CLPPP Remodeling and Painting - WA State Dept. of Health

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Remodeling and Painting
Parents and Remodelers, Take Note! Removing Lead-Based Paint Hazards Certification to Perform Lead Abatement Activities Washington State Certified Lead-Based Paint Firms Related Resources

Parents and remodelers, take note!

It is very important for people to use extreme caution before making any attempt to repaint and remodel old painted surfaces in homes with lead-based paint! Incredibly small amounts of lead dust can create substantial health risks, especially to young children.

Workers who do not know how to deal with lead-based paint may make the problem worse if they try to remove old paint. Unsafe remodeling and unsafe removal of old paint, such as pressure washing or sanding, may contaminate the home with lead dust. This is one of the major causes of lead poisoning in Washington State.

Removing Lead-Based Paint Hazards

To permanently remove lead hazards, you must hire a certified lead abatement contractor. Abatement (or permanent hazard elimination) methods include removing, sealing, or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials. Just painting over the hazard with regular paint may control the hazard temporarily, but will not permanently remove it.

Always hire a person with special training for correcting lead paint problems - someone who knows how to do this work safely and has the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly. Certified contractors will employ qualified workers and follow strict safety rules set by their state or the federal government. There are standards in place for certifying lead-based paint professionals to ensure the work is done safely, reliably, and effectively.

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Certification to Perform Lead Abatement Activities

Individuals and firms who perform lead abatement activities must be certified by the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development. For complete certification requirements, see WAC 365-230.

For information on how to apply for certification to perform lead-based paint work, see the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED) Web site.

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Washington State Certified Lead-Based Paint Firms

The Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development Lead-Based Paint Program publishes a list of firms certified to perform lead-based paint activities in the state of Washington. Only currently certified firms who have requested placement on the list are included. If you need to verify certification status of a firm not included on the list, please e-mail or phone CTED at the numbers below.

CTED Lead Based Paint Program
PO Box 42525
Olympia, Washington 98504-2525
Phone: 360-586-LEAD (5323)
Fax: 360-586-5880
E-mail: lbpinfo@cted.wa.gov

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