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DESCRIPTION OF THE STRATEGY
Communities can promote lead-safe work practices and prevent the creation of lead hazards by making available lead safety equipment for remodeling and renovation at no cost to the borrower. Several jurisdictions around the country have successfully implemented this strategy, most utilizing HEPA vacuums. Including lead-safe equipment used in renovation projects, such as shrouded planers, sanders, and scrapers, in a free loan strategy can make it all the more effective in preventing the creation of lead hazards.
BENEFITS
Immediate/Direct
Results:
Getting lead safety equipment into the hands of contractors and do-it-yourself renovators makes it possible to reduce the number and severity of lead dust hazards created during remodeling or renovation.
Public Health
Benefits:
Preventing exposure to lead dust hazards created by remodeling or renovation will reduce the incidence of childhood lead poisoning.
Other
Indirect/Collateral Benefits:
An equipment loaner program can create opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between public agencies and contractors, landlords, homeowners, and others whose actions disturb painted surfaces.
Scope of Potential Impact
City - or - County - Wide Neighborhood/Community
PRIMARY ACTOR(S)
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KEY PARTNER(S)
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Health Department
Housing Agency
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Property Owners
Contractors
Equipment Suppliers
Homeowners
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CRITICAL ELEMENTS
Staff
requirements:
No new staff should be required to implement this strategy: a fraction of an existing FTE may be required to support the loan, return, and maintenance of the equipment.
Other resource requirements:
Resources needed include the lead safety equipment and staff knowledgeable in the use and maintenance of that equipment. Outside expertise may be required for related staff training. Outreach resources are also needed to promote the availability of the equipment.
Institutional
capacity required:
Commensurate with the capacity of most health departments and lead hazard control grant programs.
Cost
considerations:
Costs to administer this strategy will be moderate; actual costs will depend on the scope of the program, i.e. the amount of equipment to be made available.
Timing issues:
Implementation should be fairly straightforward once funds and the source of lead safety equipment are approved.
Feasibility of
Implementation:
Very high. This strategy should be easy to implement and administer.
Potential Obstacles/Barriers
There are two potential obstacles to realizing this strategy. First, funding may not be available to purchase the equipment, even though costs to do so will not be prohibitive in most instances. Second, a jurisdiction or an organization may be stymied by the potential for liability exposure.
Additional Resources
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