LEAD-SAFE REMODELING AND PAINTING

More information on adult lead poisoning

Remodeling, renovation, routine maintenance are all activities that can create lead hazards. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer, property owner, property manager, or professional contractor, it is important for you to know about, and to practice lead-safe work practices methods when remodeling or painting.

Oregon Lead-Based Paint Regulations

Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 333-069 (EXIT)  requires all workers removing or stabilizing paint on housing or childcare settings built before 1978 to obtain a permit from the Department of Human Services. Lead-Based Paint Permit Application (pdf) must be submitted along with a $5 fee and all applicants will receive instructions for lead safe work practices. You may also refer to the Lead-Safe Guide (pdf) for more information on permits and regulations.

Lead-Safe Remodeling is Important for:

Do-It-Your-Selfers

• Protect your property, your health and your family
• Property owners protect your investment and avoid liability

• Avoid liability and protect your good business name
• Promote a 'value-added' service

Property Managers

• Protect your property
• Maintain livability and avoid liability

Schools and Child Care Providers

• Protect children in your care
• Avoid liability
• Keep parent trust

As a general rule, the older the home, the greater the chance that it will have lead based paint. Structures built before 1950 frequently have a good deal of lead paint, and its use was not restricted for use in house paint until 1978.

Every time the surface of lead-based paint is disturbed, whether by a saw, drill or crowbar, a lead paint hazard is created. There are, however, certain simple and straightforward techniques that professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike can use to reduce that hazard when remodeling.

The Lead Based Paint Program's Tips for Remodeling and Fix Up is a good place to start. If you would like more information on lead-safe remodeling, phone the Lead-Based Paint Program at (971) 673-0440. DHS has also developed a booklet entitled Lead-Safe Remodeling (pdf) that provides detailed information about how to do lead-safe remodeling and renovation. If you are interested in hiring a professional you may also want to download the Questions to Ask to Find a 'LEAD-SAFE Remodeler' (pdf). Or you may also see our list of Lead Paint Permit Holders.

National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) List (pdf) - labs that demonstrate the ability to accurately analyze paint chip, dust, or soil samples for lead. For more information on the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (EXIT to EPA).

Lead-Based Paint Enforcement and Complaints:

The Lead-Based Paint Program actively enforces violations of unsafe work practices. Program staff follow up on all tips and complaints.

To file a complaint or to report unsafe work practices:

     PHONE:   Glenn Kawanishi at 971-673-0436

                    Lead-Based Paint Program at 971-673-0440 

                    LeadLine a toll free phone service at 1-800-368-5060

     E-MAIL:   glenn.k.kawanishi@state.or.us

To learn more about working safely with lead paint, download these brochures:

Notification requirements for Property Owners, Tenants and Remodelers

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requiring that all remodelers provide consumers and tenants with a pre-renovation notification concerning the hazards of lead-based paint. The rule -- Section 406 of Title X, also known as the Residential Lead Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 -- requires that renovators provide prospective customers with The EPA's pamphlet "Protect Your Family from lead in the Home"  which containing information about possible lead-paint hazards. The renovator must make sure that the client signs a form documenting that the pamphlet was received. The renovator must also maintain a record of these notification documents. The requirement was effective beginning in June, 1999. DHS can provide you with information on lead-safe remodeling techniques and requirements of the Pre-Renovation Rule called Section 406B.

Download the brochures:

See our educational material page for more information on working lead-safe and preventing lead poisoning.