On April 22, 2008, the EPA published the final rule: Lead; Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP), Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet: Notice of Availability; Final Rule, 40 CFR Part 745. This rule requires workers performing lead renovations be trained in using lead-safe practices and requires firms contracting in these fields to be EPA certified and have at least one certified renovator in charge on jobsites. On April 22, 2010, these requirements took effect. State or local requirements can be more stringent than the federal requirements, and if approved by the federal EPA, must be followed in the respective states. As of April 22, 2010, only 6 states had adopted their own programs approved by the federal EPA. To see the current state programs that have been authorized by the EPA click here.
The federal government banned lead-based paint (LBP) from housing in 1978. If a home was built before 1978, it is likely that the home contains lead-based paint. The 2008 rule requires contractors working in homes built prior to 1978 and in child-occupied facilities, to take proper precautions to be lead-safe, this includes minimizing dust, containing the work area and conducting a thorough cleanup to reduce the potential exposure associated with disturbing lead-based paint.
There are some differences between the EPA RRP rule and the HUD lead safe housing rule (LSHR). The first step in any renovation job where lead is involved is to determine whether the renovation falls under EPA or HUD guidelines, as they use different methods of testing and follow different work practices. EPA-recognized test kits cannot be used to identify if existing paint is not lead based paint (LBP). Only a certified LBP inspector or risk assessor may determine whether LBP is present. The LSHR also requires clearance examinations completed by an independent party, instead of the certified renovator's cleaning verification procedure. All housing receiving federal assistance must comply with the lead safe housing rule under the HUD guidelines.
Educate
The first requirement for both EPA and HUD regulations is education. This should be done by providing a copy of the Renovate Right pamphlet to the owner and residents with a signature requirement to the last page of the pamphlet as documentation that this step was completed no more than 60 days prior to the beginning of renovation. This pamphlet can be found and printed from the EPA lead standard website in both English and Spanish. When working in child-occupied facilities, such as a daycare facility, parents or guardians also need to be notified by posting, the description of the work to be done, location of renovation and the work start and end dates, along with a copy of Renovate Right pamphlet as well as information on how to obtain a copy from the EPA website to be located in a common area.
Obtain a copy of the deed or other legal document that provides the date of when the structure was built. This will indicate if the structure was built prior to the 1978 year date. If working on an addition, obtain copy of original work permit to provide date of the addition. If either were after 1978, the EPA lead standard does not apply. For structures built prior to 1978, it can be assumed that there will be LBP present and work using the lead-safe practices should begin.
If you are not required to follow the HUD-LSHR, and you are in a state that allows use of test kits as an indicator of LBP, an EPA recognized test kit can be used by the certified renovator to determine if LBP is present and whether the lead-safe practices must be followed. If a test kit is used to become exempt from the rule, a report must be provided to the client within 30 days of work completion, which under the federal lead hazard disclosure law, any owner of the property who receives this report from a renovator must disclose the results—positive or negative—to future buyers and future tenants.
Two other test methods for lead detection are also acceptable, but they must be completed by a certified lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor. These results can be obtained by either x-ray fluorescence testing (requires additional certification and licensing) or paint-chip collection analyzed by a National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP).
The EPA currently recognizes the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) as accrediting organizations for the NLLAP. A current list of NLLAP laboratories can be obtained from the monthly NLLAP list (PDF) or by calling the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
Containment of lead, lead-containing particles, lead dust, etc. is required and varies from basic plastic sheeting floor covering, to completely enclosed work areas. Requirements are different for interior and exterior work. Containment uses temporary barriers to isolate work areas so that debris and dust cannot escape and contaminate other areas. This not only protects the occupants of the residence or facility, but the workers as well. Lead containment also limits the area that needs to be cleaned up after work is complete.
Before renovation can begin, a warning sign must be posted at every entrance to the work area. Signs must remain in place and be readable at all times during the renovation, cleaning and verification. Once verification is completed, the sign can then be removed. Signs should be in the primary language of the occupants and should say, "Do Not Enter – Authorized Personnel Only" and "No Eating, Drinking Or Smoking." Information can be on separate signs and posted together, or all on one sign, but readable from 20 feet. Exterior renovations should also include an additional perimeter barrier by using either rope or barricade tape to restrict access.
EPA lead standard prohibits 3 work practices
HUD prohibits 6 work practices. These include EPA's 3 prohibited work practices plus:
State plans may have additions to the prohibited practices that must also be followed in those states, for example Wisconsin also prohibits:
If you anticipate working out of state, remember that many states require you complete their training prior to work. It is a good idea to check state codes or requirements for lead renovation and remediation before you begin work.
Respirators – Particulate respirators to protect from inhalation of lead dusts should be worn. Respirable lead requires a NIOSH approved N100, R100 or P100. Particulate respirators will not provide protection from chemical vapors released from paints, finishes, thinners or strippers (Quick Tips #141: Particulate Respirators, 42 CFR Part 84). If disposable respirators are worn, you are then also required to comply with OSHA by establishing a respiratory program, which will include but is not limited to fit testing and a medical evaluation questionnaire. For more information see
Safety glasses/goggles – Like any variation in construction, safety glasses should be worn to protect eyes from flying debris. For fine dust environments, indirect vented goggles provide better protection. Disposable coveralls, shoe covers, gloves and painters cap are not required, but they protect the worker's personal clothing from becoming contaminated and tracking from lead dust back to their personal vehicles, homes and families.
HEPA – Use a properly working HEPA vacuum to clean area from top to bottom.
WASH with a damp cloth to trap and remove any remaining dust.
HEPA – Re-vacuum entire area top to bottom (required only by HUD).
Keep dust from getting back into cleaned area using top to bottom, back-your-way-out method. Clean the floor last. Do not re-enter an area that has already been cleaned. Clean all surfaces, vertical and horizontal, including door tops, window sills, walls and all molding. Wipe down all tools.
A visual inspection must be conducted by a Certified Renovator. Once cleaning is complete, visual inspection for dust and debris must be completed in good lighting conditions. If there are no visible signs of dust in the work area or 2 feet beyond work area, verification is then considered complete.
Using a white, wet wipe, wipe down the entire surface of all window sills using a single wipe per sill. Wipe down all floors and counter surfaces with a maximum of 40 square foot per wipe. Compare all wipes to the cleaning verification card. If the wipe matches color or is lighter than the verification card, then the area has been adequately cleaned. Results can be documented (digital photo is suggested), and warning signs can then be removed and job is complete. If color of wipe is darker than verification card, then area must be re-cleaned. Wait one hour or until all surfaces have completely dried, wipe down entire area with an electrostatic-charged, white cleaning cloth. Once this step has been completed, cleaning verification is now considered complete and warning signs can now be removed.
On site requires a copy of the blue certification card and copy of all workers' training records during the entire renovation, cleaning and verification.
After work is complete you must retain records for a minimum of three years. Records should include, but are not limited to:
Testing
Set It Up Safely
Personal Protective Equipment
Verification
Minimize the Dust
Cleaning Up
EPA information on the RRP Rule
http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm
The Lead-Safe Housing Rule
http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/enforcement/lshr.cfm
http://www.rrprenovatortraining.com/training/images/HowtoSafelyChangeaLeadContaminatedHEPA.PDF
http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/enforcement/lshr_rrp_changes.cfm
The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.
SIGN UP FOR EMAIL
Get more great content like this sent to your inbox.