of asbestos abatement at the hospital,” said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. “Although Compass corrected the violations on the date of inspection, MassDEP has issued this penalty for failure to fully comply with required notification and work practices.”
Compass will pay $6,500 of the assessed penalty, with the balance suspended provided Compass re-trains its personnel.
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
Original source can be found here.
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