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Lead-based paint information
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This page contains our company policy regarding lead-based paint and the 2009-2010 Energy Efficiency Tax Credits.
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Lead-Safe Paint Rules
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Special notice about lead paint
EPA mandated lead paint rules are now in place and virtually every trade that is involved in home renovation of all kinds must be certified to test pre-1978 homes for the presence of lead paint or assume the paint is leaded. We have a certified lead renovator on staff and our company is listed as a certified renovation firm. If lead paint is found on a surface affected by a renovation in amounts of more than 6 sq ft in an interior room and 20 sq ft on the exterior of a residence, specific work procedures to minimize dust must be used. Tools that our trade uses that comply with the EPA rules are not yet being manufactured, at least that we can find. The EPA rules for garage door removal are conflicting in their own written instructions. Additionally, insurance for lead-based paint liability is very expensive. Hobbs Door Service VA will not be removing doors that test positive for lead paint. We are waiting for the EPA to publish clear guidelines specifically for garage door removal, or to approve a protocol presented by the International Door Association or other such industry group. However, if a residential site does not have a garage door at all, or if the door there was installed after 1978 and is not painted with lead-based paint, there is no violation of any applicable standard. The vast majority of service and repair work is NOT affected by the new rules since repairs generally do not disturb the allowable 6 sq ft of interior surface. An individual homeowner may perform renovation and demolition procedures, including that of garage door removal, without certification and documentation if he or she wishes. However, it is prudent to contain dust and byproducts. There are different rules that apply to emergency situations following an accident or natural disaster such as wind or flood damage, where securing the structure is imperative. Such incidents must be reviewed on a case by case basis to ensure EPA compliance. However, doors which are broken or failing due to age, use, or neglect would not be exempt. Additionally, if a door was originally painted with lead-based paint, then was later painted over with a non-lead-based paint, it is still considered to be a hazard if it is removed from the hinges/rollers and must be removed according to the lead-safe methods, despite the EPA stating in writing in other locations that lead-based paint in good repair does not pose a health hazard. It is estimated that 25% of the 1960-1977 residences contain some lead paint, and half from 1940-1960. The following is a summary of the requirements of RRP that must be followed to be in compliance with the law if the work is done by anyone for compensation: INTERIOR of the garage: The firm must:
(A) Remove all objects from the work area or cover them with plastic sheeting with all seams and edges sealed.
(B) Close and cover all ducts opening in the work area with taped-down plastic sheeting.
(C) Close windows and doors in the work area. Doors must be covered with plastic sheeting.
(D) Cover the floor surface with taped-down plastic sheeting in the work area a minimum of six feet beyond the perimeter of surfaces undergoing renovation or a sufficient distance to contain the dust, whichever is greater.
(E) Use precautions to ensure that all personnel, tools, and other items, including the exteriors of containers of waste, are free of dust and debris when leaving the work area.
(F) After the renovation has been completed, the firm must clean the work area until no dust, debris or residue remains. The firm must:
1. Collect all paint chips and debris, and seal it in a heavy-duty bag.
2. Remove and dispose of protective sheeting as waste.
3. Clean all objects and surfaces in the work area and within two feet of the work area in the
following manner:
a. Clean walls starting at the ceiling and working down to the floor by either vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum or wiping with a damp cloth.
b. Thoroughly vacuum all remaining surfaces and objects in the work area, including furniture
and fixtures, with a HEPA vacuum.
c. Wipe all remaining surfaces and objects in the work area, except for carpeted or upholstered surfaces, with a damp cloth. Mop uncarpeted floors thoroughly using a
mopping method that keeps the wash water separate from the rinse water, or using a
wet mopping system.
EXTERIOR of the garage door:
The firm must:
(A) Close all doors and windows within 20 feet of the renovation.
(B) Ensure that doors within the work area that will be used while the job is being performed are
covered with plastic sheeting in a manner that allows workers to pass through while confining
dust and debris.
(C) Cover the ground with plastic sheeting or other disposable impermeable material extending a
minimum of 10 feet beyond the perimeter or a sufficient distance to collect falling paint debris, whichever is greater.
(D) In situations such as where work areas are in close proximity to other buildings, windy conditions, etc., the renovation firm must take extra precautions in containing the work area, like vertical containment.
(E) After the renovation has been completed, the firm must clean the work area until no dust, debris or residue remains. The firm must:
1. Collect all paint chips and debris, and seal it in a heavy-duty bag.
2. Remove and dispose of protective sheeting as waste.
3. Waste transported from renovation activities must be contained to prevent release of dust and debris.
It is no stretch to say that setting up the containment and performing the required cleaning will add 6 to 8 hours to a job, minimum. This will also add a lot of plastic waste to the landfill and cost a lot in labor. We found a product that will bind lead and make it biologically unavailable, but the EPA representative told me personally that it was not permitted for certified renovators to use.
Tax credit information
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Click here for form
The time period during which garage doors qualified for energy efficient tax breaks has passed. If your door was installed in 2010, click the link for the certificate to keep with your records. Please be patient while the browser redirects
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