Health
Lead-Based Paint
The management of lead-based paint is two faceted. First there is the growing awareness of the risks to toddlers from paint ingestion, spearheaded by the federal government through EPA and HUD. Their programs are administered by the individual states. For EPA/HUD a lead-based paint contains at least 0.5% by weight or has a surface loading of at least 1mg/cm2.
The second facet is the protection of workers as they remove these paints, which of course falls within OSHA’s jurisdiction. OSHA’s exposure standard is not driven by the amount of lead in the paint, but rather by the amount of airborne lead in the worker’s breathing zone. Lead exposure during dry demolition of walls coated with paint containing less than 0.5% lead can exceed the OSHA 50 microgram/cubic meter Permissible Exposure Level (PEL).
A well-designed and managed lead-based paint removal project includes accurate identification of the materials involved, the appropriate performance criteria, wet removal methods, post-removal testing to verify performance and careful documentation of the work. Good lead abatement procedures mimic the well-established asbestos abatement procedures. Thorough project documentation greatly reduces the risk of litigation in the future. Disposal of the lead-containing wastes from the project also is important, because just like with any hazardous waste, ownership of this material remains with the building owner.
We are not lead-based paint specialists, we are professional engineers and industrial hygienists who provide comprehensive consulting services on a variety of projects, including lead-based paint abatement. From sampling and identification, to contract documents, to bid solicitation, through to final clearance air and surface sampling, we can assist with the successful completion of your project.
Lead-Based Paint Evaluation and Management Client List
- Casteel Construction CompanySouth Bend, IN
- Larson-Damelson Construction Co. LaPorte, IN
- Michigan City Area Schools Michigan City, IN
- The Troyer Group Mishawaka, IN
- Community and Economic Development ComissionSouth Bend, IN