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Guidelines for lead paint removal
These guidelines are based on the procedures detailed in the Australian Standard AS 4361.1 (1995) Guide to lead paint management Part 1: industrial applications. This is a systematic process on managing lead paint in industrial structures and is therefore applicable for paint removal from buildings or structures at construction sites.
| 1.
| Test for presence of lead in paint
| Laboratory testing of samples or field tests should be done prior to any work commencing. Laboratory tests will give the percentage of lead in paint by weight. Such testing should always be carried by qualified industrial hygienists. It is also important to recognize that there are limitations on the accuracy of such tests.
Australian Standard AS 4361.1 recognises dried paint film with more than 1% (by weight) to be lead-containing paint.
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| 2.
| Determine what should be done with the paint
| When lead-containing paint is confirmed on a structure, an agreed Safe Work Procedure must be implemented. A number of strategies may be considered to address the problem. For example, if the paint is to be removed from the structure, alternative strategies for painting may have to be considered. This may involve overcoating, some localized repair or the total removal of the lead-based paint coating.
Sometimes the structure may be demolished and replaced. Whatever strategy is taken, make sure that the condition of the lead-based paint coating (for example whether or not it is flaking) is thoroughly assessed and taken into consideration when designing the agreed safe work procedures.
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| 3.
| Assess the risk of any emissions
| The potential for exposure to lead-containing dust or paint chips or flakes should be taken into consideration when preparing to control these emissions. Potential health impacts on nearby workers in the site as well as the public and the surrounding environment also need to be considered.
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| 4.
| Develop emission controls to prevent dust and debris escaping from the lead-based paint removal areas
| The agreed safe work methods used in removal or demolition will determine how elaborate the containment system should be. For example, power tools need to be kept to an absolute minimum. However, if power tools need to be used (therefore generating a large percentage of hazardous dust), a higher level of containment must be used as opposed to when manual methods such as scraping is used.
Containment criteria for different removal methods are given in Appendix E of AS 4361.1 where types of containment material, joints and entryways and ventilation measures are included.
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| 5.
| Choose the most suitable method of paint removal
| A number of factors need to be considered in making this choice. First, make sure that the contractor being considered has appropriate experience and training in lead-based paint removal. Ask all potential contractors for an Agreed Work Methods Statement and check if details are given on appropriate safety measures in doing the job. (The Lead Advisory Service has a useful checklist for choosing a suitable contractor – FREECALL 1800 626 086 ).
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| 6.
| Monitor emissions
| Monitoring must be done to check that the controls put in place protect workers on site, the public and the environment. All monitoring must be done by a qualified occupational/environmental hygienist and may include air, soil and water sampling.
(The Workers Health Centre can assist in preparing suitable monitoring procedures, in interpreting results and with independent monitoring – phone 02 9749 7666)
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| 7.
| Protective measures for workers are critical
| All workers involved in lead-based paint removal must be protected as per the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission's National Code of Practice for the Control and Safe Use of Inorganic Lead at Work.
Other workers on site must be protected from exposure to lead-containing dust or debris that may escape to their work environment. In addition to the containment and emission controls, a series of other measures may be needed: air monitoring, good hygiene practices and housekeeping (for example, separate showers and change facilities for the paint removal workers and no smoking or eating in nearby areas), protective clothing to prevent debris being carried out of site and restricted areas.
In addition, removal work can be organised so that it is done at hours when exposure to others is minimised. Under the requirements of the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, information on lead hazards and training on safe work practices must be given to all workers on site. If needed, blood lead tests should be made available to workers.
Overall, the removal process and protective measures should be surveyed and monitored by a competent person, agreed to by the site OHS Committee.
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| 8.
| Procedures for managing lead waste
| All waste and debris collection procedures must be clearly stated in the Agreed Safe Work Methods Statement and must suit the removal method. Proper storage and disposal must be included in it.
The contractor or site management must make arrangements to comply with environmental protection laws and hazardous waste disposal requirements (contact the Environmental Protection Authority for further information). Contingency plans for any spills or excess exposures must also be included.
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| 9.
| On completion, ensure that there is no lead dust remaining on equipment or structures near the paint removal area
| The person monitoring the procedures and the site OHS Committee should give a clearance on the process before the paint removal contractor is released.
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Overall, contractors should be reminded of the need to give careful attention to minimising exposure to dust and debris during removal of lead-based paint. It should be emphasised that even the slightest exposure to lead could have an adverse effect on the health of workers.
Facts 057 © Workers Health Centre, 2004
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