Two Washington asbestos removal contractors are facing a combined $800,000 in fines from the Department of Labor & Industries for “knowingly and repeatedly” exposing employees and the public to hazardous conditions.
Above and Beyond Asbestos Removal LLC of Edmonds faces fines for more than a dozen asbestos safety violations related to work at homes in Bothell and Burien, while 4 Aces Restoration LLC of Des Moines is being cited for several safety issues at homes around King County.
L&I decertified Above and Beyond in 2018, but the contractor continued to bid on and perform asbestos abatement projects. The recent fines are in connection with two separate June 2021 inspections, according to L&I.
Inspectors reportedly observed an employee of Above and Beyond removing a popcorn ceiling in a Bothell home. When informed of the contractor’s license suspension, they reportedly left without arranging to clean up debris that L&I confirmed contained asbestos. There were no HEPA vacuums or wetting agents, no asbestos bags, no asbestos warning signs, and the home HVAC system was on and running, according to L&I.
At a Burien home, investigators reportedly found the son of Above and Beyond’s owner removing flooring that contained asbestos. The son, who like his father, is reportedly not certified for asbestos abatement, said he was unaware the company was decertified and unfamiliar with air monitoring and containment requirements.
In total, Above and Beyond was fined $575,000 and cited for 13 willful serious violations for intentional disregard of asbestos regulations and continuing to pursue and complete abatement work without certification or a contractor’s license.
At job sites in Normandy Park, Bellevue, and Seattle, 4 Aces Restoration reportedly had no machine to filter asbestos dust from the air and did not have the required decontamination shower. They also reportedly didn’t have a compressor on site, which is required to operate respirators for workers.
4 Aces Restoration has been inspected by L&I more than a dozen times since 2016. The company owner was reportedly cited for the same respirator violation in 2018.
As a result of the three recent inspections, L&I imposed 10 willful serious citations and $227,439 in fines. The company has appealed.
Topics Washington
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