216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-50-15-12.5

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 216-RICR-50-15-12.5 - Lead Safe Work Practices

12.5.1Worker Protection

A. The OSHA requirements specified in 29 C.F.R. §§ 1926.62 and 1910.125 apply to all RRP, LHC, and LHR projects.

B. The OSHA requirements also apply when the person disturbing lead oper forming LHM, RRP, LHC, or LHR activities is an employee of the property owner.

12.5.2Occupant Protection

A. The owner shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that occupants are not present during LHM, RRP, or LHC activities.

B. The owner shall ensure that occupants vacate the premises for the duration of an LHR project.

C. The Lead Renovator or Lead Supervisor, as applicable, shall ensure that occupants' belongings are protected from contamination by lead dust, paint chips, or other debris during the work by:

1. Removing all movable objects from the work area or covering them with polyethylene sheeting secured in place with duct tape; and/or

2. Covering all non-movable objects in the work area with polyethylene sheeting secured in place with duct tape.

3. For LHR projects, HEPA vacuuming and/or wet cleaning all objects and surfaces in the contained work area of all visible dust, paint chips, or other debris before covering them. The thickness of the polyethylene sheeting must be six (6) mils.

D. Both the owner and Lead Renovator or Lead Supervisor, as applicable, shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that no unauthorized person or pet enters or remains in a containment area until passing cleaning verification or dust wipe clearance, as applicable.

E. Warning signs must be posted at all entrances to the work area(s).

F. The worksite must be secured against unauthorized entry.

12.5.3Control of Access

A. Warning Signs

1. Warning signs must be posted at all entrances to the work area(s) before beginning any RRP, LHC, or LHR project and must be illuminated and cleaned as necessary so that the text is readily visible.

2. The signs must contain at least the following text which is required by 29C.F.R. § 1926.62(m):

Danger Lead Work Area

May Damage Fertility or the Unborn Child

Causes Damage to the Central Nervous System

Do Not Eat, Drink, or Smoke in this Area

3. The signs must contain a twenty-four (24) hour emergency contact telephone number.

4. To the extent practicable, these signs must be in the primary language of the occupants, be readily visible, and securely affixed in such a way that prevents their loss or unintentional removal.

5. The signs must remain in place and readable until cleaning verification or acceptable clearance, as applicable, is achieved.

B. For LHR projects, the worksite must be secured against unauthorized entry by changing locks and/or the addition of padlocks to all entrances to an interior containment area, when practicable, provided that the entrance(s) can be locked without violating building safety or fire codes regarding means of egress.

1. For the purposes of this Part, the following persons are permitted to enter an LHR containment area:

a. A licensed lead professional employed by the Lead Contractor;

b. An appropriately trained, licensed, and supervised subcontractor of the Lead Contractor;

c. A Federal, State or local inspector/enforcement official with jurisdiction over one (1) or more of the activities within the work area;

d. A tenant only to access a common hallway when no other means of access or egress is available; and

e. Specialized trades people (e.g. plumbers, electricians) only when responding to an emergency, provided that a detailed explanation is submitted in writing to the Department on the next business day.

2. The following persons may enter a containment area only when accompanied by a Lead Supervisor, as appropriate:

a. The property owner or agent; or

b. An agent of a lender with a security interest in the dwelling.

3. The Lead Supervisor, who accompanies a person authorized to enter a containment area pursuant to this Section, shall warn such person of the danger of entering a containment area without respiratory protection.

4. The Lead Supervisor shall ensure that all persons who enter an LHR containment area print and sign their names in the access logbook, to document the date and time entering and leaving the containment area and include their lead professional license number or affiliation and reason for entering the containment area.

12.5.4Containment

A. Interior Containment.

1. Before beginning any RRP, LHC, or LHR project, the Lead Renovator or Lead Supervisor, as applicable, shall ensure that any interior work area is contained so that no lead dust, paint chips, or other debris leave a work area while the work is in progress.

2. The Lead Renovator or Lead Supervisor, as applicable, shall ensure that containment is installed in such a manner that it does not interfere with occupant or worker egress in an emergency.

3. For LHR projects, the thickness of the polyethylene sheeting must be six (6) mils.

4. Critical barriers between work areas and non-work areas must be constructed. Barriers must consist of at least one (1) layer of polyethylene sheeting, sized to minimize seams, and be attached securely in place with duct tape.

5. All windows and doors in the work area must be closed.

6. Windows which open to an enclosed area must be securely locked or sealed with polyethylene sheeting and duct tape.

7. Doors used as an entrance to the work area must be covered with two (2) layers of polyethylene sheeting in a manner that allows workers to pass through while confining dust and debris to the work area.

8. A physical barrier, such as a cone or warning tape, must be placed outside the entry to the work area if the entry is not a door.

9. Installed carpeting may be removed and disposed, pursuant to § 12.5.12 of this Part, at the beginning of the project and the exposed subfloor must be covered with polyethylene sheeting secured with duct tape.

10. Floors, including any remaining installed carpeting in the work area, must be covered with polyethylene sheeting secured with duct tape.

11. If using chemical strippers, a second (2^nd) smaller layer of floor sheeting must be placed immediately below the work area and duct taped to the top of the first (1^st) layer.

12. When the RRP or LHC work area encompasses less than the entire dwelling unit, interior room, or common area, floor covering is required as follows:

a. All installed carpets in the room or area must be completely covered with at least one (1) layer of polyethylene sheeting secured with duct tape.

b. Uncarpeted floors must be covered a minimum of six feet (6') in all directions around the paint being disturbed or a sufficient distance to contain the dust, whichever is greater.

c. Disposable tack pads may be duct taped to an outer corner of the polyethylene sheeting to remove dust from feet. If used, the tack pads must be replaced at least once each day.

13. Containment may stop at the edge of the vertical barrier when using a vertical containment system consisting of impenetrable barriers that extend from the floor to the ceiling and are tightly sealed at joints with the floor, ceiling and walls.

14. All HVAC equipment in or passing through the work area must be shut down and locked out. All intake and exhaust openings, as well as any seams in system components within the work area, must be sealed with polyethylene sheeting and/or duct tape.

15. All other openings between work areas and non-work areas, including but not limited to, doorways, drains, ducts, grills, grates, and diffusers must be sealed with polyethylene sheeting and duct tape.

16. The Lead Renovator or Lead Supervisor, as applicable, shall maintain the integrity of the containment by ensuring that the containment materials are not torn or displaced, and taking any other steps necessary to ensure that no lead dust, paint chips, or other debris leaves the work area during RRP, LHC, or LHR activities.

17. The interior work area(s) must be secured against unauthorized entry at the end of each workday.

18. At the conclusion of each workday and at the conclusion of the project, waste that has been collected from the work activities must be stored under containment, in an enclosure, or behind a barrier outside of the work area which prevents access by unauthorized persons prior to removal for disposal.

B. Exterior Containment

1. All toys and play equipment, including sandboxes, and outdoor furnishings within a minimum of fifty feet (50') from the work area and/or any other distance which spent abrasive, paint, particulate, dust and/or other debris may travel must be removed or covered with an impenetrable material.

2. A twenty-foot (20') perimeter around the work area must be established, if space permits. Access can be limited with cones, sawhorses, and/or warning tape.

3. Doors used as entrances to the work area must be covered with two (2) layers of polyethylene sheeting in a manner that allows workers to pass through while confining dust and debris to the work area.

4. All windows and doors that are within twenty feet (20') of the work area must be closed. On multi-story buildings, all windows and doors within twenty feet (20') of the work area on the same floor and all windows and doors on all floors below, which are the same horizontal distance, must be closed.

5. If using abrasive blasting or mechanical paint removal equipment, all windows and doors on walls which will be disturbed must be closed and securely sealed from the outside. Air conditioning units on those walls must be turned off and covered with polyethylene sheeting secured with duct tape.

6. The ground below the work area must be covered with an impenetrable material to keep any and all spent abrasive, paint, particulate, dust, and/or other debris from being deposited on the ground. The ground sheeting must extend a minimum of ten feet (10') from the work area, if space permits. The ground sheeting must be attached by staking, weighing down, or any other method to ensure that it remains in place during the work activities.

7. Vertical containment shrouds must be erected if space does not permit the ground sheeting to extend a minimum of ten feet (10') from the work area and/or if there is visible movement of abrasive material, paint, dust, and/or other debris beyond the ground sheeting.

8. At the conclusion of each workday and at the conclusion of the project, waste that has been collected from the work activities must be stored under containment, in an enclosure, or behind a barrier outside of the work area which prevents access by unauthorized persons prior to disposal.

12.5.5Special Requirements in Common Area Hallways

A. General Requirements

1. Whenever an RRP, LHC, or LHR project is being conducted in a common area hallway of an occupied multi-unit dwelling, the Lead Renovator or Lead Supervisor, as applicable, shall ensure the following:

a. All building and fire code requirements for means of egress are maintained; and

b. All residents and pets use alternative entrances and exits which do not require passage through a containment area.

B. Two (2) Common Hallways

1. When two (2) separate common hallways are available for entrance and exit from occupied dwelling units, the Lead Renovator or Lead Supervisor, as applicable, shall:

a. Conduct the RRP, LHC, or LHR work in one (1) hallway at a time, and successfully pass the cleaning verification procedure or dust wipe clearance, as applicable, in the first (1^st) hallway before beginning work in the second (2^nd) hallway; and

b. Instruct all affected residents in writing to use only the hallway, which is not undergoing RRP, LHC, or LHR work.

C. One (1) Common Hallway

1. When only one (1) common hallway is available for entrance and exit from occupied dwelling units, the Lead Renovator or Lead Supervisor, as applicable, shall:

a. Ensure that the affected dwelling units are vacated until after successfully passing the cleaning verification procedure or dust wipe clearance; or

b. Ensure that all occupants of the units which have access to the common hallway:

(1) Received written notification specifying the dates and times of reduced hallway access and stating that children should not be allowed to linger or play in the hallway until after the area achieves cleaning verification or dust wipe clearance, as applicable; and

(2) Exit the building each day before the start of any RRP, LHC, or LHR work activities in the hallway and before setting up hallway containment; and

(3) Do not return until after completion of the day's work and required cleaning.

2. Conduct a thorough cleaning at the end of each workday in the common hallway before any tenants can gain access to the hallway. The cleaning must include the packaging and removal of all lead-containing debris, followed by a HEPA vacuum/wet wash sequence, pursuant to § 12.6 of this Part, until no visible dust remains.

12.5.6 Additional Requirements for Interior Mechanical Paint Removal

A. In addition to the interior containment requirements in § 12.5.4 of this Part, the following containment is also required for interior mechanical paint removal, to the maximum extent feasible:

1. Floor sheeting must consist of two (2) layers of six (6) mil polyethylene;

2. Wall sheeting must consist of one (1) layer of six (6) mil polyethylene sheeting;

3. All windows and doors in the containment area must be covered and sealed with two (2) layers of six (6) mil polyethylene sheeting and duct tape; and

4. If baseboards are present, the floor/baseboard and baseboard/wall joints must be:

a. HEPA vacuumed and then caulked; or

b. Sealed with an additional layer of six (6) mil polyethylene sheeting attached with duct tape above the top of the baseboard, extending down the wall and out onto the floor at least six inches (6") from the wall, and secured with duct tape.

c. If an additional layer of polyethylene sheeting is used to cover the baseboard area, this sheeting must not be removed until all demolition and/or LHR work above the baseboard has been completed.

12.5.7Additional Requirements for Demolition Activities

A. Using hammers or other tools that impact the integrity of a building component is considered demolition for the purposes of this Part. Projects that include interior demolition, including, but not limited to, partial demolition of a structure, total interior strip-outs, selective interior demolition, interior structural deconstruction, and gut rehabilitation must be conducted in accordance with the lead-safe work practice requirements § 12.5 of this Part and the following additional requirements:

1. All RRP, LHC, or LHR projects which include demolition must also comply with the Department's Rules and Regulations for Asbestos Control (Part 1 of this Subchapter).

2. RRP, LHC, or LHR projects which include exterior demolition must also comply with DEM Regulation Fugitive Dust (250-RICR- 120-05-5).

B. In addition to the interior containment requirements in § 12.5.4 of this Part, the following containment is also required for interior demolition, to the maximum extent feasible:

1. Floor sheeting must consist of two (2) layers of six (6) mil polyethylene;

2. Wall sheeting must consist of one (1) layer of six (6) mil polyethylene sheeting;

3. All windows and doors in the containment area must be covered and sealed with two (2) layers of six (6) mil polyethylene sheeting and duct tape; and

4. If baseboards are present, the floor/baseboard and baseboard/wall joints must be:

a. HEPA vacuumed and then caulked; or

c. If an additional layer of polyethylene sheeting is used to cover the baseboard area, this sheeting must not be removed until all demolition and/or RRP, LHC, or LHR work above the baseboard has been completed.

12.5.8Paint Treatment Options

A. The following lead-based paint remedies are approved by the Department and may be used as standard treatments for painted surfaces assumed to contain lead-based paint. Treatments which temporarily reduce lead exposure are considered interim controls and require ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Treatments that can be expected to permanently eliminate or reduce lead exposure for at least twenty (20) years under normal conditions are considered lead abatement.

B. Paint Stabilization

1. Lead-based paint stabilization is an interim control which includes surface preparation, specified in Lead Safe Work Practices Guidance, and the application of new protective coatings or paint.

a. No known or assumed lead-based paint should be in a damaged condition. As a minimum, all lead-based paint must be stabilized to an intact condition.

C. Paint Removal

1. Lead-based paint removal includes stripping, scraping, or other methods to remove paint from a substrate. Because it is extremely difficult to completely remove all lead from a painted surface, stripped components may not meet the lead-safe standards in § 12.7 of this Part and § 5.8 of this Subchapter.

a. The following lead-based paint removal methods are prohibited at a regulated facility or for compensation at target housing under all conditions:

(1) Dry hand scraping, except for within one foot (1') of electrical outlets;

(2) Dry hand sanding, except for "feathering" of previously treated interior painted surfaces;

(3) Using a heat gun or other heated device, which chars paint, or at surface temperatures at or above one thousand one hundred degrees Fahrenheit (1100º F);

(4) Open flame burning or torching;

(5) Using paint strippers which are flammable or contain methylene chloride or using volatile strippers in a poorly ventilated space;

(6) Using mechanical paint removal equipment without a shroud or containment system equipped with a HEPA vacuum, and/or with a sanding or scraping disk wider than the direct surface upon which it is being used;

(7) Using dry abrasive blasting equipment not controlled by a HEPA vacuum system on exterior surfaces;

(8) Using dry abrasive blasting equipment on interior surfaces;

(9) Uncontained hydro blasting, including but not limited to, using wet abrasive blasting equipment, and pressure or power washing;

(10) Any other interior methods not approved by the Department;

(11) Any other exterior methods not approved by DEM Office of Air Resources; and/or

(12) Any treatment in violation of local municipal building codes.

b. Approved Methods. The following paint removal methods are approved for use at a regulated facility or for compensation at target housing when lead based paint is disturbed for any reason.

(1) Wet hand scraping or sanding;

(2) "Feathering" of previously treated interior painted surfaces;

(3) Using heat guns that do not char paint or exceed one thousand one hundred degrees Fahrenheit (1100º F);

(4) Paint stripping in adequately ventilated areas using nonflammable chemical strippers that do not contain methylene chloride;

(5) Using shrouded mechanical paint removal equipment controlled by a HEPA vacuum system, provided that any and all spent abrasive, paint, particulate, dust, and/or other debris generated by the operations is immediately collected by the system, and provided that no sanding or scraping disk is wider than the direct surface upon which it is being used;

(6) Using exterior dry abrasive blasting equipment controlled by a HEPA vacuum system, provided that any and all spent abrasive, paint, particulate, dust, and/or other debris generated by the operations is immediately collected by the system, or a vacuum blast system used in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines;

(7) Using exterior wet abrasive blasting equipment provided that a vertical containment system that prevents any and all fallout generated by the operation from traveling beyond the ground containment is used. Additionally, any and all liquid waste generated by the operation must be adequately contained and handled in accordance with applicable waste disposal Regulations.

(8) Any other interior methods approved in writing by the Department; or

(9) Any other exterior methods approved in writing by DEM Office of Air Resources.

12.5.9Special Requirements for Friction and Impact Surfaces

A. Friction Surfaces

Remediation of friction surfaces must eliminate friction points or treat the friction surface so that lead-based paint is not subject to abrasion and/or dust generation caused by normal use such as opening a double-hung wooden window, closing a door that binds with its frame, or foot traffic on floors and stairs. Lead-based paint removal methods, which do not result in friction surfaces meeting the lead-safe standards in § 12.7 of this Part and § 5.8 of this Subchapter require additional interim controls.

B. Impact surfaces

Remediation of impact surfaces is required when lead-based paint on an impact surface is damaged, abraded, rubbed, impacted or otherwise deteriorated and/or the damaged lead-based paint is caused by impact from a related building component such as a doorknob that knocks into a wall, or a door that hits against its frame. Treatments for impact surfaces must protect the lead-based paint from impact.

12.5.10 Covering Painted Surfaces

A. Encapsulation

1. Encapsulation is a process that makes lead-based paint inaccessible by providing a barrier between the lead-based paint and the environment. Depending on the circumstances and product, encapsulation may be used to achieve abatement that can be expected to eliminate exposure to leadbased paint for at least twenty (20) years under normal conditions.

2. For the purposes of this Part, liquid encapsulation products that are not applied to at least the minimum dry film thickness at which the coating met the applicable ASTM standard are considered an interim control.

3. For the purposes of this Part, the encapsulation product or system must be guaranteed by the manufacturer to perform for at least twenty (20) years in locations and conditions like those of the planned application and the installation process must be approved in advance by the Department to be considered a form of abatement.

4. The encapsulation process must meet all requirements for the manufacturer's twenty (20) year warranty, including but not limited to, surface assessment testing, proper preparation, approved primers, application methods, number and thickness of coats, periodic monitoring and touch up as necessary. Warranties solely against manufacturer's defects are insufficient.

B. Enclosure

Enclosure is the installation of a rigid, durable barrier that is mechanically fastened to building components, with all edges and seams sealed with caulk or another sealant. Enclosure may be used to achieve abatement that can be expected to eliminate exposure to lead-based paint for at least twenty (20) years under normal conditions.

12.5.11 Removing/Replacing Painted Components

A. Removal of lead-painted building components and/or replacement with lead-free components is a permanent treatment.

1. Components may be removed intact and replaced, as specified in the Lead Safe Work Practices Guidance Document.

2. Using hammers or other tools that impact the integrity of a building component is considered demolition for the purposes of this Part. There is no de minimis for demolition.

B. Component removal and replacement must be done in compliance with all applicable building codes. For some preservation projects, component removal, replacement, or demolition may not be permitted.

12.5.12Dust Treatment Options

A. Cleaning of lead-contaminated dust that was not generated by RRP, LHC, or LHR activities does not require lead professional licensure by the Department but must follow the lead-safe work practices in this Section. This includes immediate cleanup after spot removal or minor repair and maintenance activities.

B. Disturbing painted surfaces in excess of the spot removal de minimis to remediate known or assumed sources of lead-contaminated dust requires lead professional licensure by the Department and is subject to all applicable lead-safe work practice requirements of this Part.

C. Prohibited Cleaning Methods

1. The following cleaning methods are prohibited in all areas that contain known or suspected lead-contaminated dust, paint chips, or debris.

a. Dry sweeping; and/or

b. Using a vacuum cleaner which is not a true HEPA vacuum.

D. Approved Cleaning Methods

1. The following cleaning methods are standard treatments for cleaning lead- contaminated dust:

2. Bare Surfaces

a. Uncarpeted floors and other hard surfaces must be cleaned by a process of:

(1) HEPA vacuuming;

(2) Wet washing with detergent;

(3) Rinsing with clean water, changing rinse water often;

(4) Followed by a final HEPA vacuuming; and

(5) Repeating the above sequence until no visible dust remains.

3. Covered Surfaces

a. Surfaces covered by a rug, carpeting, upholstery, or fabric must be cleaned as follows:

(1) Lead-contaminated upholstery or fabrics must be thoroughly vacuumed using a HEPA vacuum, followed by steam extraction cleaning or another appropriate professional cleaning, if necessary.

(2) Installed carpeting that will not be removed must be thoroughly vacuumed using a HEPA vacuum with a beater bar attachment, followed by steam extraction cleaning or another appropriate professional cleaning, if necessary.

b. Protective measures must be used to prevent the spread of dust during removal of a rug, carpeting, or padding by:

(1) HEPA vacuuming the rug, carpeting, and/or padding using a beater bar attachment;

(2) Misting the rug, carpeting and/or padding with water;

(3) Cutting the rug, carpeting, and/or padding into pieces of a manageable size and weight, if necessary;

(4) Bagging or wrapping and sealing the pieces of the rug, carpeting, and/or padding before removing them from the room or area; and

(5) HEPA vacuuming and wet washing the floor surface, underneath where the rug, carpeting, and/or padding was removed, using the process specified in § 12.5.12(D)(2) of this Part.

12.5.13Soil Treatment Options

A. There are no standard treatments for soil. Approved treatments for soil depend upon the actual concentration of lead in the soil. The appropriate treatment must be used in order to meet the lead-safe standards in § 12.7 of this Part and § 5.8 of this Subchapter.

1. General Requirements

a. Remediation of soil hazards does not require licensure by the Department but must follow the lead-safe work practices in this Section.

b. All work that disturbs lead-contaminated soil must be performed while the soil is wet or damp to minimize the creation of dust.

c. Excavated lead-contaminated soil must be handled and disposed pursuant to all DEM and DOT requirements.

2. Prohibited Methods

a. Dry raking or shoveling of known or reasonably suspected lead- contaminated soil is prohibited.

b. Dry sweeping of known or suspected lead-contaminated soil, dust, paint chips, and/or other debris is prohibited.

c. Relocating excavated lead-contaminated soil to any area of the premises that does not require soil remediation is prohibited.

d. Any treatment in violation of local municipal codes is prohibited.

3. Lead in Soil: less than four hundred (400) ppm. No action is required for lead concentrations in soil below the lead-safe threshold in § 12.7 of this Part and § 5.8 of this Subchapter.

4. Treatment options for bare soil with lead concentrations of four hundred (400) ppm to less than one thousand two hundred (1,200) ppm include:

a. Interim control by complete covering of the existing soil with mulch to a depth of at least six inches (6"); stone or gravel to a depth of at least four inches (4"); lead-safe soil to a depth of at least three inches (3"); sod, new grass, or other live ground cover; if area to be controlled is heavily traveled this may not be appropriate.

b. Abatement by excavating and removing existing soil, pursuant to all applicable DEM Regulations, to a depth of at least three inches (3") followed by replacement of at least three inches (3") of lead-safe soil;

c. Abatement by permanent covering with pavement; or

d. A site-specific remediation plan approved in writing by the Department.

5. Treatment options for bare soil with lead concentrations of one thousand two hundred (1,200) ppm to less than five thousand (5,000) ppm include:

a. Interim control by leaving existing soil in place and installing landscaping fabric along with adequate containment to avoid erosion, followed by covering pursuant to § 12.5.13(A)(4)(a) of this Part;

b. Interim control by tilling existing soil with lead-safe soil to reduce the concentration of lead to less than one thousand two hundred (1,200) ppm, followed by covering pursuant to § 12.5.13(A)(4)(a) of this Part;

c. Abatement by excavating and removing existing soil, pursuant to all applicable DEM Regulations, to a depth of at least three inches (3") followed by replacement of at least three inches (3") of lead-safe soil;

d. Abatement by permanent covering with pavement; or

e. A site-specific remediation plan approved in writing by the Department.

6. Treatment options for soil with lead concentrations of five thousand (5,000) ppm or greater include:

a. Abatement by excavating and removing existing soil, pursuant to all applicable DEM Regulations, to a depth of at least six inches (6") followed by replacement of at least six inches (6") of lead-safe soil;

b. Abatement by permanent covering with pavement; or

c. A site-specific remediation plan approved in writing by the Department

12.5.14Water Treatment Options

A. There are no standard treatments for water. Approved treatment options for drinking water depend upon the type of sample collected and the resulting lead concentration in the sample. The appropriate treatment(s) must be used in order to meet the lead-safe standards in § 12.7 of this Part and § 5.8 of this Subchapter.

1. General Requirements

a. Remediation of lead in drinking water does not require licensure by the Department but must follow the lead-safe work practices of § 12.5.14 of this Part.

b. Replacing pipes, joints, couplings or plumbing fixtures may require licensure by the Department of Labor and Training (DLT) and/or a permit from the municipality where the property is located.

c. Any treatment in violation of local municipal code is prohibited.

2. First Draw Samples

a. Lead in Water: less than fifteen (15) ppb.

(1) No action is required for lead concentrations below the lead-safe threshold in § 12.7 of this Part and § 5.8 of this Subchapter.

b. Lead in Water: fifteen (15) ppb to less than five hundred (500) ppb. Analysis of a flushed water sample is required for a lead concentration above the lead-safe threshold in § 12.7 of this Part and § 5.8 of this Subchapter; the treatment will be determined by the result of the flushed sample.

c. Lead in Water: five hundred (500) ppb or greater.

(1) The owner shall provide bottled water for the occupants drinking and cooking until the lead-safe standards in § 12.7 of this Part and § 5.8 of this Subchapter are achieved;

(2) The sampled tap(s), and any other taps used for drinking or cooking, must be labeled with at least the following text: "Lead Warning: Do not use for drinking or cooking". To the extent practicable, the lead warning must be in the primary language of the occupants; and

(3) All lead-containing pipes, soldered joints, couplings, and fixtures must be replaced with lead-free materials; or

(4) A site-specific remediation plan must be approved in writing by the Department for each dwelling unit.

3. Flushed Samples

a. Lead in Water: less than fifteen (15) ppb.

(1) The owner shall instruct the occupants to use only cold water for drinking and cooking; and

(2) Flush the tap(s) before using any water for drinking or cooking.

b. Lead in Water: fifteen (15) ppb to less than one hundred (100) ppb.

(1) The owner shall provide bottled water for drinking and cooking until the lead-safe standards in § 12.7 of this Part and § 5.8 of this Subchapter are achieved;

(3) All lead-containing pipes, soldered joints, couplings and fixtures must be replaced with lead-free materials; or

(4) The owner may request a temporary variance from the Department to install a State approved NSF-53 certified water filtration system capable of reducing lead concentrations in drinking water, and sign a consent agreement with the Department to maintain the filtration system in accordance with the manufacturer' s specifications; or

(5) A site-specific remediation plan must be approved in writing by the Department for each dwelling unit.

c. Lead in Water: greater than one hundred (100) ppb.

(1) The owner shall provide bottled water for drinking and cooking until the lead-safe standards in § 12.7 of this Part and § 5.8 of this Subchapter are achieved;

(3) All lead-containing pipes, soldered joints, couplings and fixtures must be replaced with lead-free materials; or

(4) A site-specific remediation plan must be approved in writing by the Department for each dwelling unit.

4. After plumbing work is completed, either:

a. Remove faucet aerators and flush the supply pipes by letting them run for several minutes to remove small pieces of loose solder. Any debris from the faucet aerators must be cleaned before reinstalling the faucet aerator. The water must then be retested; or

b. Install new faucet aerators and retest the water.

c. The water filtration system(s) must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-50-15-12.5

Adopted effective 1/2/2022