A contractor discovers lead paint chips scattered around a 1955 Oregon home's windows during renovation. What is the first required action under lead-safe work practices?
Correct Answer
A) Stop work and contain the area
When lead paint contamination is discovered during renovation of pre-1978 housing, work must stop and the area must be contained before proceeding with RRP-compliant practices.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Under EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule — which Oregon has adopted — the first action when lead paint contamination is discovered is to stop work and contain the area. This prevents the spread of lead dust and chips, protects workers and occupants, and allows for proper RRP-compliant procedures to be established before work resumes.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Vacuum chips with shop vacuum
Using a standard shop vacuum is incorrect and actually prohibited under RRP rules. Shop vacuums are not equipped with HEPA filters and will spread lead dust through the exhaust. Only HEPA-filtered vacuums are approved for lead cleanup.
Option C: Notify the building department
Notifying the building department is not the first required action. While documentation and potentially notifying relevant parties may be required steps, the immediate priority under RRP is to stop work and contain the hazard — not to make phone calls.
Option D: Continue work using standard cleanup
Continuing work using 'standard cleanup' is a serious violation of RRP requirements. Standard cleanup procedures are not adequate for lead contamination and would expose workers and occupants to lead hazards while spreading contamination further.
Memory Technique
Lead = STOP and CONTAIN. Think of it as a chemical spill protocol: first you stop the source, then you contain the area, then you follow proper remediation procedures. Never vacuum lead with a regular vacuum — the exhaust will make it worse.
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