A state investigator made an unexpected visit on Tuesday to Hillman HealthCare Clinic, Tulare, where an asbestos removal project is ongoing. Patients are still coming to the hospital. After almost 2 hours, he said that everything was in line and there were no violations at all. Ted Phipps, Tulare County’s principal projects manager, said the inspector was satisfied in the way the work was being carried out. The hospital building was constructed before the 1930 when asbestos was a very popular building material. There were asbestos-containing tiles in the building. “The inspector found the work site to be totally safe and sound,” Phipps said. The surprise inspection was a part of a current complaint-initiated investigation made by the California OSHA (Occupational Safety Health Administration), according to spokeswoman Erika Monterroza. She was not ready to reveal who did complain or when that complaint got filed. Due to the complaint, the employees of the county were offere d checkups such as chest X-rays, according to county spokesman Jed Chernabaeff. “A concern had been expressed, and therefore the protocol naturally followed,” he said. Asbestos abatement is the initial phase of a renovation project at the historic hospital building in Tulare. The old, 50000 sq. ft. structure is going to get latest carpet and fresh paint, in addition to reconfigured cubicles. The estimated cost for the remodeling is $167,000, excluding the $70,000 expense for asbestos removal. Asbestos abatement is a very expensive project. However, it is a must before the demolition or renovation of any building containing the substance. The reason is that asbestos can be hazardous if it is disturbed or broken during the remodeling or demolition work. That will cause asbestos fibers to be released into the air. Exposure to these fibers could result in severe respiratory problems and deadly diseases such as cancer. Asbestos-related diseases usually take decades to show their symptoms. But, once appeared, they don’t allow victims to live long. Mesothelioma, a rare but incurable cancer, is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. Around 25 employees of Health & Human Services Administration in Tulare County were shifted 2 weeks back for next 12-16 weeks The Regional Medical Center, Tulare, has been notified on Monday regarding the asbestos abatement project which started on 13th August. The medical center is very close to the asbestos removal site.
