What actions must be taken before beginning any renovation work in homes built before 1978?

Before beginning any renovation work in homes built before 1978, it is crucial to conduct a lead-based paint inspection and risk assessment. This is necessary because homes built before this date are likely to contain lead-based paint, which poses serious health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. By conducting an inspection and risk assessment, you can identify the presence of hazardous materials and evaluate the potential risks posed by lead exposure.

This process ensures that appropriate steps can be taken to manage or mitigate those risks throughout the renovation work. Not only is this a safety measure, but it is also legally mandated under the EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule, which requires these actions to protect the health of residents and workers.

While notifying tenants of potential hazards, ensuring workers are trained in lead safety, and replacing old paint with non-toxic options are all important considerations, the initial and most critical step is performing the inspection and risk assessment to understand the specific lead hazards present in the home before any renovations can safely proceed.