Asbestos Testing Services

Seattle, Washington, July 16, 2024

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) recently announced that an asbestos removal company in the state had been fined for allegedly exposing workers and homeowners to hazardous conditions on more than one occasion. L&I shared it had inspected two jobsites and found dozens of violations.

According to the Washington Department of Labor & Industries:

In both cases, L&I ordered the company to stop work until the problems were corrected. Between the two inspections, the agency found more than 35 willful health and safety violations and issued fines of more than $790,000. Violations are considered “willful” when the company knew or should have known the requirements, but still failed to meet them.

Contractors involved with construction or demolition projects are required to follow regulations that mandate the safe handling and disposal of materials that contain asbestos. This is due to the fact that exposure to asbestos is a well-known health hazard that can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Companies that fail to follow these rules are subject to costly fines and penalties.

“In this case, L&I announced it had started the process of revoking the company’s certification to do asbestos work in the state,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To help contractors and construction companies comply with health and safety regulations, EMSL has an asbestos testing laboratory in Washington and dozens more across North America that provide asbestos testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, air scrubbers and personal protective equipment. These services and resources can be instrumental in helping contractors identify asbestos-containing materials, and for assessing air and dust samples to ensure asbestos hazards are not generated that could harm workers, the public and future building occupant. Testing can also be an important part of helping companies comply with health and safety regulations to avoid noncompliance issues.”

To learn more about asbestos or other environmental, health and safety testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access test kits for asbestos or other environmental issues, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.