Acadisafe

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Certified Asbestos Inspectors Plead Guilty to Lying About Asbestos on Site

Staten Island NY - State Certified Asbestos inspectors for the Mount Manresa project pled guilty to lying about asbestos in buildings developer wanted to demolish and will lose their licenses, the Richmond County District Attorney's Office Staten Island NY said.

Gaspare Santoro, 76, and his son Paul Santoro, 38, pled guilty to filing a false asbestos report claiming buildings on the site were free of asbestos containing material despite having lab reports finding asbestos in building materials at the site they were hired to inspect. The Santoros were hired by Mount Manresa developers, the Savo Brothers, to certify the buildings on the site - including the former retreat house's dining hall and caretaker's residents - were free of asbestos so they could get the OK to demolish the historic buildings.

They later told police they didn't even test pipe insulation at Building 1A, the Caretaker's House, even though they both knew asbestos would likely be found inside, prosecutors said. Later testing by the city found asbestos in the pipe insulation. Aside from Mount Manresa, the Santoros also certified that three private homes and a commercial property at 4491 Amboy Rd. had no asbestos despite knowing they did contain asbestos, prosecutors said.

"By willfully falsifying asbestos reports from the Mt. Manresa site, the Santoros showed blatant disregard for public health, including construction workers and neighboring residents," "While today’s outcome, which includes the forfeiture of the Santoros’ engineering and asbestos investigator licenses, will not undo the actions of the developers at Mt. Manresa, it will prevent these individuals from ever again committing these crimes." District Attorney Michael McMahon said in an official statement.

"These men had a professional, ethical, and legal responsibility to accurately report the presence of toxic asbestos at the former Mount Manresa site and seven other locations where they had been contracted to conduct such inspections," "Instead, they falsified their reports and lied about the presence of asbestos, a deadly substance that has been known to cause cancer. Their callous actions put the health of the public, several homeowners and other construction workers at risk, and that will not go unchecked." Acting District Attorney Daniel Master Jr. said in a statement.

"We are not talking about people who lied on paperwork, we are talking about people who put New Yorkers at risk," said Mark Peters, commissioner of the Department of Investigations, which helped with the investigation.

"The actions of these men violated the communities trust, and put many residents in Fort Wadsworth at possible risk," District Attorney Dan Donovan said.

Under the plea, the Gaspare Santoro was stripped of his engineering and asbestos inspector and asbestos investigator licenses and Paul Santoro surrendered his asbestos inspector and asbestos investigator licenses.

If either of them try to work in the asbestos fields in the future, they will both face up to four years in prison, District Attorney McMahon said.

After the Department of Environmental Protection found traces of asbestos in the demolished building, work was temporarily halted on the site and the agency issued $67,000 in fines to the developers, contractors and Santoros for filing the false paperwork.

The action by the Staten Island DA office and the Department of Environmental Protection against Gaspare Santoro, 76, and his son Paul Santoro, 38 doesn’t protected them from the Federal Government EPA Region 2 from going after them for violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) which is 10K a day and up to 15 years in Federal Prison.

Johnson & Johnson was ordered by a U.S. jury to pay $55 million to a woman who said that using the company's talcum powder products for feminine hygiene caused her to develop ovarian cancer.

The verdict, which Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal, was the second straight trial loss for the Johnson & Johnson, which is facing about 1,200 lawsuits accusing it of not adequately warning consumers about its talc-based products cancer risk. Essentially, the raw talcum was mined from the ground with layers of asbestos (a known human carcinogen) running through it; and all of it was ground into fine dust, bottled and sold.

So far, bottles of talcum powder AKA baby powder have been found to contain considerable amount of asbestos because it is hard to separate asbestos from the talcum since these are naturally occurring minerals (rock) mined from the ground. This is not the first of these cases, nor brands, and certainly won't be the last one either sold with asbestos contamination found in it. Johnson & Johnson spokesperson is correct to state that talcum powder is not cancer causing based on medical research, but if the talcum powder that contains any amount of asbestos it could cause cancer. Do you notice they are not using the “A” word in the reporting or statements?

In this picture, you'll see asbestos...approximately 80 pounds each bale. These were found in the garage of a home being sold not that long ago see the time stamp on the picture below.

A fellow lived there previously applied stucco surfaces to the outside of homes in areas he serviced as a contractor.

These bales of asbestos were left behind for the next homeowner, I guess as a house warming gift ;)

A DOSH registered abatement contractor had to contain the garage using certified HEPA air filtration and maintaining negative pressure using manometer to record 4 (ACH) air changes every hour at negative pressure of -0.02 inches of water column (WC) clean up using amended water AKA as surfactant like Fiberlock’s Penewet to keep the friable asbestos adequately wet as required by EPA/NESHAPS regulations, package in clear bags with proper OSHA, DTSC, DOT, EPA and NESHAP labels, manifest and dispose of this asbestos containing waste at a regulated landfill that accept the RACM / ACWM waste.

Makes you wonder how many homes in this contractors market area has asbestos in the stucco?

We just completed two classes 1) RRP Initial Lead 8 hour 2) AHERA Contractor Supervisor Refresher 8 hour at New Northern CA Training Location visit our Yelp Page to post a review or picture.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/acadisafe-campbell?uid=U9WSyenYX3ddh9Mjjw2NMQ&utm_source=ashare&utm_campaign=direct_share&ref=yelp-android

Acadisafe - Campbell, CA Specialty Schools in Campbell, CA

Just finished an EPA RRP Inital 8 hour for Arizona Exterminators part of the Western Exterminator Family of Companies. A wonderful group that was engaged and educated on the Hazards of Lead-Based Paint and How to Work Lead Safe.

We just completed an EPA RRP Initial 8 Hour Lead Certified Renovator Training for two SF Bay Area / Silicon Valley Abatement Companies JWH-ARS (Campbell) and Quality Asbestos Control (Union City) This Full Day of Learning about How to Work Lead Safe on Pre-1978 Target Homes and Child Occupied Facilities.

Just finished an OSHA Asbestos Class III 16 hour Inital Training for Jacot Plumbing out of Garden Grove CA on Feb 25 & 26 2017. Great Group of Plumbers that learned the Do's and Do Not's when Working Around ACM, ACCM, PACM & RACM (Asbestos or Suspect Asbestos) we spoke about Lead & Mold briefly (from an exposure standpoint) I gave them a 50 question exam only given to 32 hour AHERA asbestos workers class and they smoked the exam. I did this to challenge what they learned over these two days and myself on being able to deliver this required training material so a regular Contractor (non-abatement contractor) could understand and apply this information to their day-to-day business operations "Mission Accomplished"

In Beautiful Reno / Carson City NV teaching Asbestos Contractor Supervisor Refresher class for another great group of hard working highly skilled technicians that keep our natural gas infrastructure safe and in good condition at Southwest Gas. I taught this class last year and was blessed to be invited back to teach this required annual refresher.

Hazwoper 8 Hr Refresher Training for the crew at ECG Signal Hill CA Feb 11th 2017.

I was asked to teach the Asbestos Contractor Supervisor Refresher for a Great Group of Gentlemen at Los Angeles Department of Water and Power - LADWP.

Most of these Men were Veterans of the Asbestos and TSI Insulation Industry going back to the 1970's.

It was a Tall Task to give an Annual Required 8 hour Asbestos C/S Refresher because on average these LADWP students have over 25 refreshers under their belts going back to 1988.

My goal for all trainings that am very fortunate to give is to Encourage the Correct Industry Knowledge my students have and to remind them of what they may have forgot.

Well I just reviewed the course evaluation from my students. The manager who was one of the most Experience said the this C/S/R was the Best Refresher he has ever attended and it was Educational and Entertaining.

My goal was accomplished, plus he was unaware of PAPR brand with Stack Filter options that presented during the respiratory portion of the training. He has needed this solution for his crews at DWP for many years and was surprised that this was not a new product by this major vendor.

This is were I start the standard push and pull to engage my students and it's so important to know your audience you are teaching which help me ask them questions about what they do and what they encounter day to day.

Being a 32 year veteran of the Asbestos Industry and getting my start in 1984 as Asbestos Abatement Worker and Union TSI Insulation I spoke the language, understand the worked and challenges they face.

Englewood Hospital battling lead contaminated water Englewood Hospital is facing a different kind of emergency Tuesday night: lead contamination in its water.

OSHA 10 Hour Construction Safety Training with a Great Group at Apex Contracting and Restoration, Inc. in Beautiful San Diego CA.

Asbestos Contractor Supervisor Refresher Class for Alliance Environmental Group, Western Roofing, Quality Asbestos Control and Central Valley Environmental. They were Engaged, Entertained and Let the Class Refreshed.

Wes Howell demonstrating the Donning and Doffing of Personal Protection Equipment i.e. Tyvek Suit at our last EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting 8 hour Inital Training Class in Campbell CA Training Facility for 2016. We will being offing a full line of Asbestos, Lead and Mold certification trainings starting after the New Year.

We just finished teaching an OSHA 10 hour Construction Safety to a Great Group at ECG in Signal Hill, CA. Some will continue on to the OSHA 30 hour training next week to earn their Federal Safety Certification. Do you need OSHA10 hour or 30 hour Certification? Contact us at 714-379-SAFE for a customized class at your location or ours.

So just picked up our new license plates for the Chevy HHR Panel formerly the E-R-T-MOBILE which will be rebranded soon with new colors so stay tuned...

EPA - RRP Violations NEWS - The following is a list of 4 State of California Licensed Contractors that were fined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Region 9 (San Francisco). These contractors have been fined in total $184,564.00. Please, keep in mind that these fines have been lowered from the original amounts, which start at $37,500.00 per violation per day, this can add up fast. Negotiation of fine amounts take time and money and generally will require the help of outside legal aid or compliance consultant which also costs additional money so imagine these fine amounts in addition to the process undertaken to get them down from the original amount. I have taught the EPA Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) Certification Training since December of 2009 and have taught Contractors from Seattle, Washington to San Diego, California and most points in-between. I have always taught in my class that “it is cheaper to comply than to not comply with this regulation”. The EPA regulation does have teeth and the following examples below are just the most recent Q4 of 2016. I have also added the big box retailer Sear’s Home improvement which the EPA fined $400.000.00 because of the complaints involving 33 cities throughout the United States. What is important to note is that 26 of these cities were in California. So, if we add these fine totals as well the amount is well over half of a million dollars in violations that could have easily been avoided.
1) Failed to make sure that a Certified Renovator was assigned to projects, 2) Failure to become a Certified Firm, 3) Failure to maintain Required Records, and 4) Failed to Educate Homeowner or Tenant with Renovate Right Brochure. I have had three former RRP students of mine call me right away when EPA Region 9 and Region 10 contacted them to do an Audit which is the main enforcement tool the EPA uses to locate and potentially fine contractors for non-compliance with this regulation. All that took the EPA RRP certified training from me and additionally contacted me for guidance were not fined by the EPA after the audit was finalized, which can take up to 6 months from start to finish. Why is this may you ask? Simply because I teach what is not taught and walk all my students through the EPA audit process in-depth to drive home what the EPA is looking for if you do receive that call. It is not just contractors that get audited by EPA, I have also been audited by EPA as an authorized training provider and accredited principal instructor so I know the process very well from personal experience. Call today for an EPA RRP Initial 8-hour or RRP Refresher 4-hour Certification Training Course near you at 800-378-9300.

1) Blue Mountain Construction Services Vacaville CA CSLB # 398668 $51,000.00

2) CAL BATH, San Jose, and Santa Ana CA Contractor CSLB # 916930 Fined $46,550.00

3) Everlast Home Energy Solutions Santa Ana CA Contractor CSLB # 863398 Fined $28,564.00

4) Clearview Home Energy Solutions Anaheim CA Contractor CSLB # 838720 Fined $58,450.00

5) Sears Home Improvement Products Longwood, FL HQ - Fined $400,000 based on complaints involving 33 cities and 26 of these cities were in California. – Note: Sears was GC for smaller contractors so ultimately, they were ultimately responsible for non-compliance of their subcontractors doing this work.

This Day (Yesterday) in History: it was December 2, 1970: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an agency of the U.S. Federal Government which was Created for the Purpose of Protecting Human Health and the Environment by Writing and Enforcing Regulations based on Laws passed by Congress. The EPA was proposed by President Richard Nixon and began operation on December 2, 1970, after Nixon signed an Executive Order. The order establishing the EPA was ratified by committee hearings in the House and Senate. The agency is led by its Administrator, who is appointed by the president and approved by Congress. The EPA is not a Cabinet department, but the administrator is normally given cabinet rank.

The EPA has its headquarters in Washington, D.C., regional offices for each of the agency’s ten regions, and 27 laboratories. The agency conducts environmental assessment, research, and education. It has the responsibility of maintaining and enforcing national standards under a variety of environmental laws, in consultation with state, tribal, and local governments. It delegates some permitting, monitoring, and enforcement responsibility to U.S. states and Native American tribes. EPA enforcement powers include fines, sanctions, and other measures. The agency also works with industries and all levels of government in a wide variety of voluntary pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts.

Asbestos from China sold on Amazon as Green Tea... See link below.

https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Chinese-medicine-actinolite-collocation/dp/B01KOOZY9I/ref=sr_1_15_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1480101232&sr=8-15&keywords=Yang+Shi+Yang

Just finished my second television interview with KRON 4 San Francisco CA talking about potential exposure to Asbestos a known Carcinogen, Lead a known Neurotoxin, and Mold a known Mycotoxin and the Negative Health Effects and how to take samples to detect Hazards in and around your Home or Facility.

The following is a list of 4 contractors located within the State of California that were fined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Region 9 (San Francisco). These contractors have been fined in total $184,564.00. Please, keep in mind that these fines have been lowered from the originally fined amounts, which start at $37,500.00 per violation per day, this can add up fast. Negotiation of fine amounts take time and money and generally must have the help of outside legal consultants which also costs you added $$$ so imagine these fine amounts in addition to the process undertaken to get them down from the original amount. I have taught the EPA Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) Certification Training since December of 2009 and have taught from Seattle, Washington to San Diego, California and most points in-between. I have always taught in my class that “it is cheaper to comply than to not comply with this regulation”. The EPA regulation does have teeth and the following examples below are just the most recent Q4 of 2016. I have also added the big box retailer Sear’s Home improvement which the EPA fined $400.000.00 because of the complaints involving 33 cities throughout the United States. What is important to note is that 26 of these cities were in California. So, if we add these fine totals as well the amount is well over half of a million dollars in violations that could have easily been avoided.
1) Failed to make sure that a Certified Renovator was assigned to projects, 2) Failure to become a Certified Firm, 3) Failure to maintain Required Records, and 4) Failed to Educate Homeowner or Tenant with Renovate Right Brochure. I have had three former RRP students of mine call me right away when EPA Region 9 and Region 10 contacted them to do an Audit which is the main enforcement tool the EPA uses to locate and potentially fine contractors for non-compliance with this regulation. All that took the EPA RRP certified training from me and additionally contacted me for guidance were not fined by the EPA after the audit was finalized, which can take up to 6 months from start to finish. Why is this may you ask? Simply because I teach what is not taught and walk all my students through the EPA audit process in-depth to drive home what the EPA is looking for if you do receive that call. It is not just contractors that get audited by EPA, I have also been audited by EPA as an authorized training provider and accredited principal instructor so I know the process very well from personal experience. Call today for an EPA RRP Initial 8-hour or RRP Refresher 4-hour Certification Training Course near you at 800-378-9300.

1) Blue Mountain Construction Services Vacaville CA CSLB # 398668 $51,000.00

2) CAL BATH, San Jose, and Santa Ana CA Contractor CSLB # 916930 Fined $46,550.00

3) Everlast Home Energy Solutions Santa Ana CA Contractor CSLB # 863398 Fined $28,564.00

4) Clearview Home Energy Solutions Anaheim CA Contractor CSLB # 838720 Fined $58,450.00

5) Sears Home Improvement Products Longwood, FL HQ - Fined $400,000 based on complaints involving 33 cities and 26 of these cities were in California. – Note: Sears was GC for smaller contractors so ultimately, they were ultimately responsible for non-compliance of their subcontractors doing this work.

Just finished teaching a AHERA Asbestos Worker 4 day / 32 Hour Training for a Great Group of Techs with NPL a division of Southwest Gas from Las Vegas NV.

Just finished teaching Initial EPA RRP "Lead Safe Work Practices" for a Great Group of Branch I, II and III Technicians , Sales and Manager at Hayward CA Western Ext. They have been a leader in Pest Control since the 1920's and we are extremely honored to be chosen as Occupational Safety and Health Certified Trainer for them since 2010.

OSHA Class III Asbestos Awareness Training at SolarCity Hayward CA Regional Training Center OCT 17, 2016 - Great Group of PV Installers and Safety Managers.

I wonder if he is properly trained, licensed, and bonded? Would you hire this guy?

Did you know?

Any construction project that is $500 or more in combined labor and material costs requires a
state-licensed contractor. Put your mind at ease and only hire licensed contractors who have
met state standards for knowledge, experience, and business practices.

Also, if your home was built before 1978 check to make sure that your contractor is trained to implement proper work practices to contain the dust to avoid a potential lead hazard. Your preferred contractor needs to have up to date certification as an EPA Certified Renovator.

Are you refreshed?

Today found our trainers out of the office and on the road teaching the 4hr EPA RRP Certified Renovator Refresher hosted by RTSV. If you are unfamiliar with their organization please do take a moment to look them up. Not only are they a great company with great staff, what they do makes them extremely special.

Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley RTSV provides critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners at no cost to the recipient.

We're celebrating our 30th anniversary! Check out our page for ways to be involved.

I received this very nice note June 2010 from Ed Gill Manager with Western Exterminator Company. I was going through some files and came across and thought I would post.

Is it time for you to renew your EPA RRP Certification? Are you up to date about when your EPA RRP Renovator refresher needs to be completed by?

Information Provided Directly from the Environmental Protection Agency Site: (except examples)

If you took your initial training on or before March 31, 2010 the Expiration is on March 31, 2016

From April 1, 2010 - March 31, 2011 you have 6 years from the date of course completion

* April 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010 your expiration would be in 2016, so the refresher course would need to be completed before the expiration date shown on the card. For instance if I took the class on August 1, 2010 I would need to complete my refresher before August 1, 2016.

** January 1, 2011 until March 31, 2011 your expiration would be in 2017, so the refresher course would need to be completed before the expiration date shown on the card. For instance if I took the class on February 11, 2011 I would need to complete my refresher before February 11, 2017.

If you took your course on or after April 1, 2011 expiration is exactly 5 years from the date of course completion.

Please note that you MUST take the refresher course before the date of expiration, if you have not completed your refresher before it expires you are required by the US EPA to take the 8 hour initial again to gain valid certification.

Three stage decontamination system.

Today we provided an Asbestos Contractor Supervisor Refresher for the Southwest Gas Company out of Carson City, NV. It was a great group and are we are happy to report that all of our students enjoyed the course and their instructor, Gio. They have requested that he return next year to teach their refresher course again.

Teaching EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Inital 8hr and Refresher 4hr courses in Sacramento, CA on Feb 18 & 19, 2016

Asbestos 40 hour Contractor Supervisor Hands on portion at UNLV