C33 Regulations and Procedures for Lead-Based Paint Abatement 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under California's lead-safe work practices, what is the minimum air pressure differential required inside a contained work area during abatement?
- 0.01 inches of water column negative pressure (Correct answer)
- 0.02 inches of water column negative pressure
- 0.05 inches of water column negative pressure
- No specific pressure differential is required
Correct answer: 0.01 inches of water column negative pressure
California regulations require a minimum negative pressure of 0.01 inches of water column to prevent lead-contaminated air from escaping the containment area.
Question 2: Which document must a lead abatement contractor provide to a property owner before beginning work on a pre-1978 residential dwelling?
- A signed lead hazard disclosure form
- The EPA's Renovate Right pamphlet and a pre-renovation disclosure form (Correct answer)
- A CalEPA lead clearance certificate
- An OSHA compliance certification
Correct answer: The EPA's Renovate Right pamphlet and a pre-renovation disclosure form
Before renovation on pre-1978 homes, contractors must distribute the EPA's 'Renovate Right' pamphlet and obtain a signed pre-renovation disclosure acknowledgment.
Question 3: What action is required if a lead abatement project in California produces waste exceeding 50 pounds of lead-containing material?
- Notify DTSC within 24 hours
- Manifest and dispose as hazardous waste through a licensed hauler (Correct answer)
- Double-bag and place in standard construction dumpster
- Submit a waste minimization plan to CalRecycle
Correct answer: Manifest and dispose as hazardous waste through a licensed hauler
Lead-containing waste above regulatory thresholds must be characterized as hazardous waste and transported by a licensed hazardous waste hauler with proper manifests.
Question 4: A painting contractor discovers deteriorated lead paint on an exterior surface during a routine repaint job. Under RRP rules, what is the first required step?
- Stop work immediately and call CDPH
- Assess whether the disturbed area exceeds 20 square feet and apply RRP protocols if so (Correct answer)
- Apply an encapsulant and continue painting
- Request a soil test before proceeding
Correct answer: Assess whether the disturbed area exceeds 20 square feet and apply RRP protocols if so
Under the EPA RRP rule, contractors must determine if the disturbed exterior area exceeds 20 square feet and, if so, apply lead-safe work practice requirements.
Question 5: How long must California lead abatement contractors retain project records, including training certificates and clearance reports?
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
Correct answer: 3 years
California and federal regulations require lead abatement contractors to maintain all project records, including certifications and clearance test results, for a minimum of 3 years.
Question 6: Which type of respirator is the minimum required for workers performing dry sanding or dry scraping of lead-based paint during abatement?
- N95 disposable dust mask
- Half-face air-purifying respirator with HEPA filter (P100) (Correct answer)
- Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
- Full-face supplied-air respirator
Correct answer: Half-face air-purifying respirator with HEPA filter (P100)
OSHA's lead standard requires at minimum a half-face air-purifying respirator equipped with HEPA (P100) filters for dry sanding or scraping of lead-based paint.
Question 7: Under California Health and Safety Code, who is authorized to perform a lead clearance inspection after abatement is complete?
- The same contractor who performed the abatement
- A California-certified lead inspector or risk assessor who did not perform the abatement (Correct answer)
- Any licensed general contractor
- The building department inspector
Correct answer: A California-certified lead inspector or risk assessor who did not perform the abatement
Clearance inspections must be performed by a California-certified lead inspector or risk assessor who is independent from the abatement contractor to ensure objectivity.
C33 Regulations and Procedures for Lead-Based Paint Abatement 4
Under California's lead-safe work practices, what is the minimum air pressure differential required inside a contained work area during abatement?