HEPA Filter Vacuums Required For Lead Paint Removal Under EPA Regulations
HEPA vacuums play a key role in complying with lead paint regulations. New EPA RRP rules mandate the use of HEPA vacuums that does the job properly. Selecting the right vacuum can make all the difference. Rules are strict, fines are stiff, and lawyers are waiting.
EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires the use of equipment with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter under two circumstances: "HEPA Vacuum" is required as part of the interior work area cleaning: 40 CFR 745.85(a)(5)(ii) states that "The firm must clean all objects and surfaces in the work area and within 2 feet of the work area in the following manner, cleaning from higher to lower: 1. Walls. Clean walls starting at the ceiling and working down to the floor by either vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum or wiping with a damp cloth. 2. Remaining surfaces. Thoroughly vacuum all remaining surfaces and objects in the work area, including furniture and fixtures, with a HEPA vacuum. The HEPA vacuum must be equipped with a beater bar when vacuuming carpets and rugs.40 CFR 745 where the EPA defines HEPA vacuum.83. "HEPA vacuum means a vacuum cleaner which has been designed with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter as the last filtration stage. A HEPA filter is a filter that is capable of capturing particles of 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency. The vacuum cleaner must be designed so that all the air drawn into the machine is expelled through the HEPA filter with none of the air leaking past it."
The message is clear. HEPA filter vacuums for lead paint removal must be purpose designed from the beginning. Problems are created when trying to convert old vacuums to use HEPA filters. Purchasing the right HEPA vacuum is of paramount importance.
Filter clogging is a major problem with HEPA vacuums. Since HEPA filters capture 99.7% of dust at .filtering at .3 microns is a tough job. In performing their task, they choke up quickly with fine dust and debris, causing the vacuum to load up and reduce the airflow and cleaning power. This can create significant problems during clean up; the vacuum is not cleaning properly, and the operator is forced to change filters in the middle of the operation. Filter changing in the middle of the job can create significant liabilities with respect to job site and employee contamination, as well as escalating job costs. Also, one of the major complaints from contractors is the frequency and cost of changing the HEPA filters. One contractor is spending upwards of $400 per month on replacement filters for just one machine.
The answer to the problem is using a lead paint removal vacuum that has self cleaning filter technology. Once such technology is HEPA No-Clog™ , during operation, this provides an automatic filter cleaning. This effectively eliminates the frequent changing of filters, contamination of the job site, and the added costs of selecting the wrong vacuum. Selecting the right tools for EPA RRP compliance is crucial to getting the job done properly, avoiding fines, and reducing job site liability.
Golden Gate Enterprises Inc. is run by President Paul Gordon, a leading authority in home improvements, lead paint regulations, and HEPA vacuums. The company produces the Lead Sucker HEPA vacuum, designed specifically for contractors for lead paint RRP operations. Their headquarters is in the San Francisco Bay Area.
