As of April 22, 2010, any company performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb painted surfaces in residences, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be EPA RRP certified and must follow specific “lead safe work practices” to prevent lead contamination. The certification requirement was delayed until October 1, 2010.
The EPA RPP rule applies when more than 6 square feet of painted surfaces per room, or 20 square feet of exterior painted surfaces will be “disturbed”.
LEAD SAFE WORK PRACTICES ENTAIL:
- Containing the work area
- Using wet methods
- Performing cleanup with HEPA vacuum and washing
- Passing a clearance test
In California, workers must assume that painted surfaces in all structures built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. The only people who can test for lead-based paint in California are CADPH Certified lead inspector/assessors. If painted surfaces test negative for lead, the EPA RRP Rule requirements no longer apply
INTERIOR COMPONENTS GENERALLY TEST NEGATIVE FOR LEAD PAINT
We have tested thousands of single family residences and apartment buildings for lead based paint. Based on this experience, we notice patterns depending on the residence’s age. Homes built in the 1960’s and 1970’s always test negative. Homes built in the 1950’s test negative over 85%. Interior painted components dating before WWII test lead positive at least 25%. Exterior wood painted components built before 1955 are more likely to test positive.
SAVE MONEY
If components test negative for LBP, the RRP regulation does not apply. A contractor will save time and money by avoiding the RRP requirements of: setting up containment, posting signs, using lead safe work practices, performing clearance testing, storing records, and disposing of lead waste. This is turn will save the property owner money.
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RRP RULE
According to Remodeling Magazine April 2010, ” The RRP rule will raise costs 5% to 15%. The EPA didn’t help its PR campaign when it announced that increased cost for extra work required by RRP would average about $35. The poly alone costs that much. While costs will vary depending on the work and a company’s current dust-protection practices, we estimate an increase of $500 to $1,200 or more to the price of a typical $15,000 bathroom job.”
LEAD PAINT TESTING
Lead Tech Environmental specializes in residential LBP testing. Lead Tech Environmental has been in business for 15 years performing residential LBP and asbestos inspections. Lead Tech Environmental currently works with over 25 City and County housing and economic development departments in Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties. We utilize two XRF machines to test for LBP. All of our inspectors are California certified. The testing is non destructive, and the results are instantaneous.
RRP LEAD SCREENING REPORT
Lead Tech Evironmental drafts a simple to read, 2-3 page report stating our findings. We can email you the report within 24-48 hours of performing the inspection. We can also you with lead testing results within minutes of completing the LBP screening.