Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 17, 1993 TAG: 9311170175
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Insulation Specialities Inc. of Hopewell has been charged with six violations of the standards for protecting workers and others from harmful exposure to asbestos.
State inspectors checked on the asbestos removal after workers complained that they were exposed to asbestos and to other safety hazards.
The state Occupational Safety and Health Enforcement agency has cited Insulation Specialities for three "serious" violations and imposed a $4,000 fine for each:
The company did not maintain an enclosed area where asbestos was being removed. There were openings in the floor and ceiling, and windows were left open, allowing asbestos fibers to travel between floors and outside.
The personal sampling pump was found sitting on an electrical box inside the regulated area during an inspection. The pump is supposed to be worn by an employee while in the working area to monitor exposure to asbestos.
The company did not ensure that workers in areas where airborne asbestos were present were prevented from smoking. Smoking increases the chances for asbestos getting into the lungs.
Bowen Hyatt, president of Insulation Specialities, said Tuesday the company will contest the citations.
"We don't think they are accurate and we will fight them," Hyatt said.
There is a two-step appeal process. In the first step, the company presents its side of the case and tries to persuade state officials to drop the citations.
If the state refuses to suspend its findings and fines, the company can take the case to court.
Hyatt said he is prepared to do that.
The enforcement agency, which is part the state Department of Labor and Industry, also fined the company $160 for using extension cords that were improperly connected.
There were citations for two additional violations, but no fines were imposed:
Failing to have fire extinguishers at the site. There were no fire extinguishers observed in the area around where a cutting torch was being used to remove asbestos-covered piping, state inspectors said.
Using equipment without gauges in proper working condition. A cutting torch did not have a working gauge, and a gauge on a fuel tank was missing the glass cover plate.
Several workers have charged they were fired because they took their safety concerns to the state.
Lisa Altizer, one of the workers, has said she was exposed to asbestos.
"The working conditions are not good there," she said. "It is a bad situation and we felt that something should be done."
Altizer said she took a bad fall on the job because there was water on steps.
She could not be reached for comment Tuesday on the state's findings and fines.
Hyatt said he doesn't understand why the workers complained to the state. He said they seemed to be more interested in complaining to state officials than in trying to make sure they complied with the regulations.
by CNB