TIPS FOR REMODELING AND FIX-UP

Keep these points in mind when you are fixing up and remodeling your home in order to keep your family lead-safe:

Awareness
Working with a Professional
Prohibited Work Practices
Best Work Practices
Clean-Up
Where to Call

Awareness

• In general, the older the dwelling, the more likely it will have lead-based paint. Lead-based paint wasn't banned for residential use until 1978.
• Working with lead-based paint can be hazardous and difficult. The Lead Based Paint Program recommends using a certified professional to remove lead-based paint and for the demolition work.
• Whenever lead-based paint is disturbed, a hazard is likely to result.
• There are special work practices that can reduce lead-based paint hazards during these projects.

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Working with a Professional

• The Oregon Health Services also certifies professionals who inspect dwellings for the presence of lead-based paint and others who can identify or remove lead-paint hazards.
• If you choose to hire someone to do the work, be sure you are dealing with someone who will use lead-safe work practices and who is registered with the Construction Contractors Board. You may see our list of abatement professionals or our list of Painter's Permit  holders.

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Prohibited Work Practices

• DO NOT Power blast, dry scrape or dry sand because these practices create lead dust.
• DO NOT Power wash unless you are prepared to trap all of the wastewater and paint chips and disposed of them properly.
• Do NOT use heat-guns above 750 degrees F. Do not use open-flame torching to remove paint. When lead become hot enough it evaporates and creates toxic lead fumes.  
• DO NOT use chemical paint strippers that contain methyl chloride. Be sure to ventilate.
• DO NOT smoke, eat or drink in the work area.

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BestWork Practices

• DO wet sand or wet scrape with a hand scraper or wire brush. Mist the surface with water or use a non-flammable solvent or abrasive compound.
• DO exterior work on calm days.
• DO wear personal protective clothing and equipment, such as eye protection, rubber gloves, and a respirator.
• DO spread plastic sheets or tarps to cover the ground and trap debris.
• DO seal off heating ducts so that lead dust isn't spread to other rooms.
• DO keep children and pregnant women away from the work area.
• DO work in one room at a time and seal it off from other living areas with plastic sheeting.

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Clean-Up

• Clean as you go: Each day, be careful to mist debris with water and sweep it into double plastic bags, then wet-dust and wet-mop all surfaces. Use a "two-bucket" method.
• Use a general all-purpose cleaning product or a special lead cleaner.
• Household and shop vacuums can't trap lead dust. You must use a HEPA equipped vacuum for this purpose.
• Remove coveralls before leaving the work area. Wash work clothes separately. Don't track lead debris on work shoes. Shower promptly.
• Collect paint chips. Double-bag the waste or wrap in newspaper, and dispose of in the trash.
• Don't dump waste water on the ground. Water should be filtered before disposing of it in the toilet. Filtered debris can be double-bagged and put in the trash.
• Never burn lead debris.
• Call you garbage services to find out how to dispose of large pieces of wall, woodwork, etc.

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Where to Call

This is only an introduction to lead-safe remodeling. Phone the Oregon Health Services for more information and answers to questions about lead-safe practices: (971) 673-0440.