Clearance testing
Clearance testing, which is done upon completion of a lead hazard reduction, rehabilitation or regular building maintenance, protects everyone involved:
- The process provides the contractor with an objective determination that the job was completed safely.
- The owner will have assurance that the abatement job was successful in correcting hazards and that the amount of leaded dust left after the work was completed is at a safe level.
- The resident can be certain that dangerous shortcuts were not taken during the work process and that resident children will be safe.
Dust samples must be analyzed by laboratory methods such as atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma-emission spectroscopy, laboratory XRF using standard methods, or other equivalent analytical methods. Only laboratories that participate in a national proficiency testing program and are recognized by EPA should be used.
Lead Hazard Levels
Lead hazards can be found in paint, dust, and soil related to structural items of an older home. The government recognizes this and has set levels at which lead may be more of a danger to individuals, especially children at an older property. These levels are as follows:
Lead in paint:
- 1.0 mg/cm 2
- 0.5% by weight
- 5000 ppm dry weight
Lead in dust (HUD hazard thresholds):
- 40 m g/ft 2 - interior floors
- 250 m g/ft 2 - window sills
- 400 m g/ft 2 - window wells (clearance only)
Lead in soil (HUD/EPA):
- 400 ppm - in high-contact child play areas
- 1200 ppm - in non-child play areas
- 5000 ppm - soil removal and replacement is recommended
Lead in water:
Lead Hazard Control Requirements
If levels of lead meet or exceed the levels listed above, and are accessible, the owner of the property is required to remediate (reduce) the lead hazards to stay compliant with the City of Kansas City’s Lead Hazard Control Ordinance. Hazards can be reduced by temporary means or permanent means. Workers who do the work have to hold certain licenses and certifications to complete the work, in order to assure lead-safe work practices are used and lead contamination is not made worse. Missouri, HUD, EPA, CDC and the CPSC provide regulations regarding lead-safe work practices..
Failing Clearance . If a unit fails clearance; it must be re-cleaned and clearance must be performed again in the area represented by the clearance sample.
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