Answer: EPA would like to clarify the requirements for personal protective equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has requirements for personal protective equipment, EPA does not. For many years, EPA has recommended the use of personal protective equipment as a way to protect workers and to help ensure that leaded dust and debris does not leave renovation or abatement work sites.

EPA recommends that renovators make use of the minimum respiratory protection recommended by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for environments where lead is present, but respiratory protection is not required by the EPA regulations. In addition, disposable clothing, if removed and disposed of before the workers leave the work site, can provide additional protection for workers’ families by ensuring that no leaded dust or debris is carried home on worker clothing. However, EPA does not require this and allows renovators to use other methods to ensure that dust and debris does not leave the work area, including the HEPA vacuuming of clothing, tools, and other items before they leave the work area.

Question Number: 23002-15698

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