Certain projects may impact painted or coated surfaces as well as affect the structural integrity of existing properties. One of the leading causes of these disturbances might be the presence of lead. Lead paints are still in use today. However, there are specific rules and regulations developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (UDA) that must be adhered to when using paints and coatings that contain leads. To be on the good side of the law books, hiring lead paint certified contractors might be just what you need. These experts are skilled and knowledgeable in this subject matter, so you are covered.
Lead-Based Paint Defined
Lead-based paint refers to paint or other surface coatings that contain lead equal to or exceeding 1.0 milligrams per square centimeter or 0.5 percent by weight or 5,000 parts per million (ppm) by weight. Most properties constructed before 1978 contains lead. Any property built after that period is considered lead free. This is because the government reduced the amount of lead that must be contained in each paint product. Nonetheless, some paints and coatings still contain some concentration of leads.
How Is Lead Regulated?
Before commencing any building projects, contractors must have a perfect understanding of potential environmental hazards that makes the building extremely vulnerable. Not only that, lead paint certified contractors clearly understand the industry regulatory standards especially when it comes to lead. Lead is common almost everywhere hence the need for strict regulations. The essence of these regulations is to address health hazards and risks associated with exposure to lead and lead-based paint.
Occupational Exposure
Every business, regardless of size, is obligated to put measures in place to protect its employees from all forms of occupational hazards including lead exposure. It doesn’t matter whether you are dealing with residential, commercial, public, or industrial property, these rules and regulations must be adhered to. The need to protect workers and other occupants from exposure to the risks associated cannot be overemphasized. One way to do this is to ensure lead paint certified contractors comply with established standards. Complying with these regulations is the responsibility of the contractor. Being non-compliant can have damning effects on the company’s reputation. As a result, most contractors factor this compliance into their work requirements and project costs.
Childhood Exposure
Lead paint certified contractors also adhere strictly to regulatory requirements that prevent kids from getting exposed to lead. This is strictly adhered to when it comes to residential buildings and child-occupied facilities built before 1978.
Child-occupied facilities include a building that is mostly frequented by kids, under 6 years of age. These can include educational facilities like preschools, kindergarten classrooms, and daycare centers.
If you are considering taking up a project that involves lead paint, it is expedient that you hire only professionals to handle the project. This way, you are guaranteed of being compliant with standard practices and regulations related to lead exposure.