Lead-Safe EPA Certification

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Renovation and Repair Program

The Lead-Safe EPA certification is a very important designation for any contractor within the renovation, repair, or painting industries. Water damage restoration companies should always have this EPA certification in order to conduct proper remediation techniques and prevent exposure to lead, which can be dangerous.

The Lead-Safe EPA Certification for San Diego Flood Restoration.

The Danger of Toxic Lead Dust and Lead Chips

Lead is a well-known health hazard that can cause harm to anyone in contact with it, and renovations or water damage projects can create a toxic lead dust if the restoration team does not follow the proper procedures. By choosing a contractor with Lead-Safe EPA certification, clients and property owners can rest assured that their water damage restoration company follows the safest work practices in the business.

Getting Lead-Safe EPA Certification and Training

In accordance with Federal law, all restoration companies must have Lead-Safe EPA certification in order to work on buildings built before 1978. Federal law also states that a “Certified Renovator” must be designated to each project. All workers must also be trained in the latest Lead-Safe techniques to ensure the highest level of safety.

Lead-Safe EPA Certification: Setting up Properly

The first step towards working “Lead-Safe” is setting up the project appropriately and informing the building owner of any health hazards associated with toxic lead. Lead-Safe EPA certification states that the project should not be accessible to tenants while the work is taking place. Affected areas must be blocked off with plastic sheeting to restrict any lead dust that may be created as a by-product of the project.

Lead-Safe EPA Certification: Safe Work Practices

It is not possible to completely eliminate the threat of toxic lead dust in certain buildings, and the goal of Lead-Safe EPA certification is to minimize this hazard. Restoration and renovation companies should avoid practices that contribute to the generation of lead dust and chips, including:

• Using a heat gun at temperatures greater than 1100°F

• Sanding, grinding, planing, needle gunning, or blasting with power tools and equipment that are not equipped with a shroud and HEPA vacuum attachment

• Torching or using open flame burning

Lead-Safe EPA Certification: Cleaning up Thoroughly

The final step in the project should be making sure that there is no trace of lead left in the working area before the process is complete. Lead dust, paint, chips, and all other debris should be removed from the work area, which is done with special cleaning techniques. Companies with Lead-Safe EPA certification use HEPA vacuums to clean up dust and debris on all surfaces. This is followed by wet wiping and mopping with rinse water.