EPA Lead Project Designer flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Lead-based paint definition

Paint or surface coating with lead concentration ≥1.0 mg/cm² or ≥0.5% by weight, as determined by XRF or laboratory analysis.

Target housing

Pre-1978 residential structures, excluding housing for elderly or disabled (unless a child under 6 resides or is expected to reside) and zero-bedroom units.

Child-occupied facility

Pre-1978 building visited by the same child under 6 at least 2 days/week, 3 hours/day, combined 6 hours/week, or 60 hours/year.

Abatement

Any measure to permanently eliminate lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards, including removal, enclosure, encapsulation, replacement, and soil removal.

Interim controls

Measures to temporarily reduce lead hazards, including specialized cleaning, paint stabilization, and dust control, not intended for permanent elimination.

RRP Rule threshold

Renovation disturbing >6 sq ft interior or >20 sq ft exterior of pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facility triggers RRP compliance.

Blood lead reference value

3.5 µg/dL (CDC 2021), the level above which children are considered to have elevated blood lead levels; no safe level exists.

Lead health effects

Lead affects the central nervous system, hematopoietic system, and kidneys; in children causes reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.

Take-home lead

Lead dust carried from workplace on clothing, shoes, or body, contaminating homes and vehicles and exposing family members.

Risk assessment

On-site investigation to identify lead-based paint hazards (deteriorated paint, dust, soil) and evaluate exposure pathways, leading to hazard control recommendations.

XRF analysis

X-ray fluorescence is the primary method for lead-based paint inspection; results in mg/cm² and require validation for inconclusive readings.

Dust clearance levels

Floors 10 µg/ft², interior window sills 100 µg/ft², window troughs 400 µg/ft², measured by wipe sampling after abatement.

Soil clearance levels

Play areas 400 ppm; other areas 1,200 ppm, based on laboratory analysis of soil samples from bare areas.

Inspection vs risk assessment

Inspection identifies presence of lead-based paint; risk assessment identifies hazards and exposure pathways and recommends controls.

Abatement methods

Removal, enclosure, encapsulation, replacement, and soil abatement; removal is most permanent.

Project design specifications

Written document including scope, hazard control methods, worker protection, clearance requirements, waste management, and regulatory references.

Containment and engineering controls

Plastic sheeting, negative air machines, and barriers used to prevent dust migration during abatement.

Paint stabilization

Interim control method: repair substrate, remove loose paint, apply primer and finish coat to reduce lead dust hazards.

Specialized cleaning

Interim control using HEPA vacuums and wet cleaning methods to remove lead dust from surfaces.

Interim control maintenance

Ongoing maintenance and reevaluation required after interim controls; maintenance plan must be provided to occupants.

OSHA lead PEL

Permissible exposure limit for lead in construction: 50 µg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average (29 CFR 1926.62).

Respiratory protection levels

Half-mask APR with HEPA up to 10× PEL; full-face APR up to 50× PEL; supplied-air for higher exposures.

Medical surveillance triggers

Required for workers exposed above action level (30 µg/m³) for more than 30 days per year; includes blood lead testing and medical exams.

Blood lead removal criteria

50 µg/dL for general workers; 30 µg/dL for workers planning children; return at 40 µg/dL (general) or 25 µg/dL (workers planning children).

Clearance testing

Post-abatement verification including visual inspection and dust sampling (and soil sampling if soil abatement) to ensure hazards are below regulatory levels.

Clearance failure response

If clearance fails, cleanup and retesting are required until clearance is achieved; work must continue until levels meet standards.

Project closeout documentation

Includes clearance report, waste disposal manifests, notification of completion, and final report with remaining hazards and maintenance recommendations.

Lead waste hazardous classification

Lead-based paint waste is hazardous if it exhibits toxicity characteristic (TCLP lead ≥5 mg/L) or corrosivity; otherwise managed as solid waste.

Waste handling requirements

Containerize, label, and transport by licensed hauler to approved facility; retain manifests for at least 3 years.

On-site decontamination

Use HEPA vacuums and wet cleaning to remove lead dust from tools, equipment, and PPE before leaving work area.

Occupant notification pamphlet

Owners and occupants must receive EPA/HUD/CDC lead hazard information pamphlet before abatement or renovation.

Abatement notification timing

Notify EPA or authorized state program at least 5 business days before abatement (3 days for emergency).