Guidelines for Working with Lead-Based Paint in Washington State Module #1

Transcription

1 Guidelines for Working with Lead-Based Paint in Washington State Module #1 Produced by the Interagency Resource for Achieving Cooperation (IRAC)

2 About the Interagency Resource for Achieving Cooperation (IRAC) The Interagency Resource for Achieving Cooperation (IRAC) is composed of more than 350 members from 160 regulatory agencies in Washington State. IRAC is funded and staffed by the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County. IRAC encourages and addresses regulatory coordination and interagency cooperation and provides a forum for agencies to work together to address regulatory issues, conflicts and inconsistencies. Issue-specific workgroups are formed to study the circumstances around a conflict or inconsistency and the needs of all involved parties and to recommend improvements or changes in local ordinances or state or national regulations. If you are interested in learning more about IRAC, contact us at Address: 130 Nickerson St., #100, Seattle, WA 98109, Phone: (206) , or Internet site: About the Lead Workgroup Questions relating to the proper work practices and the disposal and recycling of lead-related wastes in Washington were brought to IRAC. In May 2003, IRAC formed a Lead Workgroup to address these issues. The IRAC Lead Workgroup is comprised of representatives from the following agencies: Local Hazardous Waste Management in King County (LHWMP) Public Health - Seattle & King County (PHSKC) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I or WISHA) Washington State Department of Health (DoH) About this Document The information in this document was researched and compiled by the IRAC Lead workgroup. The information contained here is subject to change and is not meant to replace or supercede any regulations. For specific regulatory requirements, contact the appropriate regulatory agencies. This document can be reproduced in whole or in part provided all reference to IRAC is maintained. This document is available in alternative formats for persons with disabilities by calling (206) or 711 TTY. IRAC-LEAD-1 (11/05)

3 Table of Contents Page Introduction Common Questions on Working with Lead-Based Paints Guidelines for Working with Lead-Based Paint Additional Resources and Contact Information

4 Approximately 24 million housing units in the United States have deteriorated leaded paint and elevated levels of leadcontaminated house dust. More than four million of these dwellings are homes to one or more young children. Approximately 310,000 U.S. children aged 1-5 years have blood lead levels greater than the CDC recommended level. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention July

5 Introduction What You Can Expect From This Guide This guide gives you a broad overview of what you need to know to protect yourself, the public s health, and the environment when working with lead paint. Lead and its compounds are toxic. Unless you work safely with lead-based paint, you risk contaminating your home or the job site, polluting the environment, and harming others young children and the unborn are the most vulnerable. Quick Facts Lead is a naturally-occurring, bluish-grey metal found in small amounts in the earth s crust. It can be released into the environment through human activities including burning fossil fuels, mining and manufacturing. It is used in the production of batteries, ammunition, metal products and devices to shield radiation. Lead is a metal our bodies cannot use; in fact lead is poisonous to humans. Lead poisoning can cause reproductive, digestive, nerve and mental problems and can increase blood pressure, decrease coordination and concentration skills, and damage the kidneys. Lead comes into the body through ingestion and, to a lesser degree, inhalation. Babies and children are more prone to lead poisoning because they put their hands and other objects into their mouth more often than adults. Babies and children are also more susceptible to lead poisoning because their bodies absorb more lead and because their brains and nervous systems are developing. The effects of lead poisoning can be permanent. While there are many sources of lead, lead dust, a by-product of household surfaces that rub or knock together or of remodeling and painting prep work, is the major source of lead poisoning in children. More Information In addition to this module on working with lead, there are, or will be other modules from the IRAC series: #2 - What Workers and Employers Need to Know About Working with Lead-Based Paint* #3 - A Parent s Guide to Childhood Blood Lead Poisoning* #4 - Lead-Based Paint; Guidelines to Renting, Buying, and Selling Residential Property* #5 - Lead-Based Paint; Guidelines for Schools** #6 - Lead-Based Paint; Guidelines for Retail Stores** #7 -Lead-Based Paint; Guidelines for Health Practitioners** #8 - Lead is Not Just in Paint** #9 - Lead and Contaminated Properties** * - To be completed in early ** - Planned, but no due date. 1

6 Contacts for More Information If you have questions about working with lead paint that this guide doesn t answer, contact one of the following agencies. (See the back of the document for additional contact information & website addresses.) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) For information about the federally required Disclosure Rule and Pre-Renovation Education Rule, visit the US EPA website - Washington State Lead-Based Paint Program, Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) For information on the types of lead-based paint work that require certification To find specialized training for lead-safe work practices or for lead-paint certification For consultation on lead-safe work practices, contact CTED at LEAD (5323) Washington State Department of Health (DoH) For information and educational materials, call WashingtonState Department of Labor & Industries Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program For information about tracking blood lead levels in Washington State s workers For advice and educational materials on workplace lead exposures, call Consultation For information and technical assistance on Washington State s occupational safety and health rules, including lead For information on safety and health conferences, seminars, and workshops For no-cost safety and health consultation service, call BE-SAFE ( ) Compliance To file a safety and health complaint call toll free: BE-SAFE ( ) Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County For information on disposing of hazardous waste: Household Hazards Line: or Business Waste Line: Local Public Health Agencies* For information on disposing of solid and hazardous waste. Kitsap County Health District Snohomish Health District Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept. Residential Information Waste Disposal Info Waste Disposal Info Business Information * If no local agencies are available, contact: Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) at

7 Common Questions on Working with Lead-Based Paint People have been working with lead for years and nobody made a big deal about it. Why all the fuss? Actually, lead as a health issue is not new. The Roman s knew of its adverse health effects as far back as 7 AD. In May 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that surveys from 1999 to 2002 indicate approximately 310,000 US children aged 1-5 years remain at risk for exposure to harmful lead levels. This issue is so difficult to address due to the fact that lead poisoning may have symptoms very similar to flu symptoms, which means it frequently goes unrecognized. What s been done to address this problem? In 1978, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned sales of lead paint for residential homes. CPSC also made it illegal to paint children s toys and household furniture with lead paint. Currently, the biggest source of lead is from lead paint in buildings built prior to 1978, especially those homes built prior to How much lead dust is dangerous? Any amount of lead dust can be considered dangerous, especially where children are involved. How can I tell if a residence has lead paint? In general, the older a building is the greater the chance that it contains lead paint. While lead paint was banned in 1978, some companies started reducing lead in paint during the 1960 s. So, if the home was built prior to 1978, it could contain lead, if it was built before 1960, it most likely has lead paint. The best way to determine if your home has lead paint is to have it tested by a professional. The Washington Lead-Based Paint Program certifies inspectors and risk assessors and maintains a list of who provides this service. See the Washington State Lead-Based Paint Program website at 3

8 Common Questions on Working with Lead-Based Paint Can I use lead-test kits to find out if paint has lead in it? Yes. Do-it-yourselfers may use these kits to test for lead, but bear in mind that the results are a very crude indicator of whether lead is present. The kits are prone to false results. For example, if not used in accordance with the directions, the kit will only test the surface of the paint and not what s in the older layers of paint below the top layer. Testing with a kit does not mean you re done. A negative result is not a sure indicator that no lead is present. To be absolutely sure, consult with a licensed professional inspector. Washington s Lead-Based Paint Program does not permit the use of home test kits by licensed lead-based paint professionals inspecting for lead-paint. Can I clean upholstery, rugs and carpets, that have been contaminated by lead dust? In most cases, you can t. These materials are lead dust traps. Except for rugs or slipcovers, etc. that can be thoroughly machine washed, no known methods can clean them effectively once they re contaminated. That s why it s important to cover or remove rugs and upholstered items before starting work on a project where there is lead-based paint. How do I know when the remodeling or renovation work has the potential to create a lead hazard? The Environmental Protection Agency s (EPA) Pre-Renovation Education Rule requires that any professional who disturbs more than two square feet of paint in any residence built before 1978 needs to distribute a pamphlet on lead-paint hazards to the home owner and occupants before beginning renovation or remodeling work. For more information on these requirements visit the U.S. EPA website: leadrenf.htm Where can I get training about working with lead paint? There are a number of websites that provide information on lead paint issues, as well as guidelines to working with lead paint. Most notable is the site at the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development: hudguidelines/index.cfm The Washington State CTED Lead-Based Paint Program accredits lead paint training courses for both project supervisors and workers, as well as inspectors and risk assessors. For professionals working with lead abatement, the Lead-Based Paint 4

9 Common Questions on Working with Lead-Based Paint Program can help you find training to become certified. This training is required for those who perform lead abatement work. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries lead in construction rule requires worker training. Contact Labor and Industries for information about training requirements and available training resources. Who, or what, is CTED? CTED is the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. CTED administers an U.S. EPA-authorized state Lead-Based Paint Program and enforces the Lead-Based Paint regulations, WAC For information about the Lead-Based Paint Program, visit their website at What is Lead Paint Abatement? Abatement is the permanent removal or elimination of lead-based-paint hazards from surfaces and from soil. Permanent means that the treatment is designed to last 20 years. Abatement strategies for surfaces include encapsulation (application of a tough coating), containment (placement of a rigid barrier over the painted surface), and paint removal or replacement of building components. Soil can be covered with a solid barrier or removed and replaced. When do the Washington State Lead-Based Program requirements apply? The regulations apply to residential or child occupied structures, such as pre-schools, daycares, etc., built before The regulations apply when the purpose of the work is leadbased paint abatement. The regulations do not apply to routine remodeling, renovation and maintenance, even though some lead-based paint may be removed or disturbed. Are painting and remodeling work covered by Washington s Lead- Based Paint Program regulations? Generally, no. Lead paint abatement rules don t apply to most residential painting, renovation, and remodeling work. Prep work, painting and other contract work that are part of renovation or routine home maintenance are not regulated under CTED. But these work activities may be regulated by other agencies such as Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and Ecology. Again, when the primary purpose of the work is specific to removing or eliminating lead paint hazards, then the work is considered abatement and the Lead-Based Paint Program regulations apply. 5

10 Guidelines for Working Lead Safe Notification Before work begins It s a good idea to notify neighbors. It s good public relations and it gives them a chance to close windows, move play equipment, cover garden spots, etc. in case any lead debris migrates into their yard. Renovation work by professional contractors - (plumbers, carpenters, window installers, painters, etc.) If the work disturbs more than two square feet of paint in any residence built before 1978, the contractor must give the home owner and occupants a pamphlet on lead paint hazards before renovation starts. Single and multi-family residences If the work disturbs more than two square feet of paint in any residence built before 1978, provide the owner with the lead pamphlet, provide renovation notices to the tenants, and make the pamphlet available to tenants before the work starts. The U.S. EPA can provide more information: Contain the Work Area Minimize the amount of lead paint you disturb. Contain and cover work areas. Interior Work Areas Turn off and seal the HVAC system. Remove household items or wrap them in plastic especially rugs and upholstered furniture. Cover floors and carpets with a double layers of heavy-duty plastic sheeting and tape the sheeting to the skirting boards (baseboards). Use protected passageways or plastic runners between work areas and exits. Close off the work area with heavy-duty plastic sheeting. Work on one room at a time. Keep residents and pets, especially children and women of childbearing age, out of the work area. 6

11 Guidelines for Working Lead Safe Contain the Work Area Personal Protection Practices Power Washing (continued) Exterior Work Areas Attach and then spread heavy-duty plastic sheeting at least 10 feet away from the foundation, covering the ground and vegetation. Move play equipment away from the work areas and cover sand boxes. Close nearby windows and doors. Use a shade cloth or tarps to capture and contain paint chips and dust. Keep all residents, especially children and women of child-bearing age, out of the work area. At a minimum, wear a P-100 (HEPA) filtered half face respirator while performing wet or dry scraping work. Paper dust masks are not adequate protection. *For more information on respiratory protection (WAC ), working with lead-based paint (WAC ), and other worker safety issues, contact the Dept. of Labor & Industries at BE-SAFE. Wear proper protective clothing, such as disposable coveralls, gloves and eye protection. Remove and store coveralls and gloves in the work area between work periods. When the work is done, dispose of coveralls and gloves. Maintain easy access to a separate wash station and change area. Always wash hands and face before eating, drinking and smoking. Do not take potentially lead-contaminated clothing home to wash. For single family residences ONLY. Prevent runoff to drains. Allow water to infiltrate to the soil while using landscape or a geo-cloth to remove / filter-out paint chips. Cover street drains with burlap or landscape cloth, or use biobags to filter runoff. Commercial and multi-family residences. Contact the local Sewer Utility or the Department of Ecology to determine if a wash water discharge permit is required. Hand Scraping and Sanding Work wet. Apply a fine mist to wet the work surface prior to scraping and sanding. Keep the surface moist while working. Hand or backpack sprayers work well. 7

12 Guidelines for Working Lead Safe Using Power Sanders, Grinders, and Saws Using Heat Chemical Paint Strippers The use of power sanders and grinders for do-it-yourselfers is not recommended. This equipment creates and spreads large amounts of airborne dust. If you do use powered sanding and grinding equipment, use only those that are fitted with a special vacuum kit which exhausts to a HEPA filtered vacuum. Conduct proper equipment cleaning and maintenance to prevent the release of lead dust in future work. Use an electric heat gun to remove old paint and keep the setting low (recommended below 750 F) Do not use open flame torching. Open flames on lead paint can generate toxic fumes and can vaporize lead. Use chemical paint strippers only for small tasks. Some of these chemicals can cause chemical burns. Use skin and eye protection. In addition, some chemicals produce harmful vapors that require use of respiratory protection. Do not use strippers with Methylene Chloride. Always make sure there is good ventilation. Clean-Up Work Area Clean up your worksite daily and as you work. Use wet clean-up methods Multiple-bucket mopping Use at least two buckets for mopping work surfaces one for washing and one for rinsing. A general household cleaner is fine. Change the wash solution and rinse water often. Wrap or bag mop heads and sponges to discard when the job is complete. Empty the waste water into a toilet or sanitary clean-out line. Do not put wastewater into street drains, gutters, or on the ground. Spray mist wipe Apply a fine mist to surfaces and debris prior to sweeping and wiping. HEPA vacuum A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum is designed to pick up very small particles. Do not use regular household and shop vacuum cleaners since they are not effective in removing all dust. Do not dry sweep lead-based paint chips or dust 8

13 Guidelines for Working Lead Safe Disposal Put debris into heavy-duty double plastic bags, buckets or similar containers. Seal and label the bags. Store them in a secure location. Keep in mind that paint chips, sludge and debris can be a hazardous waste. Contact your local Health Department or the Department of Ecology for appropriate disposal options in your area. Other Considerations for Workers Training and information. The Department of Labor & Industries requires employers to provide training to workers who disturb lead-based paint. You may find additional work-related training information at the Department s website at or by contacting their consultation service. Remember... Minimize the amount of lead paint you disturb. Contain the work area and cover or remove household items. Protect yourself and others from lead exposure. Work wet. The Washington State Lead-Based Paint Program can also help you find training in lead-based paint removal. Blood lead levels are an important method to evaluate lead exposure. Medical monitoring, including blood lead testing, must be offered to employees who disturb lead-based paint. Contact the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries for information on medical monitoring for workers. Your local public health agency is also a good resource on blood lead testing. Contain and filter wastewater. Clean up daily and dispose of waste correctly. 9

14 Agency Contact Information: Lead Paint Rules & Regulations U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Lead Information Center: LEAD (5323) National - Region OWCM.NSF/lead/lead1pg U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Lead Safe Work Practices: Washington Dept. of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED) LEAD (5323) Workplace Safety & Health Washington Dept. of Labor & Industries (SHARP, L&I, WISHA) Advice on Workplace Lead Exposures On-Site Safety and Health Consultation BE-SAFE ( ) Workplace Safety & Health Complaint Line: BE-SAFE ( ) Public Health Public Health - Seattle & King County General Information: Solid & Hazardous Waste Kitsap County Health District Waste Disposal Information: Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County (LHWMP) Household Hazards Line: Business Waste Line: Hazardous Waste Investigations: Snohomish Health District Residential Information: Business Information: Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Waste Disposal Information: Thurston County Public Health Washington Dept. of Ecology (Ecology) General information: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Washington Dept. of Health (DoH) Order Publications: IRAC-LEAD-1 (11/05)