Lead has been a known health hazard since the early 1970s. Yet its presence is still felt 50 years later. The Flint, Michigan, lead poisoning crisis from 2014 to 2016 spoke to the dangers of lead in public drinking water. However, lead also poses health hazards in buildings, not just water pipes.
Before you renovate an older building for public use, you need qualified professionals with decades of experience to detect and abate any lead on the premises. Our guide explains how to vet a commercial lead abatement contractor before deciding which bid you settle on.
Correct Certifications
A commercial lead abatement company requires specific certifications to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Companies operating in lead abatement must first obtain EPA certification as a lead-safe firm. This certification mandates that firms adhere to strict procedures for lead removal and disposal, minimizing the risk of contamination for workers and the public.
Supervisors and workers engaged in lead abatement projects must also complete training through an EPA-accredited program. This training focuses on lead-safe practices, risk management, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
These certifications demonstrate proficiency and adherence to safety protocols during lead removal activities. All of our workers complete thorough training before setting foot on a site.
State-specific requirements often supplement federal guidelines. Many states maintain their own lead certification programs, which may include additional training or licensing exams. Both Kentucky and Ohio have separate lead abatement certification programs.
OSHA compliance also comes into play for worker safety and exposure limits. Proper documentation of hazard communication plans, respiratory protection programs, and lead exposure monitoring underscores a company’s commitment to safety.
Lead abatement companies like Environmental Demolition Group typically have robust commercial insurance coverage that goes beyond certification programs.
Experience With the Project Scope
You want to hire a commercial lead abatement company that has experience in lead abatement. Environmental Demolition Group, as a company, has more than 20 years of experience, dating back to our founding in 2004. Many supervisors and team leaders have more experience than that.
Look for a lead abatement firm with a history of managing projects similar in size and complexity. Ask for a portfolio detailing past projects, including the challenges faced and solutions implemented. Environmental Demolition Group would be happy to share details of past projects with your team.
Effective project execution requires knowledge of lead hazard identification and mitigation strategies tailored to specific environments, including industrial, retail, and government. For instance, a firm experienced in industrial facilities brings distinct expertise compared to one specializing in residential properties.
Look for a lead abatement contractor with timely communication and updates when coordinating with stakeholders such as property managers, regulatory bodies, and environmental consultants. A successful company demonstrates the ability to
maintain clear communication, meet deadlines, and adhere to strict regulatory standards. Environmental Demolition Group meets or exceeds these standards.
Experience extends to workforce readiness as well. A skilled team accustomed to using specialized equipment and working within the constraints of complex commercial environments ensures smoother operations. All of our team members are highly qualified to complete their tasks on a daily basis.
Successful Track Record
Partner with a lead abatement company with a successful track record of completed projects.
Some successful projects from our firm include:
The iconic Jeweler’s Exchange Building in downtown Cincinnati, where we helped rehab the high-rise building into a glittering jewel. The building sat vacant from the early 1970s until the early 2020s.
Helping to renovate an old auto parts warehouse in Dayton, Ohio, into a mixed-use space.
Converting two older school buildings into a verdant green space in Lebanon, Ohio. The district no longer needed the buildings.
Performing environmental cleanup of an old General Motors plant in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Performing select demolition of the Union Trust Building in downtown Cincinnati ahead of a $50 million rehab project to turn it into a new hotel for one of the top hospitality chains in the world. The high-rise was dedicated in 1901.
We performed select demolition on the historic Fayette County Courthouse in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, ahead of turning the iconic building into a mixed-used space.
References
A commercial lead abatement company should have references from past projects for you to contact. We would be happy to put you in touch with some stakeholders from past projects.
Pre-Project Testing for Lead
When taking care of pre-project testing for lead, a lead abatement company must be thorough. Initial testing begins with a comprehensive site assessment. Certified inspectors or risk assessors examine surfaces, materials, and potential sources of lead contamination.
Techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis allow professionals to detect lead-based paint without damaging the underlying structure. These non-invasive methods provide rapid, reliable results.
When testing soil, water, or dust for lead contamination, companies collect samples systematically and submit them to accredited laboratories for analysis. The results of the samples will allow our team to form a proper lead abatement strategy. Accurate documentation of test results allows stakeholders to understand the extent of the hazard and make informed decisions.
Testing allows us to define the areas requiring containment or specialized handling. For example, high-concentration zones demand advanced measures to protect workers and occupants.
Pre-project testing also identifies potential secondary risks, such as airborne lead particles generated during demolition or renovation. By measuring air quality and identifying high-risk areas, we can design lead abatement plans that minimize exposure and prevent contamination beyond the work site.
We will provide detailed reports summarizing testing results, methodologies, and recommendations. Reporting allows us to develop an effective abatement plan to set timelines and scope for completion.
Post-Project Testing for Lead
Post-project testing starts with visual inspections of the abatement area. Professionals assess whether the project achieved complete removal or stabilization of lead hazards. They check for visible dust, debris, or residual lead-based paint. A thorough visual inspection sets the stage for more detailed clearance testing.
Dust wipe sampling occurs when a lead abatement company collects samples from horizontal surfaces such as floors, windowsills, and countertops. These samples undergo laboratory analysis to determine whether lead dust levels fall within acceptable limits set by regulatory agencies.
Air monitoring also occurs here, especially in projects involving demolition or activities that generate airborne lead particles. Technicians use specialized equipment to measure lead concentrations in the air.
A lead abatement company compiles reports that outline the methods, equipment, and results, providing clear evidence of compliance. These records serve as proof of proper abatement, offering peace of mind to clients and stakeholders.
Proper Safety Equipment
Lead abatement must employ safety equipment to handle this hazardous substance properly.
Lead abatement professionals wear respirators fitted with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to prevent inhalation of lead particles. HEPA filters protect the lungs during sanding or demolition.
Protective clothing further minimizes direct contact with lead. Workers wear disposable coveralls, gloves, and shoe covers designed to prevent skin and clothing contamination. These items reduce the potential for secondary exposure by ensuring lead particles do not travel beyond the containment area. Workers need goggles to shield their eyes from dust and debris, while hard hats are required in work areas.
Vacuum systems equipped with HEPA filters are required for lead abatement projects. These vacuums capture fine lead dust without releasing it into the air to keep the work site air safe. Similarly, specialized containment systems, such as plastic sheeting and sealed enclosures, help confine lead hazards within designated work areas.
Lead abatement companies must also provide decontamination stations at the site. Workers use these stations to remove contaminated clothing and equipment, preventing the spread of lead to clean areas. Proper disposal of used safety gear further protects the environment.
Proper Lead Disposal Procedures
Removing lead is just one part of the abatement process. This hazardous material must be disposed of properly to keep it out of the water supply. Lead disposal begins with the careful collection of lead-based debris, dust, and waste materials on the site.
Workers use HEPA-filtered vacuums and wet-cleaning methods to gather hazardous particles without creating additional airborne contamination. Contaminated items, such as paint chips and disposable protective gear, go into heavy-duty, leak-proof containers or bags designed for hazardous waste.
Lead abatement companies must clearly mark containers with appropriate hazard warnings and include detailed manifests that outline the type and quantity of lead waste. This ensures transparency and facilitates tracking throughout the disposal process.
Once collected, lead-contaminated materials are transported to an EPA-approved hazardous waste facility. Licensed haulers are equipped to manage hazardous materials and keep the contents safe and compliant during transit.
At the disposal facility, waste undergoes treatment or containment according to EPA and state-specific regulations. Facilities may stabilize or encapsulate lead waste to prevent leaching into soil or water before placing it in secure landfills designed for hazardous materials. Some facilities may recycle certain lead-containing items, such as batteries or metal components, when appropriate.
Companies performing lead abatement must maintain detailed records of all disposal activities. You will have proper documentation and records to serve as proof of compliance and provide accountability in case of audits or inspections.
Contact the Qualified Lead Abatement Professionals at Environmental Demolition Group
Lead abatement represents just one step when it comes to cleaning up a commercial site that has hazardous materials. Our team is specially equipped to abate lead at your site.
Contact Environmental Demolition Group to request a consultation.
