Lead Services

How to safely and economically deal with lead based paint (LBP) issues while maintaining regulatory compliance is the focus of JRM service in the area of lead based paint. Lead occurs as both a natural element found in the ground (or as dust in the air) and as part of man made materials.

We are all exposed to varying amounts of both sources types of lead. Exposure to large doses of lead in a short period of time or chronic exposure to lower doses over long periods of time can result in serious adverse health affects.

JRM performs lead based paint investigations (surveys), project design/specifications, air monitoring, abatement oversight, and development of Operations & Maintenance Plans (O&M Plans). Federal, state, and local regulations relating to the lead based paint issue are currently undergoing revision. Therefore, many of the guidelines for this matter have not yet been clearly established.

JRM approach to the lead issue is focused on keeping abreast of current regulatory changes and advising our clients with respect to compliance and potential lead health and/or legal related problems.

Lead Investigations

Under HUD guidelines, inspections for the presence of lead based paint were mandated in pre-1978 public and Indian Housing. In addition, sellers and lessons of most private residential housing built before 1978 are required to disclose the presence of known lead based paint and/or provide potential purchasers with an opportunity to inspect the premises for lead under the Residential Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act.

Once a lead based paint hazard has been identified, baseline lead in air or soil samples will be taken to give an indication as to the exposure assessment, and this information will be an important component in determining how specifications will be structured. JRM will often recommend that waste disposal characterization occur at this time, as well. This is accomplished by taking representative samples of the building components and submitting them for analysis by Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Profile (TCLP).

Once the information is complied, the results are documented in customized reports detailing building description, locations, quality, condition, and identification. Sample lead based paint location maps, identification charts, abatement options and cost estimates, along with photographs, are frequently included. JRM will make recommendations as to how best handle a lead based paint issue based on cost, client goals, future renovation and/or demolition plans, and the condition and location of material.

Lead Project Design Specifications

• When plans call for demolition and/or renovation that will affect lead based paint materials, JRM will consider the following factors before specifications are written.
• Type of facility affected (housing/non-housing)
• Facility location
• Condition of materials
• Substrate
• Budget
• Client preferences
• Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Profile (TCLP) results.

Based on the above factors, JRM will analyze all available abatement technologies to determine which would be most advantageous for the client/project. These technologies include:

• Encapsulation – Enclosure
• Chemical Stripping – Item Replacement
• On-Site Chemical Stripping and Hand Scraping

Once the most appropriate abatement technology is selected, site specific lead abatement specifications will be developed which will included the flowing:

• General project information – Removal Procedures
• Bid forms – Protective equipment
• Submittal requirements – Decontamination Procedures
• Scope of work – Air monitoring
• Work area preparation – Quality Assurance (QA) Inspections
• Documentation requirements – Clearance criteria
• Negative pressure requirements – Lead paint disposal

All project design specifications will also designated work periods, housekeeping requirements, security issues, unit pricing, insurance requirements, etc. Drawings of areas to be affected may also be included.