Do You Have The Proper Equipment To Be Compliant With The EPA RRP Rule?

As time as gone by many contractors are now learning to live with the new laws (started in 2010) that have been put into effect concerning renovation with lead paint. Many people thought this law would go away but there is nothing further from the truth, as you will most likely see this law will probably be expanded in the future to more commercial properties. How do you or your employer stack up against others in this challenging time while still staying in compliance with the RRP Law?



I receive many phone calls on a daily basis asking questions that should have been clearly spelled out in the RRP training classes that your firm or you had to go through to be certified. Most contractors are scared to the point that they are now turning down work when they find themselves in a situation that requires them to follow the law. The main reason for this is because of the expense to be compliant. With all the materials and the lost time to be compliant because it is a very large and bitter pill to try and get a customer to pay the cost for what it takes to be compliant. Also, the time on the customer’s side to prepare for the renovation before the contractor even arrives so the job can be done without further delays and time lost.



Surely all contractors are aware of the miscellaneous materials that are required such as the plastic sheeting, the N-100 respirators, the protective coveralls, and the caution tape. But what about the most comprehensive item that is also the most overlooked item for being correct – The HEPA Lead Dust Vacuum.



As of the time that this article is being written the only guideline that the EPA is requiring of your HEPA Lead Dust Vacuum is that all air that is introduced into the vacuum must be expelled through the HEPA filter with no air leaking around it. When it was requested of the EPA to give a list of HEPA Lead Dust Vacuums that were approved for use they refused to do it. Their reasoning was because vacuums are changing all the time and the EPA could not follow up with every unit that was being made. Because of this deep definition of a compliant vacuum, many contractors are very confused and want to know, how will the EPA test the unit they purchase to see if they are compliant if the EPA decides to inspect their worksite?



There are companies presently making retrofit HEPA filter that can be installed onto larger "BIG BOX RETAILER" shop vac style vacuum cleaners that then make them HEPA compliant. The manufacturer of these retrofit HEPA filter units also states that these add on filters should not be used for hazardous material clean-up. These retro-fit units have not been deemed as being acceptable or compliant for the RRP Rule. The only short cut to buying a HEPA Lead Dust Vacuum should be to look for a unit that has been tested and capable of removing 99.7% of particles down to .3% microns in size. Any other efficiency level will leave you open for interpretation with the EPA and put you at risk of receiving large fines.



We have found that one of the best and most economical HEPA vacuums that are compliant with the EPA RRP rule is the Pullman Holt Vacuum. You will be able to purchase a four gallon HEPA canister vacuum for under $450.00 however you will need to purchase an additional power head to be compliant for working in areas with carpet. All of the Pullman Holt Vacuum systems meet or exceed the 99.7% efficiency rule and have an easy to change out waste collection bag, which is very economical. Another great feature with the Pullman Holt vacuum is that it comes with its own individual test certificate for verification and on-site inspections. This will keep you in good graces with The EPA because they do not want to dismantle a vacuum to check it for compliance.



For a compact HEPA lead dust vacuum that is excellent for small jobs and areas where movement is very restricted you should take a look at the Atrix Green Machine, The vacuum comes complete in a medium size toolbox size unit. All attachments fit into the lid with the exception of the optional power head, and the HEPA filter and dust collection unit are in a one piece disposable plastic container.



In review the most powerful information I can give to all of the self-employed and small renovation contractors is Do Not cheap out on your HEPA Lead Dust Vacuum because it can cost you far more than any vacuum can cost you in the end.



For more information on HEPA Lead Dust Vacuums, please visit: HepaLeadDustVacuums.com