This guide will detail the steps you need to take as a property owner to ensure your lead abatement or RRP projects follow federal and state guidelines. Remember, if you have specific questions, contact the EPA or IDPH for pertinent information.

Click here for Part 1.

What to Do Before a Renovation

The work areas should not be accessible to occupants while the work occurs. Rooms or areas where work is being done may need to be blocked off or sealed with plastic sheeting to contain any dust that is generated. The contained area may not be available to you until the work in that room or area is complete, cleaned thoroughly, and the containment has been removed. Because you may not have access to some areas during the renovation, you should plan accordingly.

Other steps you may need to take include:

• Alternative bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen arrangements if work is occurring in those areas of a residential building.
• A safe place for pets or animals because they too can be poisoned by lead and can track lead dust into other areas of the property.
• A separate pathway for the contractor from the work area to the outside in order to bring materials in and out of the property. Ideally, it should not be through the main entrance.
• A place to store furniture. All furniture and belongings may have to be moved
• from the work area while the work is being done. Items that can’t be moved, such as cabinets, should be wrapped in plastic by the contractor.
• Turn off or isolate forced-air heating and air conditioning systems while the work is being done. This prevents dust from spreading through vents from the work area to the rest of your property. Consider how this may affect any living or work arrangements.

What to Do After a Renovation

When all the work is finished, you’ll need to know if your property has been cleaned properly. Here are some important things you’ll need in order to verify proper cleaning:

• EPA cleaning verification. The EPA’s RRP rule requires contractors to follow a specific cleaning protocol and report and to provide this information to the client within 30 days following a renovation.
• Lead dust testing (optional). If you just had a large-scale property renovated, it may be wise to test for lead particles in the air or on surfaces. This ensures that cleanup was done properly and eliminates potential risks to residents or workers.
• Verify all worksites on your property were cleaned. On larger worksites, some cleaning objectives may fall through the cracks. Make sure to verify cleanup was handled according to the contract by doing a self-evaluation.
• On LBP abatement jobs, ask to see the Clearance Exam Report from the Lead Inspector or Risk Assessor.

Making sure that your property was properly cleaned after an abatement or renovation project is a top priority. It ensures that your residents or renters can get back to normal routines as soon as possible.

Illinois Environmental Contractors Association Resources

For more information on finding a local contractor, check the resources below:

• Illinois Environmental Contractors Association Members
• IECA Common Questions & Answers
• Illinois Environmental Organizations & Related Agencies

If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our associates to find an answer to your situation. With more than 40 Illinois-licensed companies represented by IECA members, we believe that collective action through association is the most effective way to deal with the changing demands of doing business.

IECA also has relationships with USEPA and IDPH accredited Training Providers that can train your Workers, Supervisors, or other parties, and provide certifications in many Environmental and Health and Safety disciplines.