I want to have my house deleaded, where do I start?

The first step to having a home deleaded is to have a Comprehensive Initial Inspection performed by a licensed lead inspector.  For more information about this click here.  Once you get the inspection report you will see a list of all of the components in the house, what levels of lead they contain, and if they are a hazard.  If no hazards are found, then the process ends here and you will receive an Initial Letter of Compliance.

If lead hazards are found, the next step is to hire a licensed deleader to perform the work on your house in order to remove the lead hazards found in the report.  They will use your inspection report to identify all of the different hazards and remove them through a number of different methods.  Different deleading companies may choose different methods for removing these hazards, so it is always good to get information from several contractors before choosing the right one for your needs.

Can I do the work myself?

Some work is able to be done by you or your agents.  Deleading is broken into three types: High-risk, Moderate-risk, and Low-risk.  High-risk deleading is only able to be done by a licensed deleader.  Moderate-risk deleading is able to be done by an owner or their agent who has taken a one-day (8-hour) training course and passes a short state exam. 

Moderate-risk owners/agents are allowed to:

• Make small amounts of paint intact
• Use special encapsulant paints
• Cover surfaces
• Remove components piece-by-piece (not by demolition)
• Reverse some components

Instead of taking a one-day training course, owners and their agents may read an online information pamphlet and mail the attached and completed test into the state lead program.  A copy of the pamphlet is available at http://www.mass.gov/dph/clppp 

Low-risk owners/agents are allowed to:

• Cover
• Remove hinged components (i.e. doors)
• Apply encapsulants (a different pamphlet is required for this)

What do I do after the Deleading Project?

Once you have a deleader perform the necessary work the next step is to have a lead inspector perform a reinspection.  Please refer to the Inspection Information section for more information about types of reinspections.  A reinspection will consist of the inspector checking all of the work and making sure all hazards were addressed as indicated on the original report.  If all work is found to be completed with adequate workmanship then dust wipes will be taken (the number of wipes and location will vary with the scope of the deleading work).  If these dust wipes pass the corresponding Compliance document will be issued.