Picking out a RRP Hepa Lead Dust Vacuum cleaner that fits your needs.

Are you struggling with selecting a HEPA Lead Dust Vacuum that will comply with new EPA rules for containing lead dust but still works for you? We can help you to make the decision that best fits your needs as well as the size of the unit that you need.



The biggest mistake that most contractors make when deciding on what HEPA Vacuum cleaner to purchase for RRP compliance is the size of the vacuum. Many contractors are going to their local big box retail store and purchasing any vacuum that says the word "HEPA" on it. The problem with this is that the vacuums usually will not last when used in a construction area or if they do purchase a larger industrial size vacuum it is not a sealed unit for particulate collection as required within the RRP laws.



We have found that many people are purchasing HEPA vacuums but not understanding what HEPA means and what it does.



The word HEPA comes from: High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing filter which is the filter unit that is built into most vacuum cleaners and air filters. When it comes to the RRP HEPA Vacuum requirements it states that a HEPA Vacuum must be used for cleanup in an area where lead paint is being disturbed. What most people do not understand is that the HEPA filter is only one part of the story.



The more important part of the RRP HEPA vacuum cleaner is that the unit must be sealed. This is the part that is not explained clearly in many of the RRP manuals and classes. The units must be sealed with an efficiency rating of 99.7% containment of all dust that is being collected in the unit with only a .03% return of dust back into the room that is being cleaned. When contractors purchase unsealed units and use them in a Lead dust particulate collection they will be causing more harm than good because they are blowing these particulate into the air for contamination of larger areas than were effected before the renovation started.



When looking at your vacuum to purchase you should consider these points:



1- The size of the vacuum unit that you are purchasing needs to work within your needs. If you are going to be working a a confined area you should be looking at a lower capacity, space saving, and lite weight vacuum.

2- Are you working in a small confined area where you will not have the space for a larger tank vacuum? In a residential setting large tank vacuums do not work. They get in the way and usually you will end of doing damage to a customer’s property when moving about the house. In this case you should consider a small and compact vacuum unit.

3- Have you researched the filter / collection unit for these vacuums? Look into how the debris is contained. The small vacuums have disposable one use collection units but hands down are better in small areas. Large vacuums usually have large disposable bags for collecting the debris which are less expensive but keep in mind that with the paper bag collection you will also need to replace the HEPA filter portion of the unit which can be costly as well. With the disposable collection unit, the HEPA filter is built into it which gives you a fresh filter with each debris collection unit change.

4- Be very careful to check what comes with your vacuum. Most vacuums do not include the beater bar which is required with the RRP rule when working on carpeted areas. These again can be expensive and many companies will lore you in after you have purchased the vacuum and you are stuck.



Just because a domestic / residential HEPA vacuum cleaner has a HEPA air filter in or on it, the great majority of these vacuum cleaners allow particles, allergens and dangerous chemicals including lead and asbestos back into the indoor air environment to be breathed by the person vacuuming and by everyone else in the area. This is because most of the HEPA filters are not properly sealed in the vacuum case and vacuum cleaner cases themselves are not sealed. When the air pressure from the motor pushes air through the vacuum cleaner the dirty contaminated air leaks from these vacuum cleaners often to contaminate the air, home or building worse than ever because the contaminates are being removed from the many different types of surfaces only to end up floating in peoples indoor breathing spaces.

Most importantly you should remember if you are a home, business owner, or a do it yourselfer you must know you are responsible for the clean up toxic chemicals and materials with a 100 percent sealed HEPA vacuum cleaner to avoid contaminating living space, family and employees.

REMEMBER: If you're going to do the clean-up yourself, you need the proper HEPA vacuum cleaner to do the job correctly. This is very important if you are doing lead paint abatement. Spend the money on the proper HEPA lead dust vacuum cleaner equipment that will pass the EPA RRP rule.

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