Preparing for a Lead Clearance Inspection
Properly preparing for clearance is very important to reduce the chance of the clearance failing and leading to
added costs associated with site re-visits and additional sampling. Most inspections will pass the first time if
the guidelines on this page are followed.
added costs associated with site re-visits and additional sampling. Most inspections will pass the first time if
the guidelines on this page are followed.
A final cleaning should be performed at least 1 hour after renovation activities
have ceased in order to let dust particles settle. The best cleaning methods work
top to bottom and employ a "HEPA sandwich" routine which refers to HEPA
vacuuming first, then wet cleaning, then vacuuming again.
have ceased in order to let dust particles settle. The best cleaning methods work
top to bottom and employ a "HEPA sandwich" routine which refers to HEPA
vacuuming first, then wet cleaning, then vacuuming again.
The inspector must know the exact work area(s) where lead paint was impacted in order to perform a clearance.
A good description of the work area can decrease sample requirements and costs. It's also helpful to know the
type of work and work practices that took place in each work area. The inspector will need access to all
surfaces in the work area so all plastic sheeting used for containment should be removed.
A good description of the work area can decrease sample requirements and costs. It's also helpful to know the
type of work and work practices that took place in each work area. The inspector will need access to all
surfaces in the work area so all plastic sheeting used for containment should be removed.
The inspector must sample bare soil if it's present in the work area. If
the bare soil is anywhere near the dripline of the house it will likely fail
clearance due to pre-existing conditions. The best solution is to
discuss the matter with your client during bidding and resolve the
problem by including some form of coverage of the soil in your work
plan. Common methods of coverage include grass or other foliage,
gravel, bark, concrete, or mulch. If gravel, bark, or mulch is selected
then it must include a water permeable ground cover fabric
underneath. This material costs around 10 cents per SF and mulch
is available for free from Miramar landfill.
the bare soil is anywhere near the dripline of the house it will likely fail
clearance due to pre-existing conditions. The best solution is to
discuss the matter with your client during bidding and resolve the
problem by including some form of coverage of the soil in your work
plan. Common methods of coverage include grass or other foliage,
gravel, bark, concrete, or mulch. If gravel, bark, or mulch is selected
then it must include a water permeable ground cover fabric
underneath. This material costs around 10 cents per SF and mulch
is available for free from Miramar landfill.
Once on site, the first task of the inspector is to perform a visual inspection. Any amount of visible dust in the
work area will cause the clearance to fail. If work was performed on the exterior of the home then no visible
paint chips can be present in grass, soil, foliage, and hard surfaces. All horizontal surfaces in the work area
should be clean including baseboards, window frames, and furniture. Don't overlook areas up high that may be
initially out of view such as the top of door frames and fencing.
work area will cause the clearance to fail. If work was performed on the exterior of the home then no visible
paint chips can be present in grass, soil, foliage, and hard surfaces. All horizontal surfaces in the work area
should be clean including baseboards, window frames, and furniture. Don't overlook areas up high that may be
initially out of view such as the top of door frames and fencing.
Work Area
Visual Inspection
Cleaning
There are many lead specific cleaning formulas on the market but research
suggests a regular all-purpose household cleaner will work as well or nearly as
well. Sponges and sponge mops do not work well. For mopping it's best to use a
string mop. Wash buckets should be changed out frequently - between rooms
should be sufficient.
suggests a regular all-purpose household cleaner will work as well or nearly as
well. Sponges and sponge mops do not work well. For mopping it's best to use a
string mop. Wash buckets should be changed out frequently - between rooms
should be sufficient.
Bare Soil Treatment
On projects where soil coverage is not a practical option, and there is reason to believe the soil may be lead
contaminated, then it's advisable to have the soil tested in advance to show that your project did not contribute
to soil contamination. The clearance may still fail, technically, but the contractor will not be held responsible.
contaminated, then it's advisable to have the soil tested in advance to show that your project did not contribute
to soil contamination. The clearance may still fail, technically, but the contractor will not be held responsible.
| Call or email for pricing or with any questions: 858-688-2868 jeff@sandiegotesting.com |
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| Lead - Asbestos - Mold Experts in San Diego |
