If it is determined that there is the presence of lead paint in your home in an area you intend to have work preformed (garage included) here is bried rundown of the containment system we have to perform. As an added note, “containment and abatement are two separate processes” You can hire a lead paint abatement firm to have all the lead paint removed from your home which is very costly. Containment on the other hand will only address the area of interest that is to be modified or renovated.
The first thing we are required to do is make sure you have read the EPA’s information packet prior to the start of any work. The packet contains all the information a home owner needs to know prior to work being done in a lead paint zone.
The execution is step two, which involves isolating the work area through the erection of a plastic containment barrier to the room and posting signs. Proper isolation is key to keeping the rest of your house lead paint dust free, during the renovation process and is central to the EPA’s policy regarding the containment of lead paint dust. Depending where the work is being done, an outside barrier may need to be established to protect your neighbors, pets and animals.
Exterior signs will also be posted to inform people of what type of work is being done. Once the area is properly sealed off, we will enter the containment zone wearing an EPA approved tyvek suit with a respirator and latex gloves. A special HEPA vacuum will be used to collect dust and debris during the removal process of a door or window. All material removed will be wrapped and sealed in heavy duty plastic.
The EPA allows the removed and properly sealed material to be disposed of in the same manner as home renovation debris, meaning no special truck or dumping facility is required to dispose. Once the material is removed from the area, the exposed surfaces need to be wiped down with SwifterTM or similar type products. Once the zone has been thoroughly cleaned we are required to verify with a special test kit to determine if the area is lead paint dust free.
For large areas like an old garage door that was coated with lead paint both the inside and outside of the garage need to have containment zones. Keep in mind that the goal is to keep the work zone contained and to not allow the dust to become airborne which can be especially hazardous to pets and children. If you have any questions about this new law may affect your next renovation project please contact me! I look forward to talking to you.
Mike Donovan
President
508-318-8793
miked@worcesterdoor.com
