Working with lead contractors

Beginning April 22, 2010, federal law requires that contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb more than six square feet of paint in homes, childcare facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and trained to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Contractors working with lead are required to be in a lead-safe certified company. Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. 

It is important to learn the regulations, rules, and laws pertaining to working with lead. There is plenty to learn. As a lead contractor, your work will fall under the regulation of the... 

As we explore working with lead in the following pages, you will become familiar with the types of rulings to expect as a lead contractor. 

The work carried out under the VAM programme covers three broad technical themes - chemical measurement, physical measurement and biologically based analytical measurement. LGC is the lead contractor and works together with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and Atomic Energy Authority Technology (AEAT) in delivering the VAM programme. 

Many lead abatement contractors formerly did asbestos removal work. Ask the contractor if he or she does or has done asbestos work and, if so, whether it was under a different business name. Check with the state or local agency regulating asbestos contractors to see if there are any violations on record. 

Community Resources also works with both municipalities and contractors to help individuals from low-income communities gain entrepreneurial, organizational, and craft skills needed to effectively do environmental remediation work. Finally, Community Resources trains property owners in a dozen states to protect themselves from liability, as well as protect their tenants, by maintaining property in a way that minimizes lead hazards and by keeping the needed documenting evidence. 

Any work that involves disrupting a surface with lead-based paint can create lead hazards. Specialized training is needed for a contractor to do this work safely and effectively. 

Results on the refinement of protocols for sampling analysis are forthcoming in the report on the EPA/NBS workshop on monitoring. Additional work on statistical design is also in progress to find practical ways to reduce required sample size which in turn leads to reductions in cost and more efficiency in dealing with contractor release after abatement. 

The number and severity of fabrication and installation deficiencies are also directly related to quality control efforts during construction phases of a project. For example, a review of contractor submittals, or shop drawings, usually helps assure comphance with contract documents before equipment is delivered to the job site. Site inspections during installation work may detect deficiencies in design or workmanship before they lead to operational problems and performance difficulties. In addition, specific operating and performance testing as a prerequisite to final accepfance is a key element in assuring that a system is installed properly. 

In some cases of lead poisoning, the family is legally forced to have the lead paint in the home removed. The experience of dealing with contractors and public health officials can be very stressful. Even if a home owner wants to do the right thing, he or she may be unable to do so because of financial limitations. Even if money is not a major issue, it might be very difficult to get the work you want done completed in a timely and competent manner, in spite of all of the efforts you may make. 

At least three references of parents or property owners for whom the contractor has done work similar to that you need done. In the case of an investigation into the source of lead exposure for a child with an elevated blood lead level, find one with that specific experience. 

If demolition or refurbishment is to be undertaken, then hazards associated with structural collapse, fire, working at height, lifting and carrying and electricity must be considered together with health hazards from lead, asbestos, vermin and insects. As mentioned in Chapter 10, a structural survey before work commenced should reduce the risk of unintentional structural collapse. The issue of hot work permits, provision of fire-fighting equipment and suitable storage facilities for flammable substances should control the fire risk. Health risks can be controlled, for example, by the use of licensed contractors for the removal of asbestos, specialist contractors to eradicate vermin and the provision of suitable personal protective equipment. 

Contractors who are bidding renovation and remodeling work must be particularly concerned with the risk of lead paint existing in a structnre. Fairly simple tests can be conducted to indentify the presence of lead. This is always a good investment for any contractor before a firm price for a job is committed to. 

Always hire a person with special training for correcting lead problems. You need someone who knows how to do this work safely and has the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly. Certified contractors will employ qualified workers and follow strict safety rules set by their state or the federal government. 

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