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Lead Abatement — Step-by-Step Breakdown
Effective: September 2025
Purpose: Remove or safely control lead-based paint hazards so the building is safe for residents and staff and meets EPA/state clearance standards.
1) Preliminary Assessment & Testing (1 week)
Licensed inspector uses XRF and/or paint chip sampling to map all lead-painted surfaces, identify hot-spots, and test for substrate moisture or hidden contamination.
Output: Written Lead Hazard Assessment with floor plans, sample results, and recommended abatement scope.
Who: Certified lead inspector / industrial hygienist.
2) Develop Abatement Plan & Permitting (1 week)
Abatement contractor or IH firm prepares a written Abatement Plan detailing methods (encapsulation, removal, replacement), containment approach, worker protection, waste handling, schedule, clearance testing protocol, and permit list. Submit permits/notifications to local authorities as required.
Output: Signed Abatement Plan, permit applications, project schedule.
Who: Licensed lead abatement contractor + project manager.
3) Occupant Notification & Relocation Planning (2–3 days)
Provide written notices to residents/staff and post required signage. Plan temporary relocation for vulnerable people (pregnant persons, children) and for any areas where full removal will create airborne dust. Provide timelines and contact info.
Output: Notice packets, relocation logistics, contact point.
4) Site Preparation & Containment (2–5 days)
Establish containment zones using heavy-duty plastic, construct negative-pressure containment with HEPA exhaust, seal HVAC ducts serving the area, set up worker decontamination and equipment decontamination areas, protect non-work surfaces, remove or bag furniture and fixtures. Post warning signage and restrict access.
Output: Containment verification checklist, negative pressure functioning, documented set-up photos.
5) Abatement / Removal Work (variable; typical 1–4 weeks)
Select and implement appropriate methods: full removal (mechanical removal with HEPA-filtered equipment and wet methods), replacement (remove windows, trim, doors), encapsulation (apply certified encapsulant) or enclosure (cover with new materials). Strict controls: no dry scraping or uncontrolled sanding; use HEPA-equipped tools, wetting, vacuums, and safe debris handling.
Output: Daily logs, debris staging for disposal, interim QC checks.
6) Waste Handling & Disposal (ongoing during removal)
Containerize debris, label and manifest hazardous waste if required, transport with licensed hauler to authorized disposal facility. Maintain chain-of-custody and manifests.
Output: Waste manifests, disposal receipts.
7) HEPA Cleaning & Decontamination (2–4 days)
Thorough cleaning of the work area and adjacent zones with HEPA vacuums and lead-specific detergent cleaning. Clean HVAC intakes and change filters as required.
Output: Cleaning logs, photos.
8) Clearance Inspection & Testing (3–7 days)
Independent third-party certified inspector conducts visual inspection and clearance sampling (wipe/dust samples and/or surface testing) according to EPA/state protocols. If any samples fail, re-clean and retest.
Output: Clearance Report with sample results and pass/fail status.
9) Final Documentation & Re-occupancy (1–2 days after clearance)
Contractor delivers full abatement report including before/after photos, manifests, daily logs, clearance certificates, encapsulant manufacturer data, and recommended maintenance schedule. Restore or repaint using lead-safe coatings.
Output: As-built Abatement Report and written re-occupancy authorization.
10) Post-Abatement Monitoring & Maintenance (ongoing)
Schedule periodic visual checks and re-testing if renovations occur; implement cleaning and maintenance plan to avoid disturbing remaining encapsulated or enclosed lead. Educate staff about lead-safe maintenance.
Output: Maintenance log and program.
Timeline Summary
Assessment & planning: 1–2 weeks
Preparation & containment: 3–5 days
Abatement work: 1–4 weeks (depends on building size and method)
Cleaning & clearance testing: 3–7 days
Total typical duration: 4–6 weeks (can be longer for full-building abatement).
Cost Guidance (High Level)
Costs vary widely by region, methods, and extent of contamination. For budgeting:
- Minor encapsulation/stabilization: lower cost (small projects).
- Full removal & replacement (windows, trim, large areas): significantly higher.
Recommendation: obtain 3 competitive bids from EPA/state-certified abatement contractors and require line-item pricing for testing, containment, removal, disposal, cleaning, and clearance testing.
Regulatory & Safety Notes
Work must be performed by licensed / EPA-trained abatement professionals or under their supervision where required.
Follow the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule and applicable state lead abatement regulations.
Use certified third-party clearance testing before re-occupancy.
Maintain full records for funders and regulators (important for grant compliance).
Deliverables / Documentation to Require in the SOW
• Lead Hazard Assessment report (pre-work)
• Formal Abatement Plan and permit list
• Daily work logs and photo documentation
• Waste manifests and disposal receipts
• Independent Clearance Report (pass/fail) with sample locations and lab results
• Final Abatement Completion Report & recommended maintenance plan
• Manufacturer data and warranties (if encapsulants used)
Contractor Selection Checklist
• Are you licensed for commercial lead abatement in our state? (contractor license/cert#)
• Do you include third-party clearance testing in your price? (if not, itemize cost)
• Provide insurance certificates, references, and similar prior projects.
• Provide a detailed schedule showing containment, work sequence, and downtime/relocation needs.
• Confirm waste disposal plan and hauler information.
Quick SOW Sentence
“Lead abatement shall be performed by an EPA/state-certified lead abatement contractor in accordance with the Abatement Plan, applicable EPA/state regulations, and only after independent clearance testing confirms that all lead hazards have been remediated. Contractor shall provide all documentation, manifests, and a final Clearance Report prior to re-occupancy.”