FEATURE
How to safely remove lead-painted surfaces before renovation
By the SA Paint Manufacturer ’ s Association
The SA Paint Manufacturing Association ( SAPMA ) says it is important that professional painters and decorators realise the potential health risks associated with the renovation of painted surfaces that contain lead , to ensure personal and public safety while working on projects .
It is important to realise that the main risk is if the paint film is damaged , unsound , or flaking off , where lead-containing particles and dust may be inhaled . There is also a risk to human health by ingestion , such as physical contact with a lead-painted surface when a child licks the surface .
SAPMA ’ s sister organisation , the British Coatings Federation , has provided extensive guidelines on how to safety deal with lead in old painted surfaces :
Old lead-painted surfaces should only be treated , overcoated , or removed if the paint ( film ) is flaking or chipping away , or if dust and particles are present , or the possibility of the painted surface being chewed or sucked by children . If the lead-containing painted surface is in good condition and already overcoated with unleaded paint , then removal could result in a greater exposure to lead dust and particles than from leaving the paint undisturbed .
PRECAUTIONS :
These precautions must be taken when renovating or removing old lead paint from a building surface :
• Avoid the creation of lead-containing dust or fumes .
• Prohibit anyone not involved in the work from the area , and preferably the whole building , until the work has been fully completed and the area thoroughly cleaned . Inform anyone in the building that the work is being carried out .
• Ensure no children or pregnant women are present in any area where renovation work which involves the disturbance of lead-containing surfaces is taking place .
ALL PHOTOS : SAPMA
For outside working , contamination of the soil should be avoided . Cover all grass and garden bedding nearby with plastic sheeting and avoid working in windy or wet conditions .
24 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2021 SAAffordHousing saaffordablehousingmag SA Affordable Housing www . saaffordablehousing . co . za