Alpine’s Essential Guides
Lead Paint Abatement: General
MA Lead Paint Laws
Mold Remediation
Asbestos Abatement
Lead Paint Abatement: General Terms
Lead Paint or Lead Based Paint
Blood Lead Level (“BLL”)
BLL Reference Level
Lead Poisoning
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (“CLPPP”)
Lead Paint Inspector
Lead Paint Inspection Report
XRF Gun
Lead Paint Abatement or Deleading
Lead Paint Abatement Methods
- Removal: Fully removing the paint with chemicals, heat or by hand scraping to bare wood, metal, plaster, etc.
- Replacement: Removing the item and replacing it with new.
- Covering: Installing a permanent cover over the lead painted surface, such as vinyl siding or aluminum trim for exterior work, and sheetrock or wood trim for interior work.
- Encapsulation: Applying liquid encapsulation paint to lead painted trim.
- Making Intact: Scraping loose paint from certain surfaces, and preparing the item for repainting.
Relocation
Residents of the dwelling unit cannot live there while Moderate or High Risk Abatement (see “Terms related to the Massachusetts Lead Paint Laws” following) is taking place. There must be temporary to alternative housing until the home is cleared for Re-Occupancy by the Lead Paint Inspector.
Lead Paint Abatement Contractor or Deleading Contractor
Clearance Inspection
RRP Rule (“Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule”)
A federal EPA regulation requiring lead-safe work practices must be employed when disturbing lead paint in residential renovation, repair, or painting jobs. This includes occupant notification, work area containment, worker training and certification, work practices, and clearance testing.
Terms related to the Massachusetts Lead Paint Laws
Every state has its own lead poisoning prevention laws. Massachusetts has one of the most encompassing and comprehensive laws in the country. This came about primarily as a reaction to the high number of lead poisoned children in the state in the 1980’s. Massachusetts had a high level of poisoned children due in large part to the high percentage of older houses coupled with the harsh weather that takes its toll on paint. The current lead paint law was passed in 1989 and went into effect in 1990, although it has been modified several times since then. Following are terms that will help you navigate through the complicated deleading process in Massachusetts.
Licensed Deleading Contractor or Deleader
Low Risk Deleading
Low Risk Deleader
A contractor licensed by DLS who is limited to perform Low Risk Lead Paint Abatement.
Moderate Risk Deleading
Lead abatement work that creates limited dust. This includes, among other things, removing window sashes, removing door and window casings, or removing other wood trim pieces. In certain limited cases, a dwelling can be brought into Full Compliance by Moderate Risk Deleading alone.
Moderate Risk Deleader
Certified Lead-Safe Renovator (“LSR”)
High Risk Deleading
High Risk Deleader
A contractor who is licensed by DLS to perform High, Moderate and Low Risk Lead Paint Abatement. Also known as a “Deleading Contractor.”
Lead Paint Violations
Any lead paint that is loose, peeling, blistering or chipping is considered non-compliant paint and must be addressed. Any lead paint that is considered “accessible mouthable” must also be addressed. These surfaces include rail caps, hand rails, window sills below 5 ft. of the ground or floor. Any movable window with lead paint must be fully stripped and re-glazed (re-puttied), or replaced with a new unit, and all friction surfaces must be stripped or replaced.
Friction Surface
A surface that is prone to having its paint chipped or worn away due to normal use. In Massachusetts, these include Doors, Door Jambs and Stair Treads. These items must have the friction surfaces stripped in their entirety as part of the lead abatement process.
Letter of Compliance (“LOC”)
A property is in Full Compliance of the lead law when it has attained its Letter of Compliance as issued by a License Lead Paint Inspector. This means that all Lead Paint Violations have been addressed in the dwelling unit, any common areas, and the exterior. A child under the age of 6 can now legally occupy the dwelling unit.
Interim Control
Post Compliance Assessment Determination (“PCAD”)
Once a property has an LOC issued, a PCAD is created by a Licensed Lead Paint Inspector typically upon property transfer or when the owner is preparing for a tenant with a child. It lists items that must be addressed in order to bring the property back into compliance. These items are typically areas of paint that have started peeling over the years. Once these items are addressed, they are re-inspected and dust wipe tests are taken as required. A “Letter of Restored Compliance” is then issued by the Licensed Lead Paint Inspector.