Lead Safe Work Practices

Information by State  Print version   In This Section Key Requirements of the Lead Safe Housing Rule   Communication with Residents   Lead Hazard Evaluation/Assessment   Lead Hazard Reduction Methods   Ongoing Maintenance   Environmental Intervention Blood Lead Levels

Lead safe work practices must be used during Lead Hazard Reduction, rehabilitation, and maintenance work that involves surfaces with presumed or identified lead-based paint.

Lead Safe Work Practice Exemptions. The ONLY times safe work practices are not required are:

• If the paint being disturbed has been tested and found not to be lead-based paint, OR
• If maintenance or Lead Hazard Reduction activities disturb a total surface area that is less than the de minimis amount.

There are four components of safe work practices:

1. Occupant Protection. Appropriate actions must be taken to protect occupants from lead-based paint hazards associated with Lead Hazard Reduction, paint stabilization, maintenance, or rehabilitation activities.
   
   
   • Occupants may not enter the worksite during Lead Hazard Reduction activities.
   • Occupants must be temporarily relocated to a suitable unit that is decent, safe, and sanitary and free of lead-based paint hazards during Lead Hazard Reduction activity. There are circumstances when occupant relocation is not required.
   • Property owners must protect occupants' belongings from lead contamination by relocating, covering or sealing them, and securing the worksite against entry during non-work hours.
     
     
2. Worksite Preparation and Containment. The worksite must be prepared to prevent the release of leaded dust and debris.
   
   
   • Use practices to minimize the spread of lead dust, paint chips, soil, and debris.
   • Place warning signs at each entry where Lead Hazard Reduction activities are conducted when occupants are present. The signs are required at the main and secondary entrance to a building, and at exterior worksites signs must be readable from 20 feet.
     
     
3. Prohibited Methods. There are some methods that may not be used at any time to remove paint that is or may be lead-based paint.
   • List of prohibited methods.
     
     
4. Worksite Cleanup. Worksite cleanup removes dust and debris from the work area. Good cleanup is critical to passing clearance and leaving the unit safe for habitation. Worksite cleanup must be done using methods, products and devices that are successful in cleaning lead-contaminated dust, such as vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters and household or lead-specific detergents.

A Note About Training

To learn lead safe work practices, workers can attend a one day HUD-approved training course. (Note: Safe Work Practice training is required for workers conducting Interim controls unless they are supervised by a certified abatement supervisor.) Click for more information on available training courses.