Lead Safe Work Practices

Renovate, Repair and Painting (RRP)  If you are a homeowner performing renovation, repair, or painting work in your own home, EPA's RRP rule does not cover your project.  If you are a homeowner HIRING a contractor, they must be must be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices.  You have the ultimate responsibility for the safety of your family or children in your care.  If you are living in a pre-1978 home and planning to do painting or repairs, please read a copy of EPA's Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) lead hazard information pamphletRenovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF)

Follow Lead Safe Work Practices There are four components of safe work practices: 1. Occupant Protection 2. Worksite Preparation and Containment 3. Prohibited Methods 4. Worksite Cleanup

1. Occupant Protection Appropriate actions must be taken to protect occupants from lead-based paint hazards associated with Lead Hazard Reduction, paint stabilization, maintenance, or rehabilitation activities.  Occupants may not enter the worksite during Lead Hazard Reduction activities.  Occupants must be temporarily relocated to a suitable unit that is decent, safe, and sanitary and free of lead-based paint hazards during Lead Hazard Reduction activity. There are circumstances when occupant relocation is not required.circumstances when occupant relocation is not required  Property owners must protect occupants' belongings from lead contamination by relocating, covering or sealing them, and securing the worksite against entry during non-work hours.

2. Worksite Preparation and Containment The worksite must be prepared to prevent the release of leaded dust and debris.  Use practices to minimize the spread of lead dust, paint chips, soil, and debris.  Place warning signs at each entry where Lead Hazard Reduction activities are conducted when occupants are present. The signs are required at the main and secondary entrance to a building, and at exterior worksites signs must be readable from 20 feet.

3. Prohibited Methods There are some methods that may not be used at any time to remove paint that is or may be lead-based paint.  Open flame burning or torching.  Machine sanding/grinding without containment (i.e. HEPA).  Abrasive blasting or sandblasting without HEPA local exhaust control.  Heat guns operating above 1100 degrees F  Dry sanding or dry scraping.  Paint stripping in poorly ventilated space using a volatile stripper that is a hazardous substance.

4. Worksite Cleanup  Worksite cleanup removes dust and debris from the work area.  Good cleanup is critical to passing clearance and leaving the unit safe for habitation.clearance  Worksite cleanup must be done using methods, products and devices that are successful in cleaning lead- contaminated dust, such as vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters and household or lead-specific detergents.

EPA Requirements  EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices.  Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.  For additional information, log on the to the EPA website

Report Unsafe Lead Work Practices San Mateo County Environmental Health Services Division 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite 100 San Mateo, Ca (650)