Lead based paint and asbestos control
As your plumbing and hvac contractor, we are always cutting into floors, walls and ceilings to make repairs to water piping, drain piping and heating lines. New legislation about lead based paint and asbestos may add a layer of cost to the consumer which will be very significant if not outrageous.
Many people (contractors, subcontractors, owners, renters, buyers or sellers) are interested or upset about dealing with lead based paint or asbestos in your Colorado residential or commercial property. This blog will not address the laws or regulations for handling the product or the paperwork that is required. Believe me, it is very confusing when dealing with lead paint or asbestos because it seems that many governing bodies have a say in how to handle, dispose-of, certify or document these hazardous materials. Let me set down what should happen when handling these two highly hazardous products.
Colorado Homeowners’ point of view
If you suspect that your home or commercial property has any type of materials containing lead or asbestos, you are encouraged to have your property tested by a LICENSED company who can verify the type of asbestos and the level of potency you may have in the product(s) on your property. If the lead is present in the paint, they will also test for that. Starting with a QUALIFIED and licensed tester is the first step. You will know what you are dealing with and what must be done if you start a remodel on your property. As I said earlier there are many regulations handed down by multiple authorities (OSHA, EPA, HUD, state regulations, etc.) but until you know the degree of problem you have, you cannot layout a plan of attack. Even if you want to make the repair yourself, you as the owner MUST have your property checked by a licensed and insured company. If you hire a subcontractor, he must also have the property checked (if you have not recently done so yourself) and then he will probably make recommendations for licensed individuals who can handle and process the lead paint or asbestos. He cannot tell you that it is not a problem, if there is ANY lead paint on your interior wood, metal or plastic surfaces or if there asbestos present.
Get your property checked because it may affect the sale of the property in the future or any refinance or any future remodel projects. You should protect yourself and get any suspicious product checked because a clean bill of health on your property is what will make the renovation, remodel or expansion project go smoother.
Contractors’ point of view
Most licensed contractors who have been around these past thirty years know that there are rules and regulations for handling, removal, disposal and testing of lead based paints or asbestos. They should not try to ignore this potential hazard because it could contaminate the entire jobsite and also put them out of business. The stories are true. The enforcement of the new rules and regulations are for real and they are substantial. Every contractor and subcontractor should be aware of the potential hazards caused by improper removal of lead based paint and asbestos. They should also know that strict testing is required. If they do not know this, then our suggestion is that you find another contractor. Subcontractors are also held to the same standards and cannot sweep this under the rug with regards to the testing and proper paperwork regarding lead paint and asbestos. There is not excuse for not testing the jobsite for these dangerous products because they are all over both old and new homes today. Import products are not regulated and asbestos can be found on some of the flooring products sold at your local box stores. BE CAREFUL and test first.
Colorado Renter point of view
If you suspect that your rental property contains asbestos or lead based paint, then ask your landlord to have the property tested before you or anyone starts a remodel project, of any size. Ask for a copy of the test results. This is a reasonable request. You are not trying to make it difficult on anyone but you are living in this property and a remodel project could stir up lead in the space your live or allow asbestos to become airborne. So, remember that testing is the first step in the process.
If you have any other comments or concerns, please feel free to ask me. My number is 303-952-8668. I may not have all the answers, but I know people who do. We have used Bill Schaefer of Chief Home Inspections (email Bill@chiefinspection.com or cell# 303-668-7072) when we have any questions or concerns regarding lead paint or asbestos in any property we work in.
Tom D’Agostino, Service Manager
Kimmel Mechanical, Inc.