NAHB has free resources available for members online at www.nahb.org/leadpaint to help remodelers prepare for when the EPA's lead paint rule takes effect in 2010.

As part of the requirements in the newly released Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has outlined detailed steps for conducting post-remodeling clean-up in targeted housing.

The EPA rule addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six square feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built before 1978 that are inhabited or frequented by pregnant women and children under the age of six.

The rule establishes required lead-safe work practices, including posting warning signs for occupants and visitors, using disposable plastic drop cloths, cleaning the work area with HEPA vacuuming and wet washing, and individual certification through a training course.

According to the EPA, post-remodeling clean-up for the home’s interior and exterior must be monitored by a certified renovator. Debris and paint chips must be collected in heavy-duty garbage bags and the drop cloths should be misted and folded inwards to prevent dust from escaping, the rule says.

For interior remodels, the surfaces also need to be cleaned using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wiped with a wet cloth. The filters should be replaced each time the vacuum fills. They will need to be replaced frequently if the dirt and debris particles are large.

After cleaning is completed, the certified renovator must conduct a visual inspection to insure that there is no lingering dust and debris, according to the rule.

After the inspection, the rule also lays out additional steps for cleaning verification of interior spaces.

The surface is wiped with a wet cloth and compared to an EPA test card. If the cloth appearance matches or is cleaner than the card, no further cleaning is needed. If the cloth is darker than the test card, the clean-up procedure needs to be repeated and then the surface retested. If the cloth is still darker than the card, the remodeler must clean once more with a dry, disposable cloth to finish the procedure, the rule says.

More details on clean-up and cleaning verification, plus other requirements of the rule, can be found on NAHB’s Web site at: www.nahb.org/leadpaint.

The EPA rule was published in the Federal Register on April 22 and will take effect in April 2010.

For more information, e-mail Matt Watkins at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8327.

  [return to top]