If so, you need to know how to work safely with lead-based paint. Lead-safe work practices are a group of techniques that reduce the amount of dust produced by renovation activities. When used correctly, they make the work area safer for workers and the home safe for residents when renovation is complete. Following lead-safe work practices will allow you to:
-> Safely contain the work area
-> Minimize the creation of dangerous lead dust; and
-> Leave the work area clean and safe for residents after completing the job.
The EPA's Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program Rule establishes requirements for contractors and provides guidance to homeowners/occupants, so that each may learn to properly address lead-based paint hazards associated with renovation, repair and painting activities. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing RRP projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
EZ-ier Products specializes in products used to build dust barriers for contractors complying with the EPA's Lead-Safe RRP Regulations. The specialty equipment and supplies offered by EZ-ier Products support the EPA's three lead-safe procedures: containing the work area, minimizing dust and cleaning up thoroughly. EZ-ier Tape and EZ-ier Zippers allow you to build an airtight dust barrier in half the time of conventional methods. We provide high-quality and innovative solutions that help you get the job done quicker, safer and EZ-ier!
EPA's 7 Steps to Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting
(Please note these are excerpts only. To read the full version, please see the EPA's Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting.)
Step 1: Determine If the Job Involves Lead-Based Paint
If a home was built before 1978, you must either assume that lead-based paint is present or have the work area tested for lead-based paint before starting the job. Certified Renovators can use EPA-recognized chemical spot test kits to test all painted surfaces affected by the renovation.
Step 2: Set It Up Safely
When you work on a job with lead-based paint, you should separate the work area from the rest of the home. Build a dust barrier that contains harmful lead dust from spreading outside of the work area. The RRP Rule requires that the work area be protected by poly sheeting that extends a minimum of 6 feet in all directions from the location where paint will be disturbed.
TIP: Using EZ-ier Tape and Zippers allow you to build an airtight barrier that goes up fast, holds strong, and removes cleanly.
Step 3: Protect Yourself
Without the right personal protective equipment, workers may ingest or inhale lead from the job and may risk bringing lead from the worksite home to their families.
TIP: Red Serrated-Edge Tape is strong, non-porous and ideal for sealing PPE.
Step 4: Minimize the Dust
As a contractor, you play an important role in helping to prevent lead exposure. Remember that as you scrape, drill, cut, open walls, etc., you are creating dust. By using the right tools and following simple lead-safe work practices, you can minimize the dust and prevent lead hazards.
TIP: EZ-ier Clean Mats remove dust and particles as you enter and exit the containment.
Step 5: Leave the Work Area Clean
The work area should be left clean at the end of every day and especially at the end of the job. The area should be completely free of dust and debris.
Step 6: Control the Waste
Bag or wrap your waste at the work site and in the work area.
Step 7: Verify Work Completion with Cleaning Verification Procedure or Clearance
After completion of cleaning, the cleaning verification procedure is performed by wiping all dust collection surfaces in the work area with a wet, disposable cleaning cloth and comparing that cloth visually to a cleaning verification card. (Cleaning verification cards are available from the EPA by calling 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).)
Additional Resources:
To learn more about the RRP Rule, the certification process and more detailed lead-safe work practices, please see the EPA's Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting.
Contractors are required by law to give clients in pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities a copy of Renovate Right. Renovate Right explains the danger of lead-based paint and its associated hazards. You can get copies of Renovate Right by calling 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or you can download it at www.epa.gov.