Many homeowners don't know that the EPA has established new regulations with regards to the removal of lead paint. Starting in April 2010, these new rules will affect homeowners with homes built anytime pre-19878.
The EPA rules about removal are pretty strict and will have to be followed by anyone working in the home including builders, painters, plumbers and electricians. Any renovation or repair work is going to be affected.
Homeowners will need to be restricted from the area, and contractors need to take extra precautions for performing the work, cleaning up, and verifying the work.
The home improvement industry is getting ready by attending classes, getting certified in government approved programs and taking on extra liability
insurance for jobs completed. Extra care needs to be taken to remove and properly dispose of the paint.One HomeSavvi member asked a question in our Forums about why the cost for a paint job seems so high. In any paint job, the labor for removal, disposal, preparation and application is the expense that drives up the cost.
- next year, the costs will go up, but we'll be more assured of healthy homes especially for children and pregnant women.
I'd say it's a cost worth paying!
4 comments:
Great post! With the April 2010 EPA lead dust requirements fast approaching is important to remember the EPA's recommendations for a lead safe work environment. Remember to follow these simple procedures:
1. Contain the work area. Take steps to seal off the work area so that dust and debris do not escape. Warning signs should be put up and heavy-duty plastic and tape should be used to cover the floors and furniture and seal off doors and heating and cooling system vents.
2. Minimize dust. Use work practices that minimize the dust generated during renovation and repair by using water to mist areas before sanding or scraping; scoring paint before separating components; and prying and pulling apart components instead of breaking them. Dangerous practices such as open flame burning or torching and using power tools without HEPA vacuum attachments are prohibited by the rule because they generate large amounts of lead-contaminated dust.
3. Clean up thoroughly. Work diligently every day to keep the work area as clean as possible. When all the work is done, the area should be cleaned up using special cleaning methods including the use of a HEPA vacuum and wet mopping.
4. Clearance testing. Using a clean rag, wipe the floor of the work area to test if the work area is completely clean. April is right around the corner and certain elements are required now. If you don't currently have a containment system in use, or if yours is slow to install, check out ZipWall's new ZipPole system, it is priced at $179 for four 10' poles, a zipper pack and carrying bag, that's about half the price of the Original ZipWall Portable Containment System, a great savings. ZipPole URL.. It is a great system for jobs with ceilings up to 10'. Check out the details here: http://zipwall.com/lp/zippole.html
Well i am very happy to hear that you are ready for the challenges of the next year. I wana appreciate your work. You are doing the best. Keep it up and good luck.
Great post! Yeah its very important to make sure its done right. Especially if you have children.
Its very good done. And i really appreciate your work guys. Great!
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