Proper Lead Paint Containment

In this video, the SFW Paint Manager explains how the proper containment takes place during the lead paint removal process. As the Pacific Northwest leader in lead-safe renovations, SFW Painting can remove the old paint and give you a new look that brings out the best in your home. We pay special attention to detail during this process as we want to leave no lead dust particles behind! Lead paint removal and lead paint encapsulation is something we do well. In this process, we keep people safe, renovate their homes, and significantly increase the value of their homes.

As the Pacific Northwest leader in lead-safe renovations, SFW painting is the licensed lead paint contractor that you want to restore your home. With our experience, attention to detail, and the ability to follow the industry’s best practices, your home will become the new “model home” of your neighborhood. We focus on what we do well, which is interior and exterior lead paint removal and lead paint encapsulation.

Medical and scientific research shows that absorption of lead into the blood may have harmful effects on the intellectual and behavioral development of infants and children. So, it’s important to us that we put our best foot forward when working with our customers as your family’s health and safety is the first concern. Proper lead paint containment, lead paint removal, and disposing of dust particles in the safest way possible is our number one concern.

If you choose to work with SFW Painting on your lead paint project, we take the correct steps to ensure your safety:

• Proper containment for the interior
  • Take one area or zone at a time
  • Post signs
  • Remove all objects from the work area or cover them with plastic sheeting sealed with tape.
    • Furniture, rugs, blinds or window covers
  • Cover the floor surface, ceilings and walls making sure that it’s tightly sealed
  • Set up zip door to contain any dust particles in the area
  • Mask off windows and HVAC vents
    • This step makes sure that no lead pieces or dust can escape the taped off area, achieving complete containment!
• Proper containment for the exterior
  • Take one area or zone at a time
  • Posts signs
  • Cover the ground with plastic sheeting extending to EPA recommended guideline
  • Close, cover, and tape off the work area
    • Windows and doors included
  • If the renovation work can contaminate other houses in the area, we take extra precautions not to spread debris

• We use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Painter’s hats
  • Disposable coveralls
  • Disposable N-100 rated respirator
  • Disposable shoe covers
• While we work, we do our best to minimize and control the dust from spreading. We do this by:
  • A sanding sponge
  • Misting bottle
  • Heavy plastic sheeting
  • Heavy-duty plastic bags
  • Utility knife
  • High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum:
    • Festool Dust Extractor
    • Festool Power Shaver
    • Festool Sander
  • Tack Pads
• Once the day is over, we clean the job site as if it’s our last day on the job
  • Leaving the area completely free of dust and debris
  • Pick up all trash
  • Use HEPA throughout the lead removal process and at the end of the day
  • Clean tools at the end of the day
  • Dispose of personal protective equipment
  • Remind residents not to enter the area work was performed
  • Wash up before leaving the job site

After we safely contain the areas we work in, we can remove the lead paint. Proper containment is vital as it keeps your family out of harm’s way. It’s no secret that lead indigestion is dangerous for many reasons so, if your home was built before 1978, you will want to have it looked at for lead paint. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for children, as it can affect their mental and physical development. In extreme cases, lead paint can cause anemia, impaired brain, nervous system functions, or cause lead poisoning and can be fatal.

Removing repairing or disturbing lead paint through normal wear-and-tear such as paint on floors, doors, windows, and stairs can expose you and your family to health risks. Before you start renovations to make sure you chose the right contractor to minimize the health risks of you and your family.