Lead-Based Paint Preparation / Removal SOP

SCS-HS-SOP-LEAD-001 · REV 2.0 · 26 SEPTEMBER 2026

STATUS: CONTROLLED — CURRENT
OWNER: Health & Safety Lead
APPROVED BY: SCS Director / Officer
SECTION: 3 of 11

PEOPLESAFERSPACESSTRONGERTOGETHER

SECTION 01

Procedure

1. PLAN & IDENTIFY

Confirm building age, coating history and test / record evidence.
Set lead status (Confirmed / Presumed / Not detected / Unknown).
Complete asbestos check before disturbing any material.
Classify the work A–D and select the least-disturbing method.
Complete the Pre-Work Assessment & Permit to Proceed.

2. PREPARE THE AREA

Notify residents; exclude residents, children and pets from the lead-control zone.
Close windows / vents and control airflow; switch off HVAC where practicable.
Lay heavy-duty polythene and seal edges; set up barriers and signage.
Establish clean / dirty transition, handwashing and decon station, and labelled waste containers.

3. VERIFY EQUIPMENT

H-class extractor with correct filter / bag, airflow checked.
Shrouded on-tool extraction fitted for any mechanical work.
RPE correct for task, fit test current, fit / seal check done.
Current SDS / TDS / manuals on site.

4. CARRY OUT THE WORK

Mist surfaces and use wet / manual low-dust methods first.
Chemical stripping per SDS / TDS with ventilation and residue capture.
Controlled low-temperature heat only — no open flame.
Clean as you go with H-class vacuum and wet wipe. No dry sweeping or compressed air.
Stop work if dust escapes containment, extraction fails or RPE seal fails.

5. CLEAN-UP & WASTE

H-class vacuum, then wet wipe all horizontal surfaces; repeat.
Fold polythene inward, bag and seal; label as lead-contaminated waste.
Capture and filter wash-water; no discharge to stormwater.
Waste removed by a confirmed lawful waste route.

6. DECON & HAND-BACK

Remove coveralls in the dirty zone; bag for disposal or controlled laundering.
Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, smoking or leaving site.
Tools cleaned or bagged before transport; no contaminated clothing in vehicles.
Visual clearance inspection before residents re-enter; hand-back recorded on Daily Verification.

SECTION 02

Equipment, supplier & product requirements

H-CLASS EXTRACTION

H-class extractor suitable for lead dust / fume, with the correct filter, bag and accessories for the tool in use.
Maintained to the manufacturer's schedule; airflow indicator and serviceability checked before each shift.
Shrouded on-tool extraction connected for any mechanical preparation. Domestic or general commercial vacuums are prohibited.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

RPE selected under AS/NZS 1715 using the task and exposure assessment; devices compliant with AS/NZS 1716.
Competent quantitative or qualitative fit testing initially, at least annually, and whenever face shape, model or size changes.
Wearer fit / seal check every time the RPE is put on. Facial hair must not cross the sealing surface.
Filters and cartridges changed per manufacturer limitations and whenever breathing resistance increases or damage is found.

DOCUMENTS ON SITE

Current SDS / TDS / operator manuals for strippers, cleaners, coatings, sanding and extraction systems and respirators.
Where supplier documents are more restrictive than this module, the supplier requirement applies.

CHEMICAL STRIPPING

Product compatible with substrate and coating, applied per SDS / TDS.
Ventilation, chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection; organic vapour controls where the SDS requires them.
Stripped residues captured, bagged and managed as lead-contaminated waste.

SUPPLIER BENCHMARKS (NOT BRAND MANDATES)

Resene benchmark: test older coatings, avoid uncontrolled sanding, use wet / dust-controlled preparation, capture and dispose of debris, and use trained contractor controls for any dry power sanding.
3M benchmark: reusable P2 / P3 filter systems exist for lead-paint removal depending on facepiece and exposure. RPE is never selected by brand alone — final selection is based on the task / exposure assessment, AS/NZS 1715, fit test and filter / cartridge limitations.
No single brand is mandatory. Equivalent compliant equipment may be used.

Current Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Technical Data Sheets (TDS), equipment operator manuals and manufacturer instructions form part of the site controls for every lead task. Where these differ from this module, the more restrictive safe requirement applies.

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SECTION —

Document approval

ROLE	NAME / POSITION	STATUS
Prepared / reviewed	Health & Safety Lead	REVIEWED
Approved	SCS Director / Officer	APPROVED