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Importance of Screening

 

rrupp@vhcb.state.vt.us

 

Working with Lead Paint
 
Seal Off the Area
  • Keep children and pregnant women out of the room.
  • Remove as much furniture as you can from the room. Cover remaining furniture with heavy plastic sheets.
  • Cover the work area floor with heavy plastic.
  • Be careful not to track dust out of the area.
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke while working

Avoid Dust, Chips or Fumes

  • Mist paint before you scrape or sand. Water helps keep lead dust from the air.
  • Don't sand blast or power wash. This creates clouds of lead dust. Power sanders or grinders should have HEPA filters and hoods to trap dust.
  • Do not use open flames or heat guns above 1100° F.
  • Do not use paint strippers with methylene chloride

Keep the Area Clean

  • Place trash in heavy plastic bags.
  • Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean up dust and debris.
    Scrub floors and walls with soap and water. Rinse well with clean water.
  • Never burn trash with lead in it.
  • Conduct a dust test to be sure the area is safe for children or pregnant women.

Keep Dust Off Yourself

  • Be careful not to track lead dust around your home.
  • Change work clothes and shoes right after you leave the work area.
  • Wash work clothes separately from your family's laundry.
  • Shower and wash your hair as soon as possible.

Use the Right Supplies

  • Safety glasses and special work clothes, gloves, hat and shoes
  • Heavy plastic sheets and tape
  • Two pails -one to wash and one to rinse
  • Soap and water
  • Spray bottle to wet down work surfaces
  • Rags or paper towels
  • Heavy plastic trash bags
  • HEPA vacuum to capture dust.
  • Dust mask or respirator if dust is heavy
 
 
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