Contractors

Federal law requires contractors that disturb painted surfaces in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Always ask to see your contractor’s certification. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating more than six square feet of painted surfaces in a room for interior projects or more than twenty square feet of painted surfaces for exterior projects or window replacement or demolition in housing, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.

Lead Poisoning Safety Tips

The following preventative steps can be taken to reduce exposure to lead:

01

Remove furniture and belongings, or cover them securely with heavy plastic sheeting with all seams sealed.

02

Use precautions to ensure that all personnel, tools and other items are free of dust and debris before leaving the work area.

03

Close and cover all ducts in the work area with taped down plastic sheeting.

04

Close all doors and windows within 20 feet of the renovation. On multi-story buildings, also close doors and windows below the renovation.

05

Clean walls either vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum or wiping with a damp cloth.

06

Collect all paint chips and debris, and seal this material in a heavy-duty bag. Dispose of the bag as waste.