ATTACHMENT 4 

EPA Public and Commercial Building 

Contractor Survey Questionnaire 
 
Page 1 of 25 

EPA Public and Commercial Building Contractor Survey Questionnaire

This is the telephone interview version that can be transformed to a Web version with the

appropriate modifications to text and format. Note that the yellow highlighted words indicate

those words where respondents will see definitions if they hover over the word with their

mouse.

SCR_INTRO

Hello, my name is _____________.  I am calling from Abt SRBI, a research company based in New York City.  We

are conducting a study for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about renovation, repair, and painting work.

You may have seen a letter EPA sent out earlier that explains this.

Your company was selected at random to be included in this study, which involves participating in an interview.  

Participation is voluntary.  We will not reveal your name or your company’s name to EPA, so your responses will be

anonymous.

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to

respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.  The OMB control

number for this survey is 2070‐####. For more information about the agency’s compliance with the Paperwork

Reduction Act, go to http://www.regulations.gov and use Docket ID No. EPA‐HQ‐OPPT‐2013‐0715 to view the

agency’s request, justification and estimated burden and costs for conducting this survey.

We will send eligible respondents who complete the full survey a check for $50 to show our appreciation. To begin,

it would be helpful to me if you could answer two or three preliminary questions to see if you would qualify for the

study. This will take about three minutes.

OK ‐> Continue

Refuse ‐> THANK AND TERMINATE

S1

Does your company, either directly or through subcontractors, do any renovations, repair or painting work in

nonresidential buildings?  By nonresidential buildings I mean anything other than private residences or

apartments.  So in addition to commercial, industrial, government, and agricultural buildings, these include motels,

dorms, barracks, nursing homes, and hospitals.  Does your company work in any of these types of buildings?  

1. Yes ‐> Continue to S2

2. No ‐> go to CLOSE

999.   Refuse/can’t tell ‐> Skip to S3

S2

And are you the person that can tell me about the approximate number of jobs your company did in the past year

and the work practices used during the renovation, repair or painting work?

[If coming from S5: Who is the person that can tell me about the approximate number of jobs your company did in

the past year and the work practices used during the renovation, repair, or painting work?]

1. Yes ‐> Skip to Q1

2. No ‐> Continue to S3
Page 2 of 25 

3. Did not do an such work in the past year ‐> go to CLOSE

999.   Refuse/can’t tell ‐> Skip to S3

S3

Who would be the best person in your organization/firm to answer these types of questions?  

Full Name: ______________

Role/Title in company: ___________________

Best Contact Number(s):  _________________

Email Address: _________________________

Best Time to Reach:  _____________________   

S3a. Can you please connect me with [Insert Name from S3]?

1. Yes, connected  ‐> Continue to S4

2. Not in now or Busy   ‐> Schedule Callback

999. Refuse/DK ‐> Attempt callback during “Best Time to Reach” obtained in S3

S4

Hello, is this [INSERT NAME FROM S3]?    

1. Yes ‐> SKIP to S5

2. No ‐> Continue to S4a

S4a. I am trying to reach [Insert Name]. Can you please connect me with him/her]?

1. Yes, connected ‐> continue to S5

2. Not sure he/she is in now or Not in or Busy ‐> Schedule Callback

S5

Hello, my name is _____________.  I am calling from Abt SRBI, a research company based in New York City. We are

conducting a study for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about renovation, repair, and painting work.  

EPA is doing this study to learn about the kinds of work and work practices used during the renovation of

nonresidential buildings. You may have seen a letter EPA sent out earlier that explains this.

  

Your company was selected at random to be included in this study, which involves participating in an interview.  

Participation is voluntary.  We will not reveal your name or your company’s name to EPA, so your responses will be

anonymous.  

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to

respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.  The OMB control

number for this survey is 2070‐####. For more information about the agency’s compliance with the Paperwork

Reduction Act, go to http://www.regulations.gov and use Docket ID No. EPA‐HQ‐OPPT‐2013‐0715 to view the

agency’s request, justification and estimated burden and costs for conducting this survey.

We will send eligible respondents who complete the full survey a check for $50 to show our appreciation.  I

understand that you can tell me about the approximate number of jobs your company did in the past year and the

types of work practices used during the nonresidential renovation, repair or painting work performed by your

company. By nonresidential buildings I mean anything other than private residences or apartments.  So in addition

to commercial, industrial, government, and agricultural buildings, nonresidential buildings include motels, dorms,

barracks, nursing homes, and hospitals.      

Is that correct?
Page 3 of 25 

1. Yes ‐> Continue

2. No ‐> go back to S2

3. Did not do any such work in the past year [Interviewer Note: first ask “Are you sure? A previous

employee we spoke with informed us you had done this type of work in the past year”] ‐> skip to

CLOSE

999. Refuse/can’t tell ‐> RETURN to S3

SUR_INTRO

I have just a few questions to ask to see if your company qualifies for this study. This will take about three minutes.

Q1

In the past 12 months did your company do any jobs in nonresidential buildings where you or your firm’s

employees disturbed painted surfaces?   By disturbing painted surfaces, I mean any activity that can create paint

dust or paint chips such as  sanding or scraping a painted surface or using a power washer or other means to

remove loose paint; cutting open a painted wall to make repairs or install new equipment; or removing a painted

component such as trim or a window frame.  

Did your company do any such jobs in the past 12 months?

1. Yes ‐> Continue to Q2

2. No ‐> Skip to Q2A

8. Don’t know/not sure ‐> Skip to Q3

9.   Refuse ‐> Skip to Q3

Q2   

For those jobs where you or your firm’s employees disturbed painted surfaces, did you ever need to disturb more

than 6 square feet of interior painted surfaces or 20 square feet of exterior painted surfaces?

1. Yes ‐> Skip to Q3

2. No ‐> Continue to Q2A

998. Don’t know/not sure ‐> Skip to Q3

999.  Refuse ‐> Skip to Q3

Q2A

In the past 12 months, did your company do any jobs in nonresidential buildings where your subcontractors

disturbed painted surfaces?

1. Yes [CONTINUE]

2. No ‐> Skip to Q3

998.   Don’t Know ‐> Skip to Q3

999.   Refused ‐> Skip to Q3

Q2B

For those jobs where your subcontractors disturbed painted surfaces, did they ever need to disturb more than 6

square feet of interior painted surfaces or 20 square feet of exterior painted surfaces?
Page 4 of 25 

1. Yes ‐> Continue to Q3

2. No ‐> Continue to Q3

998. Don’t Know ‐> Continue to Q3

999. Refuse ‐> Continue to Q3

Q3

Which ONE of the following best describes your business:

1. Painting Contractor

2. Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning Contractor

3. Electrical Contractor

4. Carpentry

5. Drywall/Insulation contractor

6. Window/Door Replacement Contractor

7. General Contractor

8. Other Specialty Trade Contractor (Specify)

Q3A

During most of the year, about how many people are employed by your company?  An approximate answer is OK.  

[Interviewer Note: Full‐time and part‐time employees]

[INTERVIEWER: DO NOT ALLOW RANGES]

ENTER NUMBER: __ __ __ ___ (RANGE: 1‐997; 997 = 997 or more)

998 Don’t know/not sure

999  Refused

Q3B

Does your company do work only in nonresidential buildings or do you also do work in residential buildings?  By

residential buildings I mean private residences and apartments.

1. Only Nonresidential

2. Both residential and nonresidential

8. Don’t know/not sure

9.   Refuse

[IF Q2=1 ASK Q4, ALL ELSE GO TO CLOSE]

QUAL_TEXT

It appears that you are eligible for this study and the $50 for completing the remaining questions.  The remaining

questions will take up to 30 minutes to answer but I’ll go as quickly as I can to see if we can finish sooner.  I

appreciate your helping us with this today.   

[CONTINUE]

Q4_TEXT

Everything I am asking about is only for projects in the past 12 months.  When a job involved multiple buildings,

count each building as a separate project. Is this clear about buildings and projects?

[CONTINUE]
Page 5 of 25 

I’m going to ask a series of questions about tasks performed during projects in the past 12 months. I want to know

about how many of the projects involved disturbing painted surfaces.    If a single project involved more than one

kind of work, include it separately in each work category I ask about.   

Q4  

Approximately how many projects in nonresidential buildings did your firm do in the last 12 months?  

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

[Range: 0‐99997; 99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

Q4_TEXT2

For the next several questions, I will ask you about the number of these (Insert response to Q4A) projects in

nonresidential buildings that involved different activities that can disturb painted surfaces. You can report the

number of products as either a percentage or a number.

Q4a During the past twelve months, approximately how many of the (Insert response to Q4) projects involved

surface preparation for exterior painting?

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

[Programmer note: If either value = 0, DK, or REF, Skip to Q4B]

Q4a1

[IF Q4a=1: Did this one project involve...] [IF Q4a >1: Approximately how many of these (Insert response to Q4A)

projects involved ....] disturbing more than 20 square feet of the old painted exterior surface by you or your

employees – as opposed to subcontractors?  

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF RESPONDENT SAYS “YES” TO “THIS ONE PROJECT” THEN CHOOSE # OF JOBS AND SET

VALUE = 1]

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

Q4b

During the past twelve months, approximately how many of the (Insert response to Q4) projects involved the

removal or replacement of painted exterior siding?

   

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

[Programmer note: If either value = 0, DK, or REF, Skip to Q4C]

Q4b1

[IF Q4b=1: Did this one project involve...] [IF Q4b >1: Approximately how many of these (Insert response to Q4b)

projects involved ....] disturbing more than 20 square feet of the old painted exterior surface by you or your

employees – as opposed to subcontractors?  

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF RESPONDENT SAYS “YES” TO “THIS ONE PROJECT” THEN CHOOSE # OF JOBS AND SET

VALUE = 1]
Page 6 of 25 

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

Q4c

During the past twelve months, approximately how many of the (Insert response to Q4) projects involved the

removal, replacement, or addition of windows?

   

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

[Programmer note: If either value = 0, DK, or REF, Skip to Q4D]

Q4c1

[IF Q4c=1: Did this one project involve...] [IF Q4c >1: Approximately how many of these (Insert response to Q4c)

projects involved ....] the removal, replacement, or addition of windows by you or your employees – as opposed to

subcontractors?  

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER “1” IF YES TO “THIS ONE PROJECT”]

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

Q4d

During the past twelve months, approximately how many of the (Insert response to Q4) projects involved the

removal, replacement, or addition of exterior doors?

   

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

[Programmer note: If either value = 0, DK, or REF, Skip to Q4E]

Q4d1

[IF Q4d=1: Did this one project involve...] [IF Q4d >1: Approximately how many of these (Insert response to Q4d)

projects involved ....] disturbing more than 20 square feet of a painted exterior surface or more than 6 square feet

of any room’s painted interior surface by you or your employees – as opposed to subcontractors?  

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER “1” IF YES TO “THIS ONE PROJECT”]

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

Q4e

During the past twelve months, approximately how many of the (Insert response to Q4) projects involved the

removal or replacement of other painted exterior building components?

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

[Programmer note: If either value = 0, DK, or REF, Skip to Q4F]
Page 7 of 25 

Q4e1

[IF Q4e=1: Did this one project involve...] [IF Q4e >1: Approximately how many of these (Insert response to Q4e)

projects involved ....] disturbing more than 20 square feet of a painted exterior surface by you or your employees –

as opposed to subcontractors?  

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER “1” IF YES TO “THIS ONE PROJECT”]

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

Q4f

During the past twelve months, approximately how many of the (Insert response to Q4) projects involved

demolishing part of a painted exterior wall?  

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

[Programmer note: If either value = 0, DK, or REF, Skip to Q4G]

Q4f1

[IF Q4f =1: Did this one project involve...] [IF Q4f >1: Approximately how many of these (Insert response to Q4f)

projects involved ....] demolishing part of a painted exterior wall by you or your employees – as opposed to

subcontractors?  

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER “1” IF YES TO “THIS ONE PROJECT”]

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

Q4g

During the past twelve months, approximately how many of the (Insert response to Q4) projects involved surface

preparation for interior painting?   

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

[Programmer note: If either value = 0, DK, or REF, Skip to Q4H]

Q4g1

[IF Q4g=1: Did this one project involve...] [IF Q4g >1: Approximately how many of these (Insert response to Q4g)

projects involved ....] disturbing more than 6 square feet of a painted interior surface by you or your employees –

as opposed to subcontractors?

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER “1” IF YES TO “THIS ONE PROJECT”]

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

Q4h

During the past twelve months, approximately how many of the (Insert response to Q4) projects involved the

removal or replacement of built in cabinets, shelves, or fixture components?

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]
Page 8 of 25 

[Programmer note: If either value = 0, DK, or REF, Skip to Q4i]

Q4h1

[IF Q4h=1: Did this one project involve...] [IF Q4h>1: Approximately how many of these (Insert response to Q4h)

projects involved ....] disturbing more than 6 square feet of a painted interior surface by you or your employees –

as opposed to subcontractors?

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER “1” IF YES TO “THIS ONE PROJECT”]

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

Q4i

During the past twelve months, approximately how many of the (Insert response to Q4) projects involved the

removal or replacement of other painted interior building components?

[Interviewer Note: Interviewer Note: For example: trim, baseboard, stair riser, door jamb, radiator cover]

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

[Programmer note: If either value = 0, DK, or REF, Skip to Q4J]

Q4i1

[IF Q4i=1: Did this one project involve...] [IF Q4i >1: Approximately how many of these (Insert response to Q4i)

projects involved ....] disturbing more than 6 square feet of a painted interior surface by you or your employees –

as opposed to subcontractors?    

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER “1” IF YES TO “THIS ONE PROJECT”]

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

Q4j.  

During the past twelve months, approximately how many of the (Insert response to Q4) projects involved the

cutting or making holes in painted interior walls or ceilings?

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

[Programmer note: If either value = 0, DK, or REF, Skip to Q4K]

Q4j1

[IF Q4j=1: Did this one project involve...] [IF Q4j >1: Approximately how many of these (Insert response to Q4j)

projects involved ....] disturbing more than 6 square feet of a painted interior surface by you or your employees –

as opposed to subcontractors?   

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER “1” IF YES TO “THIS ONE PROJECT”]

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]
Page 9 of 25 

Q4k.   

During the past twelve months, approximately how many of the (Insert response to Q4) projects involved

demolishing part of a painted interior wall?

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

[Programmer note: If either value = 0, DK, or REF, Skip to Q5 SELECT RULES]

Q4k1

[IF Q4k=1: Did this one project involve...] [IF Q4k >1: Approximately how many of these (Insert response to Q4k)

projects involved ....] demolishing part of a painted interior wall by you or your employees – as opposed to

subcontractors?   

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER “1” IF YES TO “THIS ONE PROJECT”]

  

1. GAVE NUMBER OF JOBS [Range: 0‐99997; None = 0;  99997=99997 or more; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

2. GAVE PERCENTAGE [Range: 0‐100; 99998=DK; 99999=REF]

Q5 SELECT RULES

Programmer note: randomly select one of the job types Q4a1‐Q4k1 where the value is >0 (use the Q4*1 to select)

If Q4a1 or Q4g1 are selected, ask Q5.1, Q5.2, Q5.3, Q5.4

Q5.1

[IF SELECTED Q4a1/Q4g1=1: Did the one project involving {selected job type} ...] [IF SELECTED Q4a1/Q4g1>1: How

many of the Q4*1# projects involving {selected job type}...] done by you or your employees use/used

open flame or torch paint removal?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

[Range: 0‐997; 997=997 or more; 998=DK; 999=REF]

Q5.2

[Repeat if necessary: “[IF SELECTED Q4a1/Q4g1=1: Did the one project involving {selected job type} ...] [IF

SELECTED Q4a1/Q4g1>1: How many of the Q4*1# projects involving {selected job type}...] done by you or your

employees use/used...”]

heat gun paint removal at temperatures above 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit?

     

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

[Range: 0‐997; 997=997 or more; 998=DK; 999=REF]

Q5.3

[Repeat if necessary: “[IF SELECTED Q4a1/Q4g1=1: Did the one project involving {selected job type} ...] [IF

SELECTED Q4a1/Q4g1>1: How many of the Q4*1# projects involving {selected job type}...] done by you or your

employees use/used...”]

abrasive blasting paint removal?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

[Range: 0‐997; 997=997 or more; 998=DK; 999=REF]

Q5.4
Page 10 of 25 

[Repeat if necessary: “[IF SELECTED Q4a1/Q4g1=1: Did the one project involving {selected job type} ...] [IF

SELECTED Q4a1/Q4g1>1: How many of the Q4*1# projects involving {selected job type}...] done by you or your

employees use/used...”]

needle gun or needle scaler paint removal?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

[Range: 0‐997; 997=997 or more; 998=DK; 999=REF]

All selected ask Q5.5, Q5.5.1, Q5.5.2, Q5.6

Q5.5

[IF Q4*1=1: For the one project involving {selected job type}...] [IF Q4*1>1: For these next questions, please think

about only the most recent project out of the {Q4*1#} projects involving {selected job type}...] that you said you or

your employees did. During this most recent project were the painted surfaces you or your employees disturbed

tested for lead‐based paint prior to performing the work?

1. Yes [CONTINUE]

2. No [SKIP TO Q5.5b]

998. Don’t know/not sure [SKIP TO Q5.5b]

999. Refused [SKIP TO Q5.5b]

Q5.5a

Did the test indicate that there was lead‐based paint?

1. Yes [SKIP TO Q5.6]

2. No [SKIP TO Q5.5c]

998. Don’t know/not sure [CONTINUE]

999. Refused [CONTINUE]

Q5.5b

Is it possible that any of the painted surfaces that you or your employees disturbed during this recent project were

coated with paint that was applied before 1978?

1. Yes [SKIP TO Q5.6]

2. No [CONTINUE]

998. Don’t know/not sure [SKIP TO Q5.6]

999. Refused [SKIP TO Q5.6]

Q5.5.c

Were any of the {Q4*1#} projects involving {selected job type} that you or your employees did in the last 12

months projects where there might have been lead‐based paint, either because the paint was tested and lead was

found OR the paint was not tested but you or your employees were disturbing painted surfaces where the paint

was applied before 1978?

1. Yes – [CONTINUE]

2. No Such Projects OR Not sure [SKIP TO Q5.6]

Q5.5.1

For the rest of the survey, I would like you to think only about the most recent project that involved {selected job

type} where there might have been lead‐based paint, either because the paint was tested and lead was found OR

the paint was not tested but you or your employees were disturbing painted surfaces where the paint was applied

before 1978? Can you recall the most recent such project?
Page 11 of 25 

1. Yes – [CONTINUE]

2. ELSE – [PROBE AND ASSIST IN GETTING R TO RECALL THE PROJECT THEN CONTINUE]

Q5.5.1a

For this project, were the painted surfaces you or your employees planned to disturb tested for lead‐based paint

prior to performing the work?

1. Yes – [CONTINUE]

2. No  – [SKIP TO Q5.6]

998. Don’t know/not sure  – [SKIP TO Q5.6]

999. Refused  – [SKIP TO Q5.6]

Q5.5.2

Did those painted surfaces test positive for lead‐based paint?

1. Yes – [CONTINUE]

2. No  – [CONTINUE]

998. Don’t know/not sure  – [CONTINUE]

999. Refused  – [CONTINUE]

Q5.6

To the best of your knowledge, what was that building you recently worked on mainly used for?

ENTER TEXT _______

[INTERVIEWER:  READ CATEGORIES BELOW IF NEEDED]

1. Lodging, such as a hotel, motel, dorms, or other lodging

2. Hospital or inpatient health care facility

3. Office building

4. Education, School

5. Retail, food sales, food service, other services

6. Outpatient health care

7. Public assembly, public safety, library

8. Religious worship

9. Warehouse, storage

10. Industrial

11. Agricultural

12. Other  

888.   Don’t know/not sure

999.   Refused

If Q4a, Q4b, Q4c, Q4d, Q4e, or Q4f are selected, ask Q5.7.1

Q5.7.1

Approximately how many stories was this building? [INTERVIEWER:  This is the maximum number of stories in the

building]

1. One

2. Two  

3. Three or more
Page 12 of 25 

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

If Q4a1 or Q4g1 are selected, ask Q5.7.2a, Q5.7.2a1 Q5.7.2b

Q5.7.2a

Approximately what percent of the painted surfaces did you need to disturb by removing old paint or lightly

sanding the surface to prepare it to accept the new coat during surface preparation?

ENTER PERCENT [NONE=0; All=100] _______%

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q5.7.2a1

For the surfaces that you disturbed by removing old paint or lightly sanding the surface, about how many layers of

paint were you removing on average?

____________________ [Range = 0‐997; Interviewer Note: If less than 1, enter 0]

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q5.7.2b

Approximately what percent of the painted surface did you need to remove all the layers of paint down to the bare

substrate?  

ENTER PERCENT [NONE=0; All=100] _______%

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

If Q4c1 is selected, ask Q5.7.4, Q5.7.4a, Q5.7.4b

Q5.7.4

Approximately how many windows were removed, replaced, or added?  

ENTER Number  _______

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q5.7.4a

In how many different rooms were windows removed, replaced, or added? 

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________ 

998. Don’t know/not sure 

999. Refused 

Q5.7.4b 

On approximately how many walls were windows removed, replaced, or added? 
Page 13 of 25 

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________ 

998. Don’t know/not sure 

999. Refused 

If Q4d1 is selected, ask Q5.7.5, Q5.7.5a, Q5.7.5b

Q5.7.5

Approximately how many exterior doors were removed, replaced, or added?  

ENTER Number  _______

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q5.7.5a 

In how many different rooms were exterior doors removed, replaced, or added? 

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________ 

998. Don’t know/not sure 

999. Refused 

Q5.7.5b 

On approximately how many walls were exterior doors removed, replaced, or added? 

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________ 

998. Don’t know/not sure 

999. Refused 

If Q4g1 is selected, ask Q5.7.6a and Q5.7.6b

Q5.7.6a

In how many different rooms were painted surfaces disturbed during surface preparation?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q5.7.6b

On approximately how many walls and ceilings combined were painted surfaces disturbed during the surface

preparation for this job?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

If Q4h1 is selected, ask Q5.7.7a and Q5.7.7b

Q5.7.7a

In how many different rooms were painted built‐in cabinets, shelves, or fixture components removed?
Page 14 of 25 

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q5.7.7b

On approximately how many walls were painted built‐in cabinets, shelves, or fixture components removed during

this job?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

If Q4i1 is selected, ask Q5.7.8a and Q5.7.8b

Q5.7.8a

In how many different rooms were painted interior building components removed?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

Q5.7.8b

On approximately how many walls and ceilings combined were painted interior building components removed

during this job?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

If Q4j1 is selected, ask Q5.7.9a and Q5.7.9b

Q5.7.9a

In how many different rooms were openings cut in painted interior walls or ceilings?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

Q5.7.9b

Approximately how many painted walls and ceilings combined were cut open during this job?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

If Q4k1 is selected, ask Q5.7.10a and Q5.7.10b

Q5.7.10a

In how many different rooms were painted walls demolished or partially demolished?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

Q5.7.10b

Approximately how many walls and ceilings combined were demolished or partially demolished?

ENTER NUMBER [NONE=0] ________

Q5.8

Approximately how many days did the entire job take to complete?  

ENTER Number  _______

998.Don’t know/not sure

999.Refused
Page 15 of 25 

Q5.9

Was the work performed during business hours, at other times of the day, or both?  

1. during business hours  

2. other times of the day  

3. both

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q5.10

Other than the renovation workers, did any other individuals use the space where the work was being performed

during the period when the renovation was being done, such as during the daytime for renovations conducted on

nights or weekends?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q6

Please tell me yes or no, which of the following other types of work did this same one project include.

[FOR ENTIRE Q6 SERIES: Only show the Q6* question if the corresponding Q4*1 question is >0]

IF Q4a1 IS SELECTED ASK Q6b, Q6c, Q6d, Q6e, Q6f, Q6g, Q6h, Q6i, Q6j, Q6k

IF Q4b1 IS SELECTED ASK Q6a, Q6c, Q6d, Q6e, Q6f, Q6g, Q6h, Q6i, Q6j, Q6k

IF Q4c1 IS SELECTED ASK Q6a, Q6b, Q6d, Q6e, Q6f, Q6g, Q6h, Q6i, Q6j, Q6k

IF Q4d1 IS SELECTED ASK Q6a, Q6b, Q6c, Q6e, Q6f, Q6g, Q6h, Q6i, Q6j, Q6k

IF Q4e1 IS SELECTED ASK Q6a, Q6b, Q6c, Q6d, Q6f, Q6g, Q6h, Q6i, Q6j, Q6k

IF Q4f1 IS SELECTED ASK Q6a, Q6b, Q6c, Q6d, Q6e, Q6g, Q6h, Q6i, Q6j, Q6k

IF Q4g1 IS SELECTED ASK Q6a, Q6b, Q6c, Q6d, Q6e, Q6f, Q6h, Q6i, Q6j, Q6k

IF Q4h1 IS SELECTED ASK Q6a, Q6b, Q6c, Q6d, Q6e, Q6f, Q6g, Q6i, Q6j, Q6k

IF Q4i1 IS SELECTED ASK Q6a, Q6b, Q6c, Q6d, Q6e, Q6f, Q6g, Q6h, Q6j, Q6k

IF Q4j1 IS SELECTED ASK Q6a, Q6b, Q6c, Q6d, Q6e, Q6f, Q6g, Q6h, Q6i, Q6k

IF Q4k1 IS SELECTED ASK Q6a, Q6b, Q6c, Q6d, Q6e, Q6f, Q6g, Q6h, Q6i, Q6j

Q6a

Surface preparation for exterior painting that involved disturbing more than 20 square feet of a painted surface

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q6b

Removal or replacement of painted exterior siding that involved disturbing more than 20 square feet of a painted

surface

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused
Page 16 of 25 

Q6c

Removal, replacement, or addition of windows

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q6d

Removal, replacement, or addition of exterior doors that involved disturbing more than 6 square feet of a painted

surface

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q6e

Removal or replacement of other painted exterior building components that involved disturbing more than 20

square feet of a painted surface

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q6f

Demolishing part of a painted exterior wall

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q6g

Surface preparation for interior painting that involved disturbing more than 6 square feet of a painted surface

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q6h

Removal or replacement of built‐in cabinets, shelves, or fixture components that involved disturbing more than 6

square feet of a painted surface

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused
Page 17 of 25 

Q6i

Removal or replacement of other painted interior building components that involved disturbing more than 6

square feet of a painted surface

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q6j

Cutting or making holes in painted interior walls or ceilings that involved disturbing more than 6 square feet of a

painted surface

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q6k

Demolishing part of a painted interior wall

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q7_TEXT

For all of my next questions we are still talking about that one most recent job involving [INSERT NAME OF

SELECTED PROJECT TYPE].  Is that understood?

[CONTINUE]

I would like you to tell me whether you used the following work practices during the project that involved [Insert

Name of Selected Project] that we have been talking about.

This is about the project set‐up.   

[CONTINUE]

Q7

Were you or your employees responsible for containing any dust or debris created when disturbing painted

surfaces?

1. Yes {Continue to Q7a}

2. No, another contractor was responsible {SKIP TO Q8}

3. Not Applicable – nobody tried to contain dust or debris {SKIP TO Q8}

998. Don’t know/not sure {Continue to Q7a}

999. Refused {Continue to Q7a}
Page 18 of 25 

Q7a

Did you cover all doorways within the work area with plastic sheeting to prevent the spread of dust?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Not Applicable – No doorways in area

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

[IF Q4g1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4h1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4i1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4j1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4k1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED  

THEN SKIP TO Q7e ELSE CONTINUE]

Q7b

Did you cover the ground outside the building below the area where paint was disturbed to catch dust and debris

generated during the work?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q7c

Was scaffolding erected for this recent job?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q7d

Did you use any other type of space containment on the exterior of the building, such as hanging plastic sheeting

vertically, to prevent dust and debris generated during the work from spreading outside the work area?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

[IF Q4a1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4b1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4e1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4f1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED  

THEN SKIP TO Q8; ELSE CONTINUE]

Q7e

Did you either remove all objects in the work area (such as furniture, equipment, furnishings, fixtures, or

merchandise) or cover them with plastic sheeting?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Not Applicable – no objects/furniture in area
Page 19 of 25 

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q7f

Did you cover the floor of the work area with plastic sheeting?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q7g

Did you take precautions to ensure that dust was not tracked outside the work area, such as wearing disposable

shoe covers, using a tack pad, or vacuuming your clothes and tools before leaving the work area?  

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

IF Q4a1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED THEN SKIP TO Q9_TEXT.

ELSE IF Q4b1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4e1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4f1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED  

THEN SKIP TO Q11 ELSE CONTINUE]

Q8_TEXT

Now let’s talk about clean‐up of the work area.

Q8

Were you or your employees responsible for cleaning up any dust or debris created when disturbing painted

surfaces?

1. Yes {Continue to Q8a}

2. No, another contractor was responsible {SKIP TO Q9}

3. Not Applicable – no contractors tried to clean dust or debris {SKIP TO Q9}

998. Don’t know/not sure {Continue to Q8a}

999. Refused {Continue to Q8a}

Q8a

Were the floors in the work area all carpeted, all uncarpeted or partially carpeted and uncarpeted?

1. all carpeted  

2. all uncarpeted   

3. partially carpeted and uncarpeted

998. Don’t know/not sure   

999. Refused   
Page 20 of 25 

Q8b

Did you vacuum the floors in the work area?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q8c

Did you vacuum other surfaces or objects in the work area, such as walls, windows, windowsills, tops of moldings,

furniture, equipment, fixtures, or merchandise?

1. Yes

2. No   

998. Don’t know/not sure   

999. Refused   

[IF Q8b=1 OR Q8c=1 THEN ASK Q8D; ELSE SKIP TO Q8E]

Q8d

Did you vacuum using a HEPA vacuum?  

[INTERVIEWER: IF ASKED, HEPA VACUUM MEANS a machine designed by the manufacturer to be operated with a

HEPA filter, not a shop vacuum with a HEPA filter in place of the original basic filter]  

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q8e

Did you wipe all smooth surfaces with a damp cloth?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

[IF Q8A=1 THEN SKIP TO Q8G. ELSE CONTINUE]

Q8f

Did you wet mop or use a wet mop system like Swiffer WetJet?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q8g

How many times was the work area cleaned before the job ended?

1. once  

2. twice  

3. more than twice (for example, once at the end of each day of the job)

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused
Page 21 of 25 

Q8h

Did you place waste and debris in plastic bags and use plastic sheeting to wrap up and seal larger waste items

before removing them from the work area?   

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q8i

Did you use a trash chute to remove waste from the building?   

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

[IF Q8i = 1, ask Q8j and Q8k, else, skip to Q9_TEXT]

Q8j

What type of trash chute did you use?   

1. Nesting chute

2. Other rigid chute  

3. Fabric chute

4. Other __________________________  

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q8k

Did you use a dust gaiter or other dust control equipment with the trash chute?   

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

IF Q4b1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4c1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4d1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4e1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4f1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

   Q4h1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4i1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4j1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED OR

Q4k1 is >0 AND IS SELECTED

THEN SKIP TO Q11; ELSE CONTINUE]

Q9_TEXT

Now let’s talk about techniques used to remove paint or prepare a painted surface for re‐painting.  

[CONTINUE]
Page 22 of 25 

Q9a

Did you use hand scraping or hand sanding?

1. Yes

2. No  [SKIP TO Q9b]

998. Don’t know/not sure [SKIP TO Q9b]

999. Refused [SKIP TO Q9b]

Q9a1

Did you wet the surfaces that were hand scraped or hand sanded?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q9b

Did you use power sanding or power grinding?

1. Yes

2. No  [SKIP TO Q9c]

998. Don’t know/not sure [SKIP TO Q9c]

999. Refused [SKIP TO Q9c]

Q9b1

Did you use a HEPA attachment while power sanding or grinding?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q9c

Did you use power washing to remove loose paint, not just to clean the painted surface?

1. Yes

2. No   

998. Don’t know/not sure   

999. Refused   

Q9d

Did you use open flame burning or torching?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q9e

Did you use a heat gun?

1. Yes
Page 23 of 25 

2. No  [SKIP TO Q9f]

998. Don’t know/not sure  [SKIP TO Q9f]

999. Refused  [SKIP TO Q9f]

Q9e1

Did you operate the heat gun at temperatures above 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q9f

Did you use a needle gun or needle scaler?

1. Yes

2. No  [SKIP TO Q9g]

998. Don’t know/not sure [SKIP TO Q9g]

999. Refused  [SKIP TO Q9g]

Q9f1

Did you use a HEPA attachment with the needle gun or needle scaler?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q9g

Did you use abrasive blasting?

1. Yes

2. No  [SKIP TO Q9h]

998. Don’t know/not sure  [SKIP TO Q9h]

999. Refused  [SKIP TO Q9h]

Q9g1

Did you use a HEPA attachment while abrasive blasting?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused

Q9h

Did you use chemical stripping?

1. Yes

2. No

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refused
Page 24 of 25 

[IF Q4a1 SELECTED ASK Q9i ELSE SKIP TO Q10]

Q9i

Did you use any other techniques to prepare the surface for repainting or to remove paint [other than open flame,

torch, heat gun, needle gun, needle scaler, power sanding, power grinding, abrasive blasting, hand scraping, hand

sanding, chemical stripping, or power washing]?

1. Yes

2. No  [SKIP TO Q10]

998. Don’t know/not sure  [SKIP TO Q10]

999. Refused  [SKIP TO Q10]

Q9i1

Can you please describe the other techniques you used?

ENTER TEXT STRING:__________________________________

[IF Q9a=1 AND Q9b THRU Q9j ARE ALL >1 FILL Q10=1 AND SKIP TO Q11

IF Q9b=1 AND Q9a AND Q9c THRU Q9j ARE ALL >1 FILL Q10=2 AND SKIP TO Q11

IF Q9c=1 AND Q9a AND Q9b AND Q9d THRU Q9j ARE ALL >1 FILL Q10=3 AND SKIP TO Q11

IF Q9d=1 AND Q9a THRU Q9c AND Q9e THRU Q9j ARE ALL >1 FILL Q10=4 AND SKIP TO Q11

IF Q9e=1 AND Q9a THRU Q9d AND Q9f THRU Q9j ARE ALL >1 FILL Q10=5 AND SKIP TO Q11

IF Q9f=1 AND Q9a THRU Q9e AND Q9g THRU Q9j ARE ALL >1 FILL Q10=6 AND SKIP TO Q11

IF Q9g=1 AND Q9a THRU Q9f AND Q9h THRU Q9j ARE ALL >1 FILL Q10=7 AND SKIP TO Q11

IF Q9h=1 AND Q9a THRU Q9g AND Q9i AND Q9j ARE ALL >1 FILL Q10=8 AND SKIP TO Q11

IF Q9i=1 AND Q9a THRU Q9h AND Q9j ARE ALL >1 FILL Q10=9 AND SKIP TO Q11

IF Q9 is 2 or missing for every question, please skip to Q11]

Q10

You said you used the following techniques to prepare the surface for painting or remove paint in the most recent

job  [READ DISPLAYED LIST]:

DISPLAY IF Q9a= 1 ELSE LEAVE BLANK 1.   hand scraping or hand sanding  

DISPLAY IF Q9b= 1 ELSE LEAVE BLANK 2.   power sanding or power grinding  

DISPLAY IF Q9c= 1 ELSE LEAVE BLANK 3.   power washing  

DISPLAY IF Q9d= 1 ELSE LEAVE BLANK 4.   flame burning or torching  

DISPLAY IF Q9e= 1 ELSE LEAVE BLANK 5.   heat gun  

DISPLAY IF Q9f=  1 ELSE LEAVE BLANK 6.   needle gun or needle scaler  

DISPLAY IF Q9g= 1 ELSE LEAVE BLANK 7.   abrasive blasting  

DISPLAY IF Q9h= 1 ELSE LEAVE BLANK 8.   chemical stripping  

DISPLAY IF Q9i=  1 ELSE LEAVE BLANK 9.    other  [SHOW TEXT STRING FROM Q9i1]

Which of these paint removal techniques was the primary technique used that the largest amount of old paint?

[ENTER NUMBER FROM ABOVE LIST OF DISPLAYED ITEMS]

___   [ALLOW RANGE 1‐9, 98=DK, 99=REF]
Page 25 of 25 

Q11

We’re almost done.  These are my last questions.

What factors usually influence the level of dust containment and cleaning you do for a given job in nonresidential

buildings?  

[INTERVIEWER: Read All; accept multiple punches]

1. What the customer wants

2. The amount of dust generated by the work  

3. How the building is used (hospital, restaurant, warehouse, factory, etc.)

4. The age of the building

5. Lead‐based paint is known to be present  

6. The OSHA Lead in Construction Standard  

7. Local regulations for dust control

8. Building is occupied while being renovated

9. [ONLY SHOW IF Q4a, Q4b, Q4c, Q4d, Q4e, Q4f are selected] The proximity to other buildings or properties

10. OTHER:__________________________________________________

11. None – Similar containment and cleaning practices are used for all jobs

998. Don’t know/not sure

999. Refuse

[IF Q3b =2 ASK Q12; ALL ELSE SKIP TO Q13]

Q12

I have one final question here about residential housing.  Is your firm certified by either EPA or your state for

performing lead‐safe renovation, repair, and painting work in older residential housing?

1. Yes/Certification Pending

2. No

3. Does not do any residential housing work

998. Don’t know/not sure

999.   Refuse

Q13

Finally, is there anything else you would like EPA to know about?

_____________________________________

CLOSE (Eligible and complete):

That’s all the questions I have.  Thanks for your participation in this study. Please provide your name and address

so that we can send you your $50 check.

Full Name: ______________

Address: ___________________

CLOSE (ineligible):

It appears that you are not eligible to participate in this study so that’s all the questions I have.  Thanks for your

participation.