Building Management Hawaii April/May - (Page 12)

When To Test For Lead How lead-based paint can affect spall repair. By Brent Cullinan H RestoRation ow old is your home or condo? This seemingly innocuous question has serious implications for the concrete restoration contractor. The age is significant because any structure built before 1978—only 35 years ago—may have been painted with lead-based paint. Why is this a concern? In 1996, the federal government passed laws that protect children and pregnant women from lead poisoning. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) enforces the lead-based Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program. This program became effective in April 2010 and has had an effect on the concrete restoration industry as well as other trades. When a certified restoration contractor is set to start work on a residential structure, there are some important steps to follow. It is a checklist that helps determine whether the EPA law will be a factor in the restoration process. The first item on the list is to know the age of the building, as pre-1978 structures, though unlikely, could have used leadbased paints. It’s unlikely because concrete structures have been painted with acrylic-based paints for nearly 60 years and lead based paint was outlawed in 1978. So if your building is less than 35 years old, there are no regulations relating to the renovation. However, if we are dealing with a building older than 1978, which may have more than 20 square feet of exterior repair (the threshold for the law to be implemented), the certified restoration contractor must verify that there is no lead in the concrete. This is done using an EPA-recognized test kit. It is a simple test swab that turns a bright red if lead is detected on the painted surface—no red, no lead. This painless step lets 12 April - May 2013 BMH www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii April/May

Lifts: Elevators & Escalators
Service Providers Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology
Time To Modernize?
Ready To Switch Gears?
Concrete: Restoration & Repairs
When To Test For Lead
3 Steps For A Solid Spalling Job
Deep Secrets
Phase The Work
Concrete Restoration
Tips On How To Reduce Spalling On Newer Buildings
The Difference Between Repair & Restoration
Insurance
Equipment Breakdown Insurance
High-rise Hotspot
EDITORIAL
Toolbox Talk: How to choose the correct ladder for the job.
Industry News and Movers & Shakers
On Site: Saving Staff

Building Management Hawaii April/May