U.S. 

a

Office 

A Field Guide for

Painting, Home

Maintenance, and

Renovation Work

A Field Guide for

Painting, Home

Maintenance, and

Renovation Work
Acknowledgements

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD

with the assistance and input of the Centers for Disease Contro

(CDC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and th

and Health Administration (OSHA). HUD would like to thank the 

cies for their participation in developing this Field Guide. HUD w

thank all of the renovation, painting, maintenance, and lead pro

vided useful feedback. Vicki Ainslie, Dana Bres, Robert Brown, 

Isaac, David Levitt, Linda Lewis, Dennis Livingston, Eric Oetjen

Rupp, Joe Shirmer, Aaron Sussell, Peter Tiernan, David Thomp

Ellen Tohn, Veda Watts, and Mike Wilson served on the Technic

ject. A special thanks goes to these individuals for their contrib

This Guide was developed by the U.S. Department of Housing a

Development’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Contr

with ICF Incorporated. Dennis Livingston created the illustration

technical content for this Field Guide.

Every child should have a lead-safe home. T

is working to create lead-safe affordable housin

reach and public education, a lead hazard contr

gram, worker training, and the enforcement of r

This guide is one part of HUD’s comprehensi

lead safety in the home. If you perform routine 

homes or apartments built before 1978, this gu

plan and carry out your work safely. Step-by-s

and illustrations explain and show what you nee

tect yourself and your clients if you are working 

ing that could contain lead paint. This Field Gu

tool that thousands of workers and contractors 

country are using as part of a national effort to 

hood lead poisoning.

Thank you for working lead-safe. It’s helping 

America’s children.

Mel Martinez, Secretary 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Deve
WHY FOLLOW THIS G

A painte

was hire

repaint t

exterior

of

an

old

Vermon

couple e

their firs

used a p

remove 

the exte

painter w

to the ba

open, an

includin

covered 

Fortunat

noticed 

stood th

They ca

painter w

control 

cleaned 

and the 

moved i

home.

Renovation of a twostory, 19th century

house included

removing paint

from floors

and woodwork

using power

sanders, hand

sanders, scrapers,

torches, heat guns,

and chemical paint strippers. Ceilings were also repaired, and

wallpaper and paint were removed from

several walls. The family that owned the

home temporarily moved out of the house.

They returned when the work was only

partly completed. There was dust throughout the house.

The family discovered that something was

wrong when one of the family’s dogs began

to have seizures. A veterinarian found that

the dog had been lead poisoned. The

mother and children had their blood tested,

and found that all of them had very high

levels of lead in their blood. All three were

admitted to the hospital for severe lead

poisoning. 

Most Old Homes Contain Lead-Based 

• Most homes built before 1978 contain some lead-ba

based paint is more common and was used more ex

built before 1950.

Probability of a House Containing Lead

built before: 1940 1960 197

98% 70% 20% 

• Homes built before 1950 also used paint that had a 

of lead.
layers down, flakes and peels off. Paint failure is us

moisture problems. Sometimes rubbing or impact 

Doing work improperly can also cause a lot of dust. 

• Lead-based paint chips and dust then mix with hous

in window troughs and on floors.

• Children are endangered when lead in paint chips, d

their hands and toys which they may put in their mo

• Lead can make children very sick and cause perman

damage. It can also result in learning difficulties and 

This damage is irreversible. It is a tragedy we can p

• If paint is kept intact and surfaces are kept clean, ch

in a home painted with lead-based paint.

• Uncontrolled or uncontained dust and debris from r

renovation that disturbs lead-based paint in a well-m

also expose children to unsafe levels of lead.

Changing Common Work Practices Can Protect Wo

• Lead-based paint can also pose a threat to workers 

to their brains, and nervous and reproductive system

• With small changes in work practices, workers can 

and their customers from lead exposure.

• These changes include:

■ Keeping dust to a minimum.

■ Confining dust and paint chips to the work area.

■ Cleaning up during and after work. Special clean

always be used.

■ Taking dust wipe samples to make sure cleaning 

contaminated dust. (Dust wipe sampling is descr

p. 71.)

Who Should Use This Guide?

• Building maintenance workers and their supervisors

• Painters

• Repair, renovation, and remodeling contractors

• Property managers and owners

• Homeowners

• Local housing agency staff and public health staff

When Should I Follow This Guide

• To fix a specific problem.

• During routine maintenance or apartment turnover.

• In homes where there may be a young child or a pre

• During work supported by Federal funds that must b

safe work practices under Federal regulations.
The Basics Before You Start Work Doing the Work At the End of the Job 

This guide is divided into 5 sec

To locate a section, bend the bottom

of these pages. Look for the section

you want by lining up the boxes at

the bottom of each page.

12 3 4
1. The Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Remember these Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Routine Work Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Correcting the Cause of the Problem . . . . . . . . . 

Restricted Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Key Stages of a Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2. Before You Start Work . . . . . . . 

Set Up the Work Area - Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Set Up the Work Area - Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Worker Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

3. Doing the Work . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Painting Jobs

❏ Interior Surface Prep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

❏ Exterior Surface Prep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

❏ Paint Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Home Maintenance and Renovation Jobs

❏ Walls/Ceilings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

❏ Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

❏ Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

❏ Stairs/Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

❏ Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

❏ High Dust Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

4. At The End of the Job . . . . . . . . 

Cleaning Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Disposal of Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Checking Your Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Ongoing Monitoring & Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . 

5. Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

A. Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

B. For More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

C. Getting the Word Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

❏ How Owners and Occupants Can Work To

Improve Lead-Safety in Homes

❏ Notice Prior to Renovation

❏ Why Lead Safety Makes Sense for Property O

Contractors

D. More About Technical Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . 

❏ Respiratory Protection

❏ Testing Dust for Lead

❏ Setting Up a Dust Room

❏ Building a Door Hold

E. Tool and Supply List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

F. Notes and Special Instructions . . . . . . . . . . 

G. Work Checklist and Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . 
1. ASSUME: Paint in Homes Built Before 1978 

(Unless a lead-based paint inspectio

Exposing Anyone to Dust, Especia

2. CHECK: Federal, State, and Local Regulat

• OSHA has rules for worker sa

• EPA and your local communit

waste disposal

3. AVOID: Creating Dust 

• Use low dust work practices 

surfaces with water before sa

Spreading Dust 

• Cover area under work with d

sheeting (plastic or poly)

• Keep dust contained to imme

4. PROTECT: Occupants, Particularly Children

• Keep them away from work a

• Clean up work site before the

Workers

• Wear proper respiratory prote

• Keep clean

• Don’t take dust home 

5. CLEAN UP: After All Work

• Clean up is particularly impor

surfaces were broken or wall 

• Take dust wipe samples to m

safe for children to return

6. MAINTAIN: A Dry Building

• Moisture problems can cause 

building deterioration, and en

All Painted Surfaces

• Well-maintained paint genera

health risk

Clean and Cleanable Surfaces

• Keep floors and painted surfa

• Damp mop them often

• Clean rugs and carpet well

THE BASICS

1
Correct the Cause of the Prob

starts, correct the conditions c

the home. See Correcting the 

Problem, p. 7.

Set Up Work Area. Set u

properly. See Section 2

Area - Interior & Exterio

respectively.

Clean Up and Clear. Thoroug

work area using the procedure

guide. Then, take dust wipe sa

safe for children to return. Se

Cleaning Up, p. 47 and Check 

High Dust Jobs. Some activit

create high amounts of dust d

Section 3: High Dust Jobs, p. 4

guidelines in this section to en

is performed safely.

Important!! This symbol poin

details where special attention 

The following pictures appear throughout the Guide a

sections covering these practices.

Interior

Exterior
THE BASICS

1

If a job involves repairs to a damaged paint surfac

important to correct the cause of the damage, or t

damage will occur again. Damaged surfaces that 

lead-based paint represent a health threat to the

occupants. 

The following conditions are examples of potentia

to painted surfaces. Be sure that the planned work 

conditions if they are present.

Roof leaks; incorrectly

installed flashing; defective

downspouts and gutters;

water collecting in window

troughs; puddles of water

at foundations; leaking

basement walls; wet crawl

spaces.

Moisture

From

Outside

Moisture

From Inside

Ice d

Window

trough

Puddles

Attic condensation due to

poor ventilation; unvented

steam from showers 

and cooking; leaking

plumbing and failed seals

around tubs and toilets;

condensation in walls;

unvented dryers; wet and

poorly maintained

basements. 
p

of Painted

Surfaces

Where feasible, repair or

remove places where dust

and paint chips may

accumulate and can’t be

easily cleaned (such as old

wall-to-wall carpet and

unused items stored in the

basement). If

these places

are damp,

they may

also be

home to

mold.

Keep flat

surfaces

(such as

window stools

or interior sills

and troughs)

clean and cleanable.

Places that

Collect Dust

and Paint

Chips

Some surface damage may

be caused by structural

damage such as wood rot,

termites, foundation

settlement, and foundation

shift. These problems

must be addressed before

surface repairs are made.

Structural

Damage

p

rubbing from opening and

closing painted windows.

Window

troughs

trapping

dust

Low spots at

foundation 
Don’t use unsafe work methods. Some 

create such high levels of dust that they 

when working on surfaces that may con

paint.

THE BASICS

1

Goal:

Don’t Use Power Sanders or Grinde

Vacuum Attachment.

These machines create a lot of dust that 

building and the ground around a buildin

ers, neighbors, and occupants.

Controlled Sanding or Grinding Wit

Attachment Is Acceptable. 

If the sanding or grinding machines

are “shrouded,” which means surrounded with a barrier that prevents

dust from flying out around the

perimeter, AND attached to a HEPA

vacuum, they can be used. Because

some dust may still blow out around

the perimeter, workers near the

machine should wear half-mask respirators rated by NIOSH as N100 (or

HEPA) at a minimum. Also, the

work area must be completely

isolated if the machine is used

inside (see Section 3: High Dust

Jobs, p.45). Because these tools

can create high levels of dust and requir

tions, their use is beyond the scope of th

Don’t Use Open Flame/High Heat R

There is no acceptable use of an open fla

temperature heat gun (above 1100 degre

paint.

• It produces toxic gases that a HEPA d

pirator cannot filter out on its own (a 

is necessary).

• It creates high levels of very toxic dus

difficult to clean up.

• It can burn down a house.

Do Use a Heat Gun on Low Setting. 

A heatgun set below 1100 degrees F ma

tion. It is recommended for small areas 

edge of a door, the top of a window stoo

face of a window jamb.
Avoid Extensive Dry Scraping or Sandin

Extensive dry scraping or sanding create 

paint chips, dust, and debris that are ha

Use Wet Methods or Limited Dry Scrap

Mist surfaces before scraping and sandi

while working. Dry scraping or sanding 

(for example, around light switches or o

flat surfaces below these areas are cove

sheeting. These methods should be av

than 2 square feet per room, and worke

adequate respiratory protection.

taining methylene chloride should not be 

chemical is extremely toxic and is known 

Methylene

Chloride

Other Chemical Strippers with Appropr

Acceptable. 

Chemical strippers without methylene ch

use, as long as the precautions printed o

followed. Take extra precautions to mask 

Don’t Use Uncontained Hydroblasting.

Removal of paint using this method can 

dust, and debris beyond the work area. 

difficult to clean up these hazards at the 

Uncontained

Hydroblasting

Contained Pressure Washing Is Accepta

Removal of paint using contained pressu

protective enclosure to prevent the sprea

dust, and debris may be done. Because 

additional precautions that are beyond th

guide, it should only be used by certified 

workers.

Don’t Use Uncontrolled Abrasive Blast

This work method can also spread pain

debris beyond the work area. This resu

clean up these hazards at the end of the 

Uncontrolled

Abrasive

Blasting

Contained Blasting Is Acceptable. 

Contained abrasive blasting within a pro

exhausted enclosure to prevent the spre

dust, and debris may be used. Because 

additional precautions that are beyond t

guide, it should only be used by certifie

workers.
Quality work requires thinking through the job fro

Here are the basic stages of the jobs described in 

THE BASICS

1

Before

Starting

• Find the causes of damage

• Prioritize work

• Hand out lead hazard information 

note below)

Work • Set up work area

— Separate work space from occ

— Isolate high dust areas

• Correct cause(s) of problem(s)

• Complete the job using safe work 

those shown in this guide

Finish the

Job

• Clean up thoroughly

• Dispose of waste safely

• Check quality of work and correct 

Maintain the

Work

• Educate occupants about risks from 

paint

• Maintain a safe and healthy home

Renovation Notice About Lead Safe

Note: Federal law requires that owners and occupan

apartment built before 1978 receive the pamphlet P

Family From Lead In Your Home prior to the start o

work. The requirement applies to any work that wil

ed surface larger than 2 square feet when the work 

• Contractors who have been hired to do any kin

Among others, this can apply to painting, dryw

cal trades. 

• Owners of rental properties who have work per

maintenance staff.

See p. 67 for more information about this require

BEFORE YOU START 

2

• Ask occupants to leave

the room where work will

be done.

• Have them stay out until

final cleanup.

• Place “DO NOT ENTER”

tape across doorway or

post sign. 

Caution: If the work will

create a large amount of

dust, follow the guidelines

in Section 3: High Dust

Jobs, p. 45.

Restrict

Access

Protect

Floor

Protect

Furnishings

• Place protective sheeting

on floor extending about

5 feet from the work area.

• Tape protective sheeting

to the baseboard under

work area using masking

tape (or durable tape

where masking tape

doesn’t work). 

• Remove drapes, curtains,

furniture, and rugs within

5 feet of work area.

• Cover any furniture within

5 feet of work area that

cannot be moved.

Stock the

Work Area

• Put all necessary tools

and supplies on protective sheeting before

beginning work to avoid

stepping off the protective sheeting.

Use

protecti

sheeting

such as

poly
cove

wear non-skid shoe covers on protective sheeting

and remove them each

time you step off the protective sheeting.

OR

• Wipe both top and bottom of shoes with a

damp paper towel each

time you step off the protective sheeting.

OR

• Clean off shoes using a

tack pad (a large sticky

pad that helps remove

dust).

OR

• Remove shoes every time

you step off the protective sheeting.

Set Up

Dust Room

(Optional)

• When working on components that can be moved,

such as doors and window sashes, consider setting up a dust room. A

dust room is an area

isolated from occupied

areas where workers

can do dust generating

work. The door of the

room is covered

with a flap and the

floor is covered with

protective sheeting. See

Section 5D: Setting Up a

Dust Room, p. 73.

• Using a dust room contains dust and paint

chips, and makes cleanup

easier. It also helps protect occupants, as well as

other workers. 

Tack pa
BEFORE YOU START 

• When working on the

ground floor, lay protective sheeting 10 feet

from work surface or as

space permits. When

working on the 2nd

story or above, extend

the sheeting farther out.

• Vertical shrouding on

scaffolding should be

used if work is close to a

sidewalk, street, or

another property, or the

building is more than

three stories high. 

Important: Covering the

ground protects the soil

from contamination by

lead-based paint chips

and dust.

Protect

Ground

• Protective sheeting can

be taped and/or stapled

to wood siding or ribbon

board. A wood strip

may need to be attached

to a masonry wall.

Attach

Protective

Sheeting to

Wall

Attach 

strip to 

to secu

protect

• Build a curb around

work perimeter when a

sidewalk or another

property is near, or when

wind may blow debris

off protective sheeting. 

Caution: This may pose a

tripping hazard.

Build Curb

Curb 

sheet

2
area must be closed. If

they cannot be closed,

seal with protective

sheeting during work. 

• If an entrance must be

used that is closer than

20 feet, place a shroud

above and on the sides

of the entrance.

Windows

and Doors

Use Ladder

Safely

• Don’t use a metal ladder

near power lines.

• Check feet and rungs of

ladder to make sure they

are sound.

• Place the base of the

ladder at a distance from

the wall using a height

to base ratio of 4:1.

• Ladder should extend 3

feet past the top of the

surface area where work

will be done.

• If using protective

sheeting to cover the

ground, cut slots in the

sheeting and place the

ladder feet directly on

the ground—not on top

of the protective sheeting.

• Tie off the top of the

ladder, where possible.

• If the work is taking

place at heights above

10 feet, tie off the ladder

and secure yourself with

a lanyard and harness.

Tie 

Stand

off
BEFORE YOU START 

2

Protect Your

Eyes

• Always wear safety

goggles or safety glasses

when scraping,

hammering, etc.

• At end of work period,

remove dusty clothes

and/or vacuum off dust.

Wash them separately. Do

not use compressed air to

blow dust off clothing.

• Wear disposable protective clothing covers.

Disposable protective

clothing covers can be

stored in a plastic bag

and reused if fairly clean

and there are no rips.

Small tears can be

repaired with duct tape.

• Wear painter’s hat to protect head from dust and

debris.

Disposa

suit &

shoe 

covers

OR

Keep

Clothes

Clean

Use

Disposable

Covers

• When work creates dust

or paint chips, workers

should wear at least a

NIOSH-approved respirator for lead work. See

Section 5D: Respiratory

Protection, p. 69.

Wear

Respiratory

Protection

Wash Up • Wash hands and face each

time you stop working.

Post

Warning

• Post sign and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking

on site.

Prepare wall or ceiling to create a so

for painting. Use methods that crea

amount of dust.

DOING THE WOR

A wall or ceiling is sound, but has ho

PROBLEM or flaking and peeling paint.

SOLUTION

3

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13.

Remove

Deteriorated

Paint

• Wet scrape any

loose, peeling, or flaking paint.

Fill and

Patch

Holes

• If removal of damaged

edges is necessary, mist

surface before removal.

• Skim and fill holes and

cracks less than 1/16 inch

wide with a non-shrinking

spackle compound.

• If sanding is necessary

to feather edge, use wet

abrasive sponge or wetdry sandpaper with water.

Prep

Surface

• Clean wall, particularly in

kitchen area.

• De-gloss surfaces as

necessary (use liquid

sandpaper or wet-dry

sandpaper with water).

Important: Allow surface to

thoroughly dry before priming.

• Prime surface using

high-grade primer.

• Apply top coat. Use one

or two coats as

necessary.

Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.
Use a coating designed for longer d

Some of these coating systems incl

PROBLEM but most of the surface is sound.

SOLUTION

Apply

System

Base Coat

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13.

• Apply system base coat with a hig

(approximately 3/4 inch) roller. Fo

product instructions.

Apply Mesh

Test

Surface

• Where a long-lasting system (som

encapsulant) is to be brushed, spr

surface preparation is very import

• If an encapsulant is used, use one 

by a state government. If your sta

a list of approved encapsulants, it 

that you check with a state that do

National Lead Information Center a

LEAD for the telephone numbers o

• A sample area should be tested be

Follow manufacturer’s instructions 

Liquid Coating

Mesh System

• Where there is extensive

cracking or alligatoring,

consider using a system

that includes mesh

because it can add

strength and durability.

• Cut the mesh leaving a 2

inch overlap at ceiling

and baseboard.

• Install so that mesh is

plumb. 

Important: For mesh systems, follow manufacturer’s

instructions exactly.
DOING THE WOR

3

Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.

base coat with a wallpaper brush, spackle

knife, or roller.

• Overlap seams by 1

inch. Cut down the center of the seam and

remove the 2 waste

strips. Let seams butt

against each other.

• Using a spackle knife,

press the mesh at the bottom and top. Then cut off

the excess.

• Roll on the top coat.

Make sure that there is

complete and even

coverage.

• If there is a risk of

further peeling, the top

edge of mesh can be

reinforced with cove or

crown molding, and the

bottom reinforced with

base cap.

Overlap

Cont’d
Prepare a sound, intact surface for p

that create minimal dust.

Exterior wood surface is chipping an

PROBLEM painted with lead-based paint.

SOLUTION

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 15.

Wet Scrape

Mist and

Sand

Clean

Surface

• Clean wood with detergent (or lead-specific

cleaner) and scrub brush.

• Wet scrape woodwork

and siding. Mist small

areas frequently to keep

down dust. Using a

pump sprayer in a

knapsack is convenient.

• Wet sand using wet-dry

sandpaper or wet

sanding sponges. A

power sander may be

used if attached to a

HEPA vacuum, and the

worker is wearing

respiratory protection.

• Prime and paint.

• See Section 4, p. 47.

• If you dislodge paint

using pressure washing,

water must be collected

and may need to be tested (see local regulations

for water disposal procedures in your area).

Clean Up

and Clear

Dispose of

Water

Paint
DOING THE WO

3

Remove all paint using methods tha

the surface, create minimal dust, an

Areas of paint are peeling or flaking 

that a child has been chewing on a 

example of a surface accessible to c

nose of a window stool (inside sill).

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13

or p. 15.

• When using chemical

strippers, the edge of

the protective covering

below the painted surface

must be tightly fastened

to the wall so that the

stripper doesn’t damage

other surfaces.

Chemical

Removal

• If a large area of paint is to be stri

hiring a professional.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructio

using chemical paint strippers.

Caution: If using a caustic stripper, n

surface according to the manufacture

before applying new paint.

• Recommendations: 

— Use a second layer of

protective sheeting to

collect stripping

waste. The

first layer

remains in place to

protect surfaces below.

— For removable components, con

paint stripped off-site or installi

entirely new component.
Removal

Cont’d

wood, a paint residue

will remain in the wood.

Use caution when

sanding the bare wood

because it may contain

lead residue.

Hand

Stripping

• Paint can also be

removed with a paint

scraper. Be sure to mist

areas where paint is to

be removed. Using a

hand plane removes all

paint and all residue. It

also creates very little

dust.

Mechanical

Stripping

• When using power tools,

such as sanders or

grinders to remove or

feather paint, make sure

the tool is shrouded and

attached to a HEPA

vacuum. Respiratory

protection is still

necessary. 

Caution: High dust

potential.

Heat

Stripping

• When using a heat gun

to remove paint, be sure

the temperature setting

is kept below 1100

degrees F.

Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.
Install a new durable surface

over the damaged area using

methods that create little dust

and do not require demolition.

DOING THE WOR

Wall or ceiling area is too

badly damaged to repair, and

demolition would create a

large amount of dust.

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

3

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13.

• Mechanically fasten

drywall or veneer board

through damaged plaster

to studs.

• Seal the perimeter, particularly the bottom edge.

• Avoid removing existing

base. 

Caution: High dust

potential.

• Where drywall laminate will end above existing base, install shoe or

cove molding into bead of

caulk to seal.

• If laminate comes close

to flush with base face, a

strip of lattice bedded in

caulk can be used to

seal joint. 

• Where base will be

replaced, bed the new

base in bead of caulk on

the back and bottom.

Then, bed shoe molding

in a bead of caulk to seal.

Cover With

Drywall

—On Base

—Behind

Base

Old plas

Old

plaster

Lath

Stud

Pla

Lath

Old

plaster

New

drywall
of wall is damaged

beyond repair, the wall

can be enclosed with

wainscoting. The wainscoting can be installed

above the existing baseboard. 

• Bed the lower edge in a

bead of caulk with a trim

piece also bedded in caulk.

• Finish top with cap

molding.

Wainscoting 

p

• When laminating

drywall to ceilings, it is critical

to screw into

joists, not lath.

• Old joists may

be irregularly

spaced, so each joist

center must be located.

• A drywall dagger can be

used to find the joist

edge, as can a heavy

gauge wire pushed

through the plaster.

• The drywall edges

should be taped

and spackled.

• If walls will not

be spackled,

perimeter edges

can be finished

with “J” channel bedded in a bead of

caulk.

Repair

Holes in

Ceilings

Fill cent

if larger 

Push 

wire through

plaster to find

edge of joist

or cu

until

dagge

hits jo

Mist

“J” channel

Bead

of

caulk

Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.
Whenever possible, repair the surface

exterior trim and siding, and then ma

method is the preferred approach. 

When a surface is too badly damaged 

aluminum siding, or aluminum wrap 

covering that protects the surface and 

deterioration. 

Note: Siding must be installed correc

wood rot and/or interior paint failure

become home to insects and mold. 

critical in both hot and cold climates

DOING THE WOR

An exterior painted surface is badly 

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

3

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 15.

• Carefully follow the

manufacturer’s

instructions for installing

siding over an existing

surface.

• Use a styrene backboard

with an R-value of at

least R2. 

• Take care to properly

install flashing,

especially at horizontal

trim and window and

door heads.

• The siding system must

be well vented but sealed

at the bottom to prevent

flaking and peeling paint

from falling from behind

the siding to the ground.

• Be sure that water can

drain out.

NEW

Flashi

J chann

Vent

hole

Vinyl

siding

Backerboard

J chann

(end

drain)

Flashin

Cover Deteriorated Surface With S

Install

Siding
Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.

p

should be well ventilated to

prevent moisture build-up

that can cause structural

damage and/or paint

failure. 
Remove window,

scrape or plane,

repaint, and

reinstall, OR

install a new

window.

DOING THE WOR

Window sticks,

and paint on

window is flaking.

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

3

Ap

Stool (or interior sill)

Parting bead

Inside

stop

Jamb

extends

to

outside

Casing

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13.

• If window is painted

shut, mist and cut window joint with utility

knife. Then open joint

between sash and stop

with a “window opener.”

Mist while working.

• Mist and remove stop

molding from sides and

head. Dispose of

properly unless it has

historic value. 

• If counterweight cord or

chain is attached to the

sash, knot it or tie it to a

stick when removing

from sash so it does not

get pulled into the

weight compartment.

Remove

Inside Stop

Molding

Remove

Bottom

Sash

Loosen

Painted

Sashes
top sash.

• Set sash on a work bench,

clamp, and wet scrape all

surfaces. Or use a power

planer attached to a HEPA

vacuum. 

Caution: High dust potential. This work can be done

in a dust room. See

Section 5D: Setting Up

a Dust Room, p. 73.

• Reglaze and repair as

necessary. Wet sand,

prime, and paint sash

and jamb. Seal, but do

not paint sash edges. 

Important: Seal bottom

edge of sash, particularly

end grain.

• Repair jamb if necessary. 

• To prevent dust and chips

from falling outside the

window, install a scoop

of protective sheeting.

• Then wet scrape, prime,

and paint.

Wet Scrape

or Plane

Reinstall

Sash

Wet scr

ridges o

Seal thi

particul

linseed 

Repair,

Reglaze,

Seal, and

Paint

Repair and

Paint Jamb

• Reinstall sash with new

or wet scraped and

repainted stop and parting bead.

Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.
Install sashes in window compressio

window and allow sashes to move e

against jamb. If sashes or window c

deteriorated, replace window.

DOING THE WOR

Loose sashes (lower and upper) do 

and they allow heat loss. Also, sash

painted jamb create paint dust.

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

3

Install Jamb

Liners

Slide sa

and line

jamb an

put two

brass

screws 

each sid

• Follow directions on

pages 29 and 30.

• Cut liners to fit in jamb

(1/4 inch short of dimension). If pulley system is

being saved, cut off

directly below pulley.

• Press jamb liners onto

sash.

• Attach jamb liners with

brass screws on top and

bottom of each side.

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13.

Install Window Jamb Liners

Remove

Sashes and

Paint

Cut Jamb

Liners
molding tight against

jamb liner. 

• If top sash is painted

shut and is to remain

fixed, adjust the above

steps as follows:

— Cut away flange 

between channels of 

jamb liner.

— Leave parting bead 

intact and install 

bottom sash as above.

Cut fla

with pl

Molding

Replace Sash/Window

Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.

• If the sashes or other

components are too

badly deteriorated to

save, consider one of the

following options:

— Install new sashes in

tilt-in jamb liners.

— Replace sashes,

stops, and parting

bead with a vinyl or

aluminum window

unit.

— Replace entire

window including jamb casing,

stool, and apron.

Choose an

Option
Repair counterweight system or

install hardware so the window will

stay open securely, or replace windo

Window sash is loose and wont stay 

support. Propping the window open 

sents a danger to occupants, particu

children. When a window jamb liner 

used, it may not be sufficient to keep

the window open. (See page 31.)

DOING THE WOR

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

3

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13.

Open

Counterweight

Panel

Option #1: Reinstall Counterweight S

Vacuum

Remove

Counterweight

System

Reinstall

Counterweight

System

Space {

• Find top of panel. Mist

and scrape paint from

top edge to find screw or

nail holding in panel.

Remove screw and pry

off panel.

• Vacuum weight compartment with HEPA vacuum.

• Remove old rope or

chain from counterweight and edge of

sash.

• Cut chain so weight is

above bottom of weight

compartment when open

and weight is below pulley when closed.
Weight

System

Cont’d

Option #2: Install Spring Clips

Install

Spring Clips

• Screw spring clips on to

window as directions

indicate. (2 styles

shown.)

ment, pull out through

panel opening, and

attach to weight.

• Attach other end to edge

of window sash using

spring fixture. You may

want to secure chain

with fence staple.

Sa

ha

• Screw slide bolt to bottom of window sash. Tap

bolt to mark where you

want to drill holes for

bolt. Drill holes in inside

stop at 3 or 4 points.

• Attach hardware that

uses spring to press

against stop. To move

sash, press lever. Release

lever when window is at

desired height.

Install Slide

Bolt

Option #3: Install “Hold Open” Hard

Bolt s

into 

holes 

inside 

Attach

Hardware Spring 

rubber 

agains

Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.

OR
Drill a drain hole through bottom

of the storm window frame.

DOING THE WOR

Storm window traps water

behind the frame causing paint

deterioration and damage to

the sill.

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

Install smooth and cleanable

surface in window trough.

Window trough surface is dam- PROBLEM aged and difficult to clean.

SOLUTION

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13.

Drill Drain Hole

• To allow drainage, drill 2

holes through frame of

storm window flush with

sill. Drill holes approximately one quarter of

the way from both sides.

First, drill a 1/8 inch pilot

hole, then the 3/8 inch

hole. 

Drill

• If flashing is installed in

window trough and covers any part of the drain

hole, run awl through

drain hole. Tap with

hammer to form dent in

flashing to drain out

water.

Dent

3
Chisel or

Notch

Wet Scrape

Cut

To make surface flat, wet

scrape high points and

remove any fasteners

from trough.

• Cut flashing 1/4 inch

shorter than the width

and length of trough.

• To allow flashing to fit

tight to jamb, drive chisel under parting bead

and outside stop — or

notch each side of the

flashing at these two

points.

• Then slide flashing in to

check fit. Remove and

trim if needed.

• To fasten flashing, run

bead of adhesive caulk

around perimeter of trough.

• Bed flashing in adhesive

caulk bead and press

down.

• Run a bead of caulk

around perimeter of flashing. If necessary wipe off

excess caulk with damp

cloth. Try not to smear

caulk on face of flashing.

Important: Do not cover

drain hole with caulk.

Check Fit

Install

Flashing

Seal

Fasten

Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.
Adjust the door so that

it opens and closes

without damaging

painted surfaces.

DOING THE WOR

Edge of door is crush

ing against jamb on

hinge side; or door is

rubbing on latch side

because hinges are

loose. When paint on

a door rubs or is

crushed, dust and

paint chips can result. 

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

3

Latch

Stile

Panel

Hinge

Head

casing

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13.

• Grasp knob and try to

move door up and down.

If hinges are loose, door

will move.

• Remove screws that are

most loose, but not all

screws, so door remains

hung.

— Clear paint from

screw notch with

hammer and small

screwdriver.

— Unscrew. If screw head

is stripped, use screwdriver bit in a brace.

• Drive 3/16 inch or 1/4 inch

dowel into screw holes as

necessary to fill each hole.

Cut dowels flush.

Check Door

Remove

Screws

Fill Hole
a brace makes this easier.

Then remove and replace

remaining screws as

necessary.

• Face of door should only

contact the stop on the

latch side of door frame.

It should not crush or rub

head or hinge side stop. 

• Where stop is nailed,

remove and replace with

new matching stop.

Leave 1/8 inch space between hinge, head stop,

and the face of the door.

• If putty knife can’t fit in

gap between door and

jamb at all points, crushing of painted surfaces

may be occurring.

• If door is crushing hinge

side and there is more

clearance than necessary

on the latch side, install

metal shims behind hinge

leaves. Keep at least 1/8

inch clearance on leaf side

and 1/8 inch clearance on

latch side. If not enough

clearance, see p. 39.

• If only a small increase

is needed between leaves

of hinge to create a gap

between door edge and

jamb, place a steel rod

between hinge leaves

near pin and close door

to slightly bend apart

leaves.

Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.

Adjust Stop

Check

Clearance

Adjust

Depth of

Hinge Leaf

Check p

of door 

clearan

of 1/8” 

to 3/16

Crush

(Drawin
• Remove pins from

hinges and hinge leaves

from door.

• Set door on edge in a door

hold. (See Section 5: Building a Door Hold, p. 74.)

• Mist surface and hand

plane a chamfer edge. 

• Use a smooth bench or

jointer plane (not a block

plane) to remove the rest

of the paint from the

edge. Continue to mist

while working. If a power

planer is used to remove

paint, it must be attached

to a HEPA vacuum.

Some power planers need

an adaptor to accept

HEPA attachments.

• Once paint is removed, use

either a hand or power

planer.

• Then, recut gains as

necessary so hinge leaf is

set about halfway into gain. 

• Seal edges of door, particularly the bottom,

and rehang.

Plane edges of door so that it operat

not rub.

Door is scraping on latch side; or do

latch side and there is not enough cl

add shims to hinges. When paint on 

crushed, paint chips can result. 

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

3

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13.

Chamfer

edge

Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.

DOING THE WOR

Only co

point 

Remove

Hinge

Leaves

Hand Plane

Edge

Recut

Gains

Seal Edges

Cover portions of stairs or floor that 

material.

DOING THE WOR

Painted staircase treads, risers or flo

paint is chipping. Paint and other co

es and floors in older homes often c

friction and wear can produce paint c

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

3

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13.

• Mist and wet scrape any

loose paint on treads

and risers, particularly

on edges.

• Prime treads and risers.

Paint edges that will not

be covered by enclosures.

• Cut 1/4 inch lauan plywood to fit each riser.

Sand exposed edges of

lauan.

• Back caulk perimeter of

riser with adhesive

caulk. Press tight or nail

with finish nails.

• Cut cover to fit over the

tread and nose.

• Install cover with adhesive caulk or screws.

Wet Scrape

Stairs – Option #1: Install Tread Covers and R

Prime and

Paint

Install Riser

Enclosure

Fasten

Baluster

Riser

T

If nose tread is not worn

Cut and

Install

Tread Cover
• Cut tread cover to fit from

the riser to rear edge of

nose. Install with adhesive caulk or screws.

• Screw metal cover over

edge of tread nose. It

will span the worn area

of the nose.

Cut and

Install

Tread Cover

Install

Metal Nose

Cover

tread nose creates a hollow space

under the rubber tread cover. This can

cause the rubber tread cover to tear,

posing a tripping hazard.

• Mist and wet scrape any

loose paint on tread and

riser, particularly on edges.

• Prime and paint treads

and risers. 

• Staple runner to top of

top riser. Then fasten

with staircase bars so

runner may be easily

removed for cleaning.

Important: Do not install runner

or tread cover on landing of

upper floor where its rear edge

may become a tripping hazard.

Wet Scrape

Prime and

Paint

Install

Runner

Stairs – Option #2: Install Staircase R

Clean Up

and Clear

Prep

Surface

• If a floor needs to be refinished, us

floor sander attached to a HEPA va

Caution: High dust potential.

• Apply a coating to the floor to keep 

smooth and cleanable.

• To maintain a smooth and cleanab

surface, it is recommended that th

of wall-to-wall carpeting be avoide

Area rugs can be used instead.

PROBLEM

Floors

Cover

• See Section 4, p. 47.
Protecting these surfaces with a dura

vent the creation of paint chips and d

DOING THE WOR

Outside corners of walls, edges at pa

trim, base cap, and shoe molding are 

impact from doors, furniture, and ot

surfaces are covered with lead-based 

and the dust created may pose a hea

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

3

• Cover outside corners of

walls with corner molding. Attach with nails

and/or with a bead of

adhesive.

• In places where a baseboard shows signs of

impact, replace shoe and

protect cap with lattice

strip.

• When replacing shoe,

bed new shoe in bead of

caulk to seal out moisture and prevent infiltration of dust.

Enclose

Outside

Corner

Protect

Base

Decora

corner

moldin

Im

p

Set Up • See Section 2, p. 13.

Clean Up

and Clear

• See Section 4, p. 47.

DOING THE WOR

3

Some jobs create large amounts of dust. To be safe, wor

doing this type of work should:

1. Wear half-mask respirators rated by NIOSH as N10

HEPA) at a minimum and be trained to wear and m

them, or conduct air monitoring to show that they 

(See Section 5D: Respiratory Protection, p. 69.)

2. Completely isolate the work space from occupied s

tainment to protect other workers. (See next page.)

3. Receive lead worker or supervisor training from an 

In most states, accredited courses are available. To 

your state, contact the Leadlisting at 1-888-Leadlis

or www.leadlisting.org.

Examples of

High Dust Jobs

Remember: All house dust is unhealthy 

contain lead, mold, asbestos, gypsum, 

mites, coal dust, fiberglass, etc.

The following types of work are li

high levels of dust:

Demolition. Demolition

includes tearing off siding

and/or demolishing old

plaster walls or ceilings.

Opening Up Wall

Cavities. These jobs

include:

• Removing old paneling and

baseboards

• Removing door casings and fra

casings or jambs

“It’s not just what’s on t

it’s the dust behind 

Removing Old Drop Ceilings. Lo

accumulate above ceiling panels.

Improperly Removing Wall-To-W

carpet that’s been on the floor for 

gathered large amounts of househo

may include lead dust. Improperly 

release a large amount of dust.
done correctly, can create a large 

Containing Dust

Use this system to keep dust from 

another room.

If a job creates extremely high am

example, demolition) or large amo

air for more than short periods, th

system shown above may not be 

vent dust from spreading beyond 

For these types of jobs, a more pr

called “isolation” is needed so tha

spread beyond the work area. Iso

the work area is sealed with no di

occupied areas of the home. Wor

an entrance that is separate from 

cleanup is completed.

Duct tape protective sheeting to pe

opening. Leave slack at the top an

Staple corners for reinforcement.

}

Slack

Cut slit in prote

in 6” of top an

may be used fo

Then tape another sheet of

protective sheeting to top of

door. Cut just short of floor.

Staple top corners.

Fold prote

and bottom 

leave slack
Make du

flashing 

with a w

broom.

AT THE END OF TH

4

• HEPA vacuum all horizontal surfaces—slowly.

• Vacuum all ledges, sills,

stools, molding tops,

dusty surfaces, etc.

• Vacuum floor under

work area. Use corner

tool in corners, cracks of

trim, and between floor

boards.

• Vacuum floor with floor

brush and carpet with a

carpet tool. 

Important: Vacuum carpet

very slowly.

Vacuum

Mist and

push

dust

• Clean off protective

sheeting. Fold dirty side

inward (dirty side to

dirty side). Dispose of

protective sheeting at

the end of each job.

Protective sheeting may

be used again within the

same work area if it has

not already been folded.

Pick Up

Protective

Sheeting

Mist and

Scrub

• Wet rag with detergent

then wring out.

• Mist surface or rag as

you clean.

• Lead needs scrubbing, not

just wiping.

Dust and paint chips left behind at the end of the job may contain l

may endanger children. Have dust wipe samples collected at the e

job to be sure that it is safe for children to return.

• Pick up large chips with

damp paper towel.

AND/OR 

• Mist then push dust into

dust pan.

Pick Up

Work Area

Dirty

water

side
Cleaning Floors

Rinse out rag. Squeeze

into empty side. Repeat

as needed. 

• Change rinse water often.

— Use paper towels 

first if surfaces are 

very dirty.

— Replace rag when it 

looks dirty.

• Clean until dust and

debris are removed.

Mist and

Scrub

• At start of cleaning, soak

mop in detergent water

then mist small area

with detergent before

mopping.

• Scrub with mop.

Squeeze

Out and

Wash

• Squeeze mop into empty

bucket then rinse in

rinse water. Rinse often.

Squeeze out and rinse

again. Mop small areas at

a time.

Rinse • Repeat above process

using clean water rather

than detergent. When

cleaning up a work site,

use a new mop head for

rinse stage. 

Recommendation: Make a

final pass with a HEPA

vacuum.

Mist 

bottle

Mist 

bottle

P

Twist

bucke

Sque

buck

Dispose of

Waste

• See following section.

Take Dust

Wipe Sample

• See Section 5D: Testing

Dust for Lead, p. 71.
AT THE END OF TH

4

After cleanup of the work area, take care to safely hand

and debris from the job. Supervisors should check w

state’s agency responsible for waste to find out about 

state, and local regulations regarding disposal of wast

lead-based paint.

Key Principle: 

Confine dust and waste to the work area that w

Disposal

Practices

Water

Specific guidelines are:

• Avoid carrying construction wa

occupied space. If you must c

occupied space, first place it in 

tic bag or wrap it in protective s

with tape.

• When a dumpster is used, keep 

covered. If a chute is used, co

use a barrel chute) and cover t

• Store all waste in a secure con

until disposal. Do not transpor

truck, unless it is bagged and s

Water used for clean up should b

toilet. Never dump this water in a 

ground, or down a storm drain. 

Water used to remove paint throu

ing must be collected in drums an

tested to determine if it is hazardo

your state agency responsible for 

AT THE END OF TH

4

Check

Quality of

Work &

Cleanup

Check work quality during the job an

the job. 

• Was the cause of the problem co

• Were proper work practices used

• Was cleanup done thoroughly?

Checking your work involves two imp

Use the checklist inside the back cov

when performing visual checks.

• During the Job. Be sure that:

— the cause of the problem is bei

— the work area is safely set up;

— the practices in this guide are b

— dust and debris are not spread

work area.

• End of the Job. Be sure that the re

done properly and that no dust or 

remain.

When interior work disturbs painted 

duces dust, have dust wipe samples 

of the job to check for harmful levels 

nated dust.

To be accurate, these tests must be d

specific procedures. See Section 5D

information about these tests, and w

form them.

How to

Check: 

1. Visual

Checks

2. Take a

Dust Wipe

Sample
Cont’d

recommended when:

• Work that disturbs paint is done in 

built before 1978.

• A young child or pregnant woman 

home.

• Performing unit turnover or regular 

in rental properties.

Checking that work was done properl

because: 

• Failing to correct conditions causin

deterioration results in repairs that 

• Work that fails to follow the recom

this guide may spread dust and pa

the work area and may endanger c

home.

• Dust and paint chips left behind due 

may contain lead and may also end

the home.

• For contractors, checking your wo

quality of a job and is likely to redu

lawsuit in the event a child in the h

found to have high levels of lead in 

• Leaving a clean job site is greatly a

customers.

Why Is It

Important

to Check

Work?
AT THE END OF TH

4

Regularly

Check

Repairs for

Deterioration,

Paint Chips,

and Dust

Property owners should regularly m

surfaces where maintenance or imp

performed. 

Check to see if:

• New evidence of deterioration o

present.

• The cause of the problem was co

• Lead dust hazards are present. Im

can only be done by dust wipe sa

Then:

• Perform repairs, as needed, to ma

a smooth and cleanable condition 

ods recommended in this guide; a

• Clean the area thoroughly using t

described earlier in this section.

Follow the same methods used to ch

• Visual Check. Look for deteriora

dust and paint chips. Use the che

back cover of this guide.

• Test for Lead Dust. Have dust w

to check for dust that may be con

lead. A test is needed to determin

contains harmful amounts of lead

To be accurate, these tests must be 

to specific procedures. See Section 

more information about these tests, 

perform them.

• Annually. Perform a visual check 

and improvements involving pain

• During Unit Turnover or Routine 

Perform a visual check of past re

improvements involving painted s

• Every Two Years. Get a dust wipe 

least every two years. This type o

recommended when a young chi

woman lives in the home.

Maintain

Surfaces and

Thoroughly

Clean

Methods of

Monitoring

When to

Monitor?
p

Monitor &

Maintain

Work?

p

• Protect occupants and neighbors

dren, from lead exposure

• Give owners, contractors, and res

the condition of the unit
RESOURCES

Aluminum flashing - thin aluminum sheeting, also 

stock.

Aviation snips - metal cutters.

Chamfer - a small bevel on an edge.

Enclosure - a rigid, durable construction material 

mechanically fastened to the structure to cover 

Fit testing - a method to check if a respirator fits p

face.

Gain - notch chiseled in a door for a hinge leaf.

HEPA filter - High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter. 

remove particles of 0.3 micrometers or larger fr

99.97 percent or greater efficiency.

HEPA vacuum - a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

HUD Guidelines - HUD’s Guidelines for the Evalua

of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing.

Interim controls - a set of measures to reduce exp

hazards. Interim control measures include spec

repairs, paint stabilization, enclosure, and conta

discussion, see HUD’s Guidelines for the Evalua

of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing.

Lauan plywood - 1/4 inch plywood made of lauan w

N100 - a NIOSH filter class that describes a respirat

airborne particles. A respirator filter rated as N10

particles of 0.3 microns or larger from the air at 

greater efficiency.

NIOSH - National Institute for Occupational Safety 

agency within the Centers for Disease Control a

tests and certifies safety equipment including re
the U.S. Department of Labor that oversees wor

Paint stabilization - a process of wet scraping, pr

coating of a deteriorated painted surface to prev

deterioration. 

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) - a dust exposu

by OSHA. Work that creates lead dust levels in t

the PEL must meet OSHA lead safety requireme

OSHA has set the PEL for airborne lead dust at 

per cubic meter (μg/m3

) as a time weighted ave

5D, p. 69, for technical information about OSHA 

Section 5B, p. 61, for information about OSHA r

Pilot hole - a small hole drilled to guide the drillin

Protective sheeting - made of plastic, poly or othe

Protective sheeting must be puncture and tear r

able to liquids, durable, flexible, and lightweight

R-value - a measure of heat containment; used fo

effectiveness.

Shim - small piece of wood or metal used to fill sp

fastened components.

Shroud - a protective covering that contains dust a

Substrate - a solid surface such as plaster, drywal

Tack pad - a sticky pad that helps remove dust fro

Window trough - the area of the sill between a wi

rior sill and the frame of the storm window whe

rests when closed (also called a window well or 
RESOURCES

• Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of

Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing (July

1995).* Technical guidance on methods for id

tifying and controlling lead-based paint and lea

based paint hazards. The Guidelines can also b

downloaded for free from the HUD Office of Le

Hazard Control web site. (About 750 pages)

• Residential Lead Desktop Reference (2nd Editi

June 1998).* A CD-ROM containing a large va

ety of lead-based paint information resources.

• Maintaining a Lead Safe Home (1997).* A do-i

yourself manual for homeowners and property

managers. (89 pages) 

• Lead-Based Paint: Operations and Maintenance

Work Practices Manual for Homes and Building

(May 1995).* Technical guidance on safe work

practices. (200 pages)

• Guide Specifications for Reducing Lead-Based

Paint Hazards (May 1995).* Technical guidanc

on purchasing lead-hazard control reduction se

vices and developing lead-hazard reduction wo

specifications. (About 500 pages)

• Lead Safety for Nonprofit Property Owners,

Developers, and Managers (July 1998). Practic

guide to developing policies and activities that

incorporate lead safety in property managemen

(About 30 pages) 

This section lists useful documents, web sites, and oth

information resources. Additional sources also exist. 

ter on the right to locate the contact for each informatio

Contacts are listed by letter on pages 62-64. Publicatio

are for sale; others are available for free.

Where can I get more information on...

Work practices and lead-safety?

Publications
• Guide to Working Safely with Residential Lead

Paint (1999). Pamphlet with key lead safety pr

cautions to follow during repainting and home

improvement.

• Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling You

Home (September 1997). Pamphlet providing

basic information about lead-based paint risks 

precautions when remodeling pre-1978 homes

Web Sites 

• HUD, Office of Lead Hazard Control. Provides

information on HUD regulations, technical and

educational documents, and links to other lead

resources. 

• EPA, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.

Provides information on EPA regulations, techn

and educational documents, and links to other

lead resources. 

Worker protection methods?

Publications

• Protecting Workers and Their Communities fro

Lead Hazards: A Guide for Protective Work

Practices and Effective Worker Training (1993)

Guidance on worker protection methods, traini

workers, and complying with OSHA regulations

(About 500 pages)

• Lead Exposure in the Construction Industry

(1993). Fact sheets that describe worker prote

tion measures needed to meet OSHA requirem

for lead including respiratory protection and pr

tective clothing. (Series of 6 fact sheets)

Web Site 

• OSHA. Occupational Safety and Health

Administration. Provides information on OSHA

regulations, technical and educational docume

and links to other lead resources.
RESOURCES

hazards?

Publications

• Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home

(May 1995). Pamphlet that provides basic info

mation about addressing and preventing leadbased paint hazards in the home. 

• Lead Poisoning Prevention: Directory of State

Contacts (1997-98).* Booklet that contains pro

files of state programs to reduce lead hazards.

(150 pages)

• Directory of State and Local Lead Poisoning

Prevention Advocacy Organizations (1998).* L

of state and local non-profit organizations that 

working to prevent lead poisoning. (About 300

pages)

Web Site

• Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning.

Information on lead poisoning prevention, lead

issues, and program design. Site has publicat

that can be copied from the web. 

Public education and outreach materials?

Web Site and Hotline

• National Lead Information Center. Information ab

lead hazards and poisoning prevention.

Locating certified abatement contractors a

clearance inspectors?

Web Site and Hotline

• Leadlisting. List of qualified lead professionals

including inspectors, risk assessors, abatemen

contractors, and analysis laboratories.
Publications

• Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home

(May 1995). Pamphlet that provides basic info

mation about addressing and preventing leadbased paint hazards in the home.

• Disclosure of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in

Housing (March 1996). Fact sheet that provide

information on how to meet Federal disclosure

requirements.

• Questions and Answers on the HUD/EPA

Disclosure Rule. Answers to commonly asked

questions about Federal disclosure requiremen

(5 pages)

• Interpretive Guidance for the Real Estate

Community on the Requirements for Disclosur

Information Concerning Lead-Based Paint in

Housing, Parts I and II (1996). In-depth guidan

on the disclosure requirements for real-estate 

fessionals. (27 pages)

• Resource Handbook on Lead Hazard Disclosur

for Homes and Apartments (1996).* Comprehe

sive reference book on disclosure procedures

including advice for renters and owners, a glos

sary of key terms, and copies of disclosure do

ments. (Approximately 300 pages)

Respirators?

Web Sites

• National Institute of Occupational Safety and

Health. Provides information on the proper use 

respiratory protection and various types of NIO

approved respirators that are available.

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Provides information on OSHA regulations reg

ing the use of respiratory protection.
RESOURCES

HUD’s lead regulations?

• 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 35 (Lead

Rule). Contains lead hazard evaluation and red

tion requirements for properties that receive H

funding.

OSHA’s lead regulations?

• 29 CFR 1926.62 (Lead in Construction) and

29 CFR 1910.1025 (Lead in General Industry).

These regulations cover Federal worker protec

requirements for workers in industry, construc

tion, remodeling, and renovation. 

EPA’s lead regulations?

• 40 CFR 745 (Lead-Based Paint Poisoning

Prevention in Certain Residential Structures).

Contains the Federal regulations for the dispos

of lead waste and contractor notification requir

ments.

• 40 CFR 745.80 (Residential Property Renovatio

Federal rule requiring contractors to provide no

cation before the start of any work that disturb

painted surface in pre-1978 homes.

Disclosure regulations?

• 24 CFR 35 (HUD) and 40 CFR 745 (EPA).

Regulations for disclosure of known lead-base

paint and lead-based paint hazards by home se

ers and landlords. This rule was published joi

by HUD and EPA.
Publication

• Summary of Lead Poisoning Prevention Statute

(February 1999). A state-by-state listing of loca

lead-related regulations, such as waste disposa

requirements. Available by fax. (24 pages)

C

Alliance to End Childhood Lead

Poisoning

227 Massachusetts Avenue, NE,

Suite 200

Washington, DC 20002

202-543-1147

http://www.aeclp.org

Office of Healthy Homes and Lead

Hazard Control; U.S. Dept. of Hous

ing and Urban Development (HUD

451 Seventh Street, SW, Room P-320

Washington, DC 20410

202-755-1785

http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead

HUD USER 

P.O. Box 6091 

Rockville, MD 20849 

1-800-245-2691 

http://www.huduser.org

Leadlisting

1-888-Leadlist (1-888-532-3547)

http://www.leadlisting.org

National Conference of State

Legislatures

1560 Broadway, Suite 700

Denver, CO 80202

303-830-2200

http://www.ncsl.org

B

Contacts

A

Reference

Letter

Organization 

D

E
RESOURCES

F 

National Center for Lead Safe

Housing

10227 Wincopin Circle, Suite 205

Columbia, MD 21044

410-992-0712

http://www.leadsafehousing.org

National Institute of Building

Sciences (NIBS)

Publications Department

1201 L Street, NW, Suite 400

Washington, DC 20005-4014

202-289-7800

http://www.nibs.org

National Institute of Occupational

Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Room

7154

200 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20201

800-35-NIOSH (800-356-4674)

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html

National Lead Information Center

(NLIC)

8601 Georgia Avenue, Suite 503

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Information Clearinghouse: 1-800-

424-Lead (1-800-424-5323)

http://www.epa.gov/lead/nlic.htm

I

H

G 
J

L

K

Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA)

U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA

Publications Office

200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room

N3101

Washington, DC 20210

OSHA Lead web page:

http://www.osha-slc.gov/

SLTC/lead/index.html

OSHA Respirator web page:

http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/

respiratory_advisor/mainpage.htm

Office of Pollution Prevention and

Toxics (OPPT)

U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA)

401 M Street, SW (7401)

Washington, DC 20460

202-260-3810

http://www.epa.gov/lead

Society for Occupational &

Environmental Health

6728 Old McLean Village Drive

McLean, VA 22101

703-556-9222

http://www.soeh.org
RESOURCES

How Owners and Occupants Can Work Toget

Lead Safety In Homes

Gaining tenant cooperation can help rental propert

managers respond promptly to conditions that cou

threat to occupants.

Owner Responsibilities

1. Check the building to be sure that:

❏ The building shell is sound.

❏ Water isn’t coming in from the outside and causing damage.

❏ Sources of moisture inside are not

causing damage.

❏ Painted surfaces are intact.

❏ Doors and windows work properly.

❏ All surfaces are clean and cleanable. 

2. Maintain the building.

❏ Train maintenance staff to minimize

dust, clean up effectively, and protect themselves.

❏ Conduct regular building checks for

potential problems, such as:

• Flaking or peeling paint

• Water damage to paint, plaster, or wood

• Plumbing or roof leaks

• Painted doors and windows that do not op

3. Educate occupants and gain their cooperation.

❏ Fulfill Federal notice and disclosure requirem

❏ Have occupants inform you of damaged pain

tenance problems.

Whe

Ren

Give o

Safety 

by Fed

(see p

Tell oc

✔ Why 

nec

✔ The 

✔ How 

pos

pro

✔ Why 

leav
Precautions Tenants Can Take to

Protect Their Family

Occupants should pay special attention to page 7 of the pamphlet

Protect Your Family From Lead In

Your Home. It describes steps that

occupants can take to reduce the

chance that they will be exposed to

lead hazards. Suggestions from this

pamphlet include:

❏ Clean floors, window frames, interior window 

flat surfaces each week using warm water an

cleaner.

❏ Clean up any paint chips immediately.

❏ Keep child play areas clean. 

❏ Wash children’s hands often.

❏ Keep children from chewing interior windo

painted surfaces.

Disclosur

(24 CF

40 CF

✔ Landlord

ers mus

occupan

based pa

giving th

Protect Y

Lead in Y

✔ Landlord

ers mus

mation a

based pa

based pa

before d

home sa

effect. L

contract

include a 

lead-bas

meets Fe

ments. 

EPA for 

about th

(see Sec

steps, such as regular clean

ing, prevent lead-based paint

hazards. (See below.)

❏ Consider providing cleaning

supplies and tools (see page

75) to occupants to encourage cleaning.

❏ Remind tenants that it is a

good practice to provide

notice of problems in writing. 

❏ Make sure occupants understand the property’s maintenance reporting procedures

and indicate that these problems require priority attention.
RESOURCES

Federal law requires contractors and owners of ren

inform occupants about the risks of lead-based pa

emergency repair, maintenance, and home renova

This law applies for all work on surfaces greater th

per component. Contractors and property owners 

copies of the pamphlet Protect Your Family From L

before any work starts. See EPA’s regulation at 40 

Also see Section 5B, p. 57, for sources that can pr

this pamphlet.

Contractors and owners must make sure that occu

received the pamphlet.

• For owner-occupied homes, the contractor mus

owner sign an acknowledgement form after rece

phlet. Or, the contractor can send the pamphlet 

• For tenants, the contractor or property owner m

occupant sign an acknowledgement form after r

phlet. Or, the contractor or owner can send the 

fied mail. If the contractor cannot get a signed a

the contractor must sign a statement document

• For work in common areas, such as the lobby, o

building, the contractor must give the pamphlet 

to the occupants of all affected areas and inform 

nature, location, timing, and length of the job.

Why Lead Safety Makes Sense for Property 

Contractors

Property owners and contractors that use safe wo

in several ways.

Advantages for Owners of Residential Rental Pro

Owners who maintain their rental properties using w

increase lead safety can use this information to attr

concerned for their child’s health. Some local agen

maintain a listing of housing units that meet certain 

dards. When giving prospective tenants the lead-ba

phlet and the required disclosure information, they 

that the property has a program to minimize the ris

lead-based paint. A safety program would include:
g ppy y y

ing paint.

• Correcting conditions that may cause paint to fl

(excessive moisture, binding doors, etc.).

• Doing work safely and cleaning up well.

• Making sure surfaces are cleanable and doing a 

cleaning at turnover.

• Performing dust wipe tests before occupancy, a

maintenance job that disturbs old paint. It is als

to perform a dust wipe sample test at least ever

the results on file.

• Encouraging tenants to inform property owners if 

Advantages for Contractors

Doing work safely can enhance a contractor’s repu

the safety of workers, and protect the health of cu

children.

A program for lead safety can also help contractor

new jobs. For example, contractors performing re

ments in homes built before 1978 must give poten

pamphlet about the risk of lead-based paint during 

Contractors that follow practices for lead safety ca

customers that they understand the risks and show 

ers take specific precautions to protect against lea

ards. Lead-safety can help “give you a leg up” on 

Safe work practices also offer benefits that are imp

tomers:

• Dust and debris are confined to the work area.

• A “clean” work area at the end of the job.

• Some work offers additional benefits. (For exam

windows can improve their operation, prevent d

ture, and lower energy and maintenance costs.)

• Lead safety also helps protect you as a contract

having an independent, certified professional ta

ples of the work area promptly after cleanup pro

umentation that no lead hazards were present in 

the end of the job.
Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection helps prevent workers from 

amounts of lead and other substances, touching th

dusty hands, or swallowing paint chips. 

When work creates high levels of dust in the air, pr

certified lead-based paint professionals should do t

jobs. If you work for someone, and plan on doing t

your employer must meet the requirements of the 

Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.62). These re

respiratory protection when work creates lead dust 

the “permissible exposure limit” (PEL) — see Air M

Results sections below. See Section 5B, p. 57, for 

tion about OSHA requirements.

Respirators may be required for activities that gene

dust such as:

• Demolishing painted surfaces

• Opening up wall and ceiling cavities

• Using power tools on painted surfaces

• Dry scraping large painted areas

For this type of work, OSHA requirements include t

• Training workers on how to properly use and ma

• Making sure proper respirators are

always available and that workers have

been fit tested. Where respirator use is

required, workers must be part of a written respiratory protection program that

meets OSHA standards (29 CFR

1910.134). 

Many types of respirators can be used:

— Disposable respirators can be

used if they are rated by NIOSH

as N100 (or HEPA) — this

information can be found on

the respirator’s package or the

respirator itself.

RESOURCES

Worker

wearing

NIOSHapproved

disposable

respirator
also rated by NIOSH as N100,

often have replaceable cartridges and require regular

maintenance.

• Having a trained person do air

monitoring that measures the

amount of dust in the air to determine if respira

by OSHA, and the appropriate level of protection

wear proper respirators while air monitoring is 

Air Monitoring

Air monitoring is done to ensure that workers are 

to dangerous levels of lead dust in the air, and to c

requirements. It must be done by a person with s

worker being monitored wears a small plastic cani

his/her clothing near the face. A pump in a device 

draws air and dust into the canister. The canister 

lab to measure how much lead dust was in the air

What Do the Results Mean?

The results are measured in micrograms per cubic 

the amount of lead dust in the air exceeds the perm

limit (PEL) of 50 μg/m3

, workers must wear at leas

rator with an N100 (or HEPA) rating and certain O

must be followed. 

Results may show that respirators are not necessa

greater level of protection is needed. If the results 

levels in the air above 500 μg/m3

, a more protectiv

required. 

Other Protection

In addition to respiratory protection for activities t

levels of dust, compliance with OSHA’s Lead in Co

Standard may involve blood tests for workers, me

hand washing facilities, other personal protective e

and changing areas, and additional training.
RESOURCES

By having dust wipe samples taken, job superviso

owners can locate dust lead hazards and test the 

cleaning at the end of a job. 

Where Are Dust Samples Taken

Samples are taken in the area of the

dwelling where work has been completed. The following surfaces within

the work area should be sampled:

• Floor

• Interior window sills (also referred

to as window stools)

• Window troughs

When Should Dust Samples Be Ta

• At the end of a job

• If there is a child or pregnant woman living in t

• Before a family moves into a home

What Do the Results Mean?

The results of the laboratory analysis will show th

found in the dust from the area sampled. The res

in micrograms per square foot (μg/ft2

).

To determine if a lead-based paint hazard exists, b

requirements, compare the results to the followin

If the results for a sample are higher than these s

lead hazard is present. For clearance puposes on

400 μg/ft2 should be used for window troughs.

• 40 μg/ft2 on the floor

• 250 μg/ft2 on the interior window sil
Following painting, home maintenance, and renova

• In homes receiving Federal assistance, dust wip

required by regulations, must be taken by appro

personnel who were not involved in the work. T

testing may be done by a lead-based paint inspe

sor, or sampling technician certified by a State o

Clearance testing may also be done by a person 

pling technician, as long as a certified lead-base

or risk assessor approves the technician’s work 

clearance examination report.

• For all other homes, it is recommended that dus

taken by a trained sampling technician, or, prefe

lead-based paint inspector, risk assessor, or sam

Some states require that dust wipe samples be 

person.

What Actions Do I Take Based On the R

If the results show dust lead levels higher than the 

above, the area where the work was performed sh

remove the dust lead hazard.

If the dust wipe samples were taken as part of ong

by maintenance staff or the property owner, the su

was performed should be examined to see if the w

new conditions that generate dust have developed

these conditions should be corrected using lead-s

and work practices. 

If the work required to correct the likely source of 

ard is beyond the scope of this guide, the property 

seek the help of a lead-based paint professional tr

rect lead-based paint hazards.
RESOURCES

A dust room can be useful for dusty work on build

that can be moved. For example, scraping or plan

dow sashes can be done in a dust room. A dust ro

useful when working in occupied spaces. 

The dust room can be any room that can be close

can be covered with a flap system (see page 46) a

covered with protective sheeting taped to the base

Workers in this room should wear disposable clot

piratory protection. Wall and ceiling

vents inside the room should

be sealed off.

Worker in r

respiratory 

Protective sheeting

on floor

Containment sheeting

over door (See page 46)

Hand components

(doors, sashes, etc.)

through flap in

protective sheeting

HEPA 

powe
A door hold makes working on doors easier and s

The weight of the door

will close the vertical

1x6s and hold the

door.

10” to 12”

1x6

1/4”

plywood

Nail and

glue

Screw

and glue

2” or mor

Screw

and glue

Co

thi

pro

5” hinge

(or 5” spring h

2x2
Additional Tools Needed for Lead

Safe

(Not every tool is needed for every j

Paint scrapers - A variety of scrapers are useful; 

longest. A mill file works well to keep scraper b

Sanding sponges and wet/dry sandpaper - Where 

smoothed or feathered, these abrasive tools, wh

dust to a minimum.

Mist bottles - Misting a surface being scraped or 

dust. Squeeze bottles work best in small areas. 

pump pressure sprayer in a knapsack works be

Plane - A jack, smooth, or jointer (not block) plan

good for removing paint from edges such as th

dow, stool, or door. They create very little dust

Cleanup station - A kitchen counter with a workin

place for a cleanup station. If not available, set 

buckets and a pump sprayer.

The station should have:

• Paper towels and soap

• Pads for cleaning

respirators

• A 2-bottle eye-wash station

• A first aid kit

• Clipboard with emergency

numbers

• Drinking water and cups

Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

• A disposable respirator rated by NIOSH as N100 

• A half-face, air cartridge respirator rated by NIO

HEPA)

• Protective, lightweight, disposable suits with ela

ankles

• Shoe covers (slip resistant is recommended)

• Safety glasses (vented goggles if working in hig

or when using liquids or strippers)

• Ear protection if using power tools

RESOURCES

Hand

wash

buckets

Emergency

numbers

Pum

spra
• Bottle mister and pump sprayer for detergent 

• Mops and buckets

• Tack cloths for wiping furnishings that may be d

• Heavy-duty paper towels and/or rags

Vacuums - At the end of a job, use a HEPA vacuum 

capture even the finest dust. For regular house

a HEPA vacuum if available. If one is not availa

in your vacuum known as micron or allergen ba

Painting Supplies

• Use commercial grade cleaners; there are also l

ers. (Note: Trisodium phosphate [TSP] is banne

• Degreasers may be necessary on some walls.

• Use deglosser or wet sanding supplies.

• Where wood is exposed, use a sealer and then a

primer or primer-sealer.

Other Tools

• Coil stock for covering window troughs. Coil st

with white and brown sides to match window tr

(see page 36).

• Window opening tool for windows that are pain

(see page 29).

• Brace with screwdriver tips for removing and re

screws.

• Power planer with exhaust port that can be atta

uum. A power planer can be used for stripping 

and doors in a contained work area with respira
RESOURCES

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RESOURCES

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Before Work Begins

❏ Are the possible risks to occupants identified

❏ Are the occupants informed of the possible r

responsibilities?

❏ Are the causes of the problems located?

❏ Is the work area set up?

❏ Is the work area closed off from occupants?

During Work

❏ Are dust and debris being contained in the w

❏ Are workers wearing necessary protective cl

equipment?

❏ Are workers cleaning up each time they leave 

At the End of the Job

❏ Did workers fix the cause of the problem?

❏ Did workers remove visible dust and debris?

❏ Did workers properly dispose of dust and de

❏ Did workers wet wash the surfaces?

❏ Were dust samples taken to make sure that c

For Long-Term Maintenance

Is there a plan to:

❏ Maintain painted surfaces?

❏ Keep surfaces clean and cleanable?

❏ Prevent water and moisture damage?

This Guide may be reproduced and distributed without prio

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or any 

Disclaimer: The guidance offered in this document is based upon t

trol knowledge and technology available at the time it was written. 

ciated with reliance on these work practices and have sole respon

information it contains. Users bear sole responsibility to form the

ments on the document's use, modification, and adaptation as 

United States Government nor any of its employees makes any 

implied, or assumes any legal liability for any use of, or the results 

uct, or process discussed in this document.
Why Follow this Gu

The Simple Work Practice Changes in this 

Guide Can Protect Children and Workers

• This Guide contains practical steps for lead safety

• With small changes in work practices, workers ca

selves, their families, and their customers, espec

from lead exposure.

Painting, Home Improvement, and Maintenance Wor

Homes Can Endanger Children

• Most homes built before 1978 contain lead-based 

• Doing work improperly can create a lot of paint c

that may contain lead.

• Lead in paint chips, dust, and soil gets on childre

toys which they may put in their mouths.

• Lead can make children very sick and cause perm

nerve damage, learning difficulties, and behavior 

Poor Maintenance Also Endangers Children

• Paint flaking and peeling is often caused by mois

• Rubbing or impact on doors, windows, and trim 

failure.

Who Should Use This Guide?

• Building maintenance workers and supervisors

• Painters

• Repair, renovation, and remodeling contractors

• Property managers and owners

• Homeowners

Ordering Additional Copies

Single copies of Lead Paint Safety: A Field Guide for P

Maintenance, and Renovation Work on paper or on CD

ordered from the National Lead Information Center at 1

or downloaded from the HUD Office of Healthy Homes 

Control web site at www.hud.gov/offices/lead.

For information about obtaining multiple copies, conta

Lead Information Center.