The emergence of lead-based paint as an environmental concern and as a concern during construction is a relatively recent development.  Currently, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the only government agency which has established regulations and guidelines for the performance of lead-based paint surveys and abatement.  However, in 1993 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established "Lead in Construction" regulations governing the exposures of workers to lead during any construction or building renovation activity.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also enacted rules governing the disposal of materials containing lead.

As with any new regulation, interpretations and enforcement varies from area to area and can vary dramatically from state to state.  Northern personnel are familiar with the requirements of all major legislation governing lead-based paint as well as the current enforcement and compliance requirements throughout our service range.

Our personnel are trained and accredited under current EPA regulations as lead inspectors and risk assessors and are experienced in performing lead-based paint surveys using both bulk paint chip sampling methods and non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technologies.  We have developed survey methodologies that meet the requirements of HUD where necessary while providing cost-effective methods for non-HUD projects.  We are one of the only firms in Montana who own a NITON XRF analyzer and have this equipment available to assist our clients.

By actively working in this new area, our personnel have also gained experience in developing construction plans and specifications which coordinate building renovation/demolition requirements with OSHA lead exposure control requirements and EPA waste disposal requirements.  In this way, contractors are informed of the presence of lead during project bidding, as well as requirements for personnel exposure controls and waste disposal.  By addressing these issues during initial project bidding, costly change orders and construction delays can be avoided.

By addressing lead in a positive, proactive fashion, adequate controls can also be placed on the construction process resulting in the proper cleanup of lead-containing dust and documentation of both personnel exposures and environmental conditions throughout the construction project.

As with asbestos abatement, Northern offers complete construction management and clearance sampling for our clients.  The proper collection of air samples, documentation of work methods and inspection of construction areas is an integral part of maintaining a safe work site while ensuring that the end result is a clean, safe building.