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Lead paint and the construction industry BY JARI E. SAARELA
Over the years, the construction industry has become quite familiar with the hazardous materials requirements when dealing with the various types of construction projects in the province. Dealing with asbestos, PCBs, CFCs, etc., has become fairly straightforward, with information available to assist the contractor with the tasks to complete their projects. Even vermiculite (a loose-fill insulation material found in many older homes and concrete block structures), which was not considered an issue until the late eighties, is now recognized by most contractors to potentially contain asbestos. When dealing with lead paint, the same comfort level has yet to be reached by architects, engineers, contractors, building managers … pretty well everyone in the industry. Current regulations provide details for worker safety, but the information to successfully complete various types of lead abatement projects is not easily available, nor is it clearly defined. Like all other projects dealing with hazardous materials, risk assessments are required for projects involving lead-containing paint, and must be conducted by qualified people. Having qualified people to provide risks assessments is a WorkSafe B.C. requirement, and is vital as it is based on the proposed scope of work for the project and provides important information for the development of site-specific work procedures. This presents
another hurdle, as training programs providing the required information for qualification are currently only available in the United States. As a result of the lack of information and the confusion in the construction industry, WorkSafe B.C. has recently embarked upon developing a manual entitled, “Lead Paint and Coatings: Preventing Exposure in the Construction Industry”. When completed, this much-anticipated manual will provide definitive clarification and direction to the industry for dealing with projects where lead paint will be remediated. In the meantime, projects involving lead paint must still be completed in accordance with regulations by a recognized governing body; for example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This ensures worker safety, but can also demand controls and clearance levels not relative to some types of projects. In the past, lead paint was a concern if it contained more than 0.5 per cent lead by weight or 1.0 milligram per square centimeter—when in fact, paint with concentrations of lead lower than the standard definition above could still cause health problems if not handled properly. Current levels of concern begin at .06 per cent, or 600 parts per million (Health Canada). Within the last year, the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission
Professional Quality Service for Over 19 Years COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT • Pre-Renovation / Demolition / Compliance Risk Assessments • Comprehensive Hazardous Materials Assessments (Asbestos, etc.) • Confined Space Audits & Risk Assessments • Asbestos & Mould Awareness & Worker Training Programs • Hazardous Materials Sample Analysis (RUSH Available) • Total Site Decommissioning Services • In-Situ / On-Site / Off-Site Remediation • Indoor Air Quality Assessments & Solutions • Chemical Inventory, Compliance, & Operating Procedures • Residential Grow Operation Removal & Re-Occupancy • Self-Contained Mobile Lab for Assessment & Analysis • Air Sampling & Analysis for Dust, Mists, Fumes, Mould, Bacteria, & Radiation Surveys (Radon)
604-873-8599
Fax: 604-873-5956 #217-2323 Quebec St., Vancouver, BC V5T 4S7 Email: info@acmenvironmental.com
www.acmenvironmental.com
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Ops Talk • Spring 2010
Scott Cluthé Cell: 778-238-2380
1385 Odium Drive Vancouver, BC V5L 3M1 Tel: 604-251-3151 Fax: 604-251-6233 Toll Free: 1-800-689-1441 Email: scott@castertown.com www.castertown.com www.castertown.com
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