What standards apply to lead paint inspections and abatement? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Details / How it works

Under 40 CFR 745.227, all lead-based paint activities in target housing and child-occupied facilities must be performed by individuals certified by EPA (inspector, risk assessor, supervisor, or project designer) following the work practice standards, effective March 1, 2000. The rule covers inspections, lead-hazard screens, risk assessments, and abatements, with specific requirements for visual inspection, paint/dust/soil sampling using documented methodologies, and reporting.

Abatements require a certified supervisor onsite during preparation and post-abatement cleanup, written occupant protection plans, EPA notification at least 5 business days before start, and post-abatement clearance dust sampling. Renovation activities are separately governed by 40 CFR 745.85 under the RRP Rule, requiring certified firms and renovators, work area containment, and post-renovation cleaning verification. Definitions for terms such as 'target housing,' 'lead-based paint,' and 'lead-based paint hazard' are provided in 40 CFR 745.103.

Numbers & thresholds

Exceptions & edge cases

Components replaced after 1978 or determined not to contain lead-based paint are exempt from inspection testing under 40 CFR 745.227(b)(2). Abatement notification may use an abbreviated period (no later than the start date) for emergency orders or elevated blood lead level (EBL) determinations. Open-flame burning, torching, and dry scraping of lead-based paint are prohibited during abatement; heat guns are restricted to temperatures below 1,100°F. Composite dust sampling must include at least two subsamples from the same component type. In multi-family dwellings, random sampling is permitted with a 95% confidence level that no more than 5% or 50 units exceed action levels.