April 2022
any building, including houses built before 1978 must be assumed to contain lead paint, unless tested.
- Contractors hired to paint must have a minimum of “Lead Safe Work Practice Training” provided by a recognized training company.
Proof of insurance and training is required before work is initiated.
- Contractors that observe children under the age of 6, or an expectant mother, shall immediately stop work and notify Amherst College Physical Plant Paint Shop or Amherst Rental Housing.
- At no time shall any work related to lead paint be performed, unless a properly trained supervisor is on site, over-seeing actual conditions and practices.
- Before interior work is initiated, the contractor shall;
- have all of the proper equipment and tools, including HEPA vacuums to mitigate hazards on site.
- restrict access to all occupants while work is being performed, until final clean up is done.
- Clean up must be inspected by Amherst College Physical Plant Paint Shop, Amherst Rental Housing or Environmental Health and Safety before re-occupancy is permitted.
- (2) Two signs and caution tape are required on the door
- DO NOT ENTER
- NO EATING, DRINKING OR SMOKING
- Have protective sheeting which must be placed on the floor approximately 5’ from work area. It must be taped or stapled to the baseboard.
- Drapes, curtains, furniture, rugs and other similar materials must be at least 5’ from work area, or shall be covered with plastic and taped, if not relocated.
- Food storage areas, including refrigerators, must be wrapped in plastic and taped to prevent any possible contamination.
- All tools and equipment must be on the plastic sheeting before any work is initiated.
- Before stepping off tarp or sheeting, after work has started, contractors shall verify clean shoes and properly contain equipment to prevent spread of contamination.
- If door to the room is within 5’ of work area, the contractor shall either;
- Close and seal openings from inside, or
- Cover opening with plastic, and seal in place
- Surface Preparation:
- Have all damaged areas evaluated for cause and corrective action before painting.
- Wet scrape any loose, peeling or flaking paint, or
- Use tools/equipment that are attached to HEPA vacuum system.
- Fill all holes and cracks less than 1/16” wide with non-shrinking spackle compound.
- If sanding is necessary to feather edge;
- Use wet abrasive sponge or wet sand paper with water.
- If encapsulants are to be used, they must be approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD.
- If cracking or alligatoring is extensive, contractors shall use a mesh with a 2” overlap, before applying final coats, wallpaper, spackle and/or paint.
- The use of wood, sheetrock, plaster and similar material, is
also permitted to repair larger holes and cracks.
- The work area shall be inspected by Amherst College Physical Plant Paint Shop, Amherst Rental Housing and/or Environmental Health and Safety after painting and clean-up has been completed.
Exterior Painting Policy for Contractors