Md. Code Regs. 26.02.07.07

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 26.02.07.07 - Control of Emissions and Dust

A. Caution Signs.

(1) At each separate work area, the contractor performing an abatement shall display a caution sign in the following manner wherever the treatment process is reasonably expected to break or disturb any lead-containing substances:

(a) At least 3 days before removing or encapsulating lead paint, the contractor shall post signs immediately outside all entrances and exits to the area except that, in emergency situations, posting shall be done as soon as possible;

(b) The contractor shall keep the signs posted until the Department issues the written notice of completion and compliance under Regulation .12J; and

(c) The contractor shall ensure that the sign required by §A(1) meets the following description:

(i) The sign is at least 20" by 14", and states the date and place of the lead abatement project,

(ii) Except as provided in §A(1)(c)(iii), the sign includes the phrase "Caution Lead Hazard, Keep Out" in bold lettering at least 2 inches high, and

(iii) In dwellings occupied by 3 or more households where common areas are to be abated the sign includes the phrase "Caution Lead Hazard, Do Not Remain in Work Area Unless Authorized" in bold lettering at least 2 inches high.

(2) Multiple Family Dwellings.

(a) In dwellings occupied by three or more households, where common areas are to be abated, the contractor shall post a notice meeting the description in §A(2)(b) on the door of each apartment in the building at least 3 days before a lead abatement project commences.

(b) The notice required in §A(2)(a) shall contain:

(i) The date of commencement of abatement and the area to be abated; and

(ii) The statement "Please observe caution signs, instruct children not to remain in work area."

B. Containment.

(1) Interior Containment. Before beginning to abate a lead-containing substance in an interior work area, the contractor performing an abatement shall:

(a) Check to make sure that all movable objects have been removed from the work area as required by Regulation .06;

(b) If the work area is a room or group of rooms within a building, seal the work area from all other portions of the building with plastic sheeting at least 6 mils thick, waterproof tape, and industrial staples;

(c) Seal opening seams of all kitchen cabinets and refrigerators individually with tape;

(d) Cover all non-movable objects, such as radiators, refrigerators, stoves, kitchen cabinets, built in furniture, and bookcases, with plastic sheeting at least 6 mils thick taped securely in place;

(e) Cover floors in the work area with plastic sheeting at least 6 mils thick sealed with tape and staples;

(f) Shut down all forced air ventilation in the work area and seal exhaust and intake points in the work area; and

(g) Remove for professional cleaning, or replace, all carpeting present before abatement.

(2) Exterior Containment. Before beginning to abate a lead-containing substance in an exterior work area, the contractor performing the abatement shall use the following procedures:

(a) Liquid Waste Produced by Abatement Technique.

(i) For all situations, when liquid waste is produced by any abatement technique is used, the contractor shall place plastic sheeting at least 6 mil thick on the ground as close as possible to the building foundation, or on the floor when applicable.

(ii) When sheeting is placed on the ground, it shall be raised at its edge and extend a sufficient distance to contain the liquid waste. Plastic sheeting may not be required to extend beyond the edge of the nearest sidewalk.

(iii) When sheeting is placed on an exterior floor, it shall cover the entire exterior floor.

(b) Non-liquid Waste Produced by Abatement Technique.

(i) For all situations, when non-liquid waste is produced by any abatement technique used, the contractor shall place plastic sheeting at least 6 mils thick on the ground as close as possible to the foundation, or on the floor when applicable.

(ii) When sheeting is placed on the ground, it shall extend out from the foundation 3 feet per story being abated, with a minimum of 5 feet and a maximum of 20 feet. Plastic may not be required to extend beyond the edge of the nearest sidewalk.

(iii) When sheeting is placed on an exterior floor, it shall cover the entire exterior floor.

(iv) The contractor shall weight the sheeting at the foundations, and along all edges and seams.

(v) If the constant wind speed is over 15 mph, exterior abatement producing dry waste may not be performed unless vertical shrouds are erected.

(3) For all sealing and covering the contractor shall use:

(a) Plastic sheeting, at least 6 mils thick or equivalent;

(b) Duct tape or equivalent waterproof tape;

(c) Staples of industrial size; and

(d) Other additional appropriate work practices to contain particulate lead or lead containing liquids.

(4) Exception. A surface or object may not be covered or sealed while that surface itself is actively being abated.

(5) Alternative Procedures. The Department may, on a case-by-case basis, allow an alternative procedure for containment of lead within a work area, provided that the owner or contractor who uses this procedure shall submit a written description of the alternative procedure to the Department which demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that the proposed alternative procedure provides the equivalent containment.

Md. Code Regs. 26.02.07.07