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Most homes and apartments built
before 1978 have lead paint. In general, the older the home, the more likely
it has lead. So, if you work in older homes, there are some steps you should
take to protect yourself, employees ... and your family. |
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What's the big deal?
Children with lead poisoning can suffer
from:
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Damage to the brain and nervous system
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Behavior and learning problems (such
as hyperactivity)
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Slowed Growth
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Hearing Problems
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Headaches
Adults can suffer from:
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Difficulties during pregnancy
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Reproductive problems (both men &
women)
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High blood pressure
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Digestive problems
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Nerve disorders
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Memory and concentration problems
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Muscle and joint pain
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Lead-related litigation poses a serious threat to landlords,
renovators and contractors. To find out what you can do to protect
your business, your workers and your family, work smart and read "Working
with Lead Paint" below. |
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Here are some practical suggestions on how to work
smart ...
1. Either assume ALL paint
is lead paint, or have a certified lead inspector perform XRF (non-destructive)
testing. Don't rely on do-it-yourself kits from the hardware store. They
only test the top layer of paint, while lead paint is usually buried under
layers of newer, non-lead paint.
2. Use lead safe work practices. For example
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Before you start ...
Interiors
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Cover the work area with plastic sheeting.
(Use 6 mil plastic and secure with duct tape.)
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If the work area is large, seal it off from the rest of the
house.
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Cover and seal furniture with plastic.
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Turn off (and seal off) forced air heating and cooling vents.
Exteriors
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Put plastic sheeting under the work
area. Secure with stones, bricks or stakes.
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Don't work outside on windy days.
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During Work
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Keep non-workers out of the work area.
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If possible, move children and pregnant
women out.
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Don't eat, drink or smoke in the work
area.
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Always wash your hands and face when
you leave the work area.
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Wear Protective clothing and shoes
... or ...
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Wash work clothes separately from other
laundry.
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If possible, wear a respirator equipped
with a HEPA filter.
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NEVER dry sand, scrape or blast
lea-based paint.
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(Wet the surface to keep dust from
spreading.
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Use an inexpensive mister - like those
used when ironing.)
NEVER use high temperature
heat guns or open flame on lead paint.
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NEVER use a dry scraper or belt
sander to remove lead-based paint. This creates large amounts of lead
dust which can remain long after the work is done. It takes a special HEPA
vacuum to trap lead dust. |
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After Work Is Completed
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Remove plastic sheeting by carefully
rolling it inward.
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It's a good idea to mist the plastic
before you roll it up to keep dust from spreading.
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Wrap construction debris with plastic.
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Vacuum exposed areas with a HEPA vacuum.
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Wash exposed areas with TSP or powdered
automatic dishwasher detergent and water.
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Change clothing and shoes before leaving
the work area.
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Shower and wash your hair right after
finishing work.
3. Call 800-LEAD-FYI to order
"Reduce
Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home."
4. If you're a contractor,
find out if the OSHA Lead In Construction Standard applies to you
and your employees. (It probably does.) Look for special programs
like the the Lead Safe Contractor project at HealthyHouse.org
in Southern California for low cost (or even FREE) training.
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 To
download reference material go to FACT SHEETS
To
learn more about lead poisoning see our LEAD FACTS
and FAQ pages.
For
information on regulations applicable to contractors go to UPDATE.
Questions?
Ask us at: customersvc@homesafe.org
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