Two firms responsible for handling asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) have been fined by WorkSafeBC for two separate cases of failing to remove hazardous materials from Richmond sites.
Green Clover Asbestos was fined $80,000 on April 28 for repeated and “high-risk violations” involving asbestos.
According to WorkSafeBC, the firm conducted an abatement at a house that was scheduled for demolition and issued a letter that all ACMs has been contained or removed.
However, the health and safety agency confirmed that ACM was present throughout the building, on vinyl sheet flooring and duct tape.
There were also ACM waste that was improperly bagged and labelled.
“The firm failed to have a qualified person ensure and confirm in writing that all hazardous materials had been safely contained or removed,” said WorkSafeBC
The agency added that the business failed to take precautious to protect their workers and prevent the spread of asbestos dust and debris in other areas.
In a separate case, Diesel Environmental Services was fined $1,250 on May 3.
The firm issued a clearance letter that all ACMs was removed from a Richmond home prior to demolition.
WorkSafeBC conducted an inspection as the house was being demolished and ordered a stop-work order after finding ACMs still in the house.
Asbestos was found on vinyl sheet flooring, duct tape and floor mastic.
“The firm failed to safely contain or remove all hazardous materials, and failed to ensure a qualified person confirmed hazardous materials were safely contained or removed,” according to WorkSafeBC.
