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Hepa Vacuum

Hepa Vacuum

Lead Paint, EPA RRP, and HEPA Vacuums

Lead paint regulations are upon us all. New EPA regulations mandate the use of HEPA vacuums that provide job site clean up of lead dust and debris. Purchasing the wrong HEPA vacuum can cost contractors and homeowners big time. Improper cleaning can lead to fines, jail time, and lawsuits.

EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires the use of equipment with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter under two circumstances: Required for interior work area cleaning is a "HEPA Vacuum": 40 CFR 745.85(a)(5)(ii) states that "The firm must clean all objects and surfaces in the work area and within 2 feet of the work area in the following manner, cleaning from higher to lower: 1. Walls. Clean walls starting at the ceiling and working down to the floor by either vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum or wiping with a damp cloth. 2. Remaining surfaces. Thoroughly vacuum all remaining surfaces and objects in the work area, including furniture and fixtures, with a HEPA vacuum. The HEPA vacuum must be equipped with a beater bar when vacuuming carpets and rugs." EPA defines a HEPA vacuum at 40 CFR 745.83. "HEPA vacuum means a vacuum cleaner which has been designed with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter as the last filtration stage. A HEPA filter is a filter that is capable of capturing particles of 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency. The vacuum cleaner must be designed so that all the air drawn into the machine is expelled through the HEPA filter with none of the air leaking past it."

The message is clear. HEPA filter vacuums for lead paint removal must be purpose designed from the beginning. Problems are created when trying to convert old vacuums to use HEPA filters. Purchasing the right HEPA vacuum is of paramount importance.

Filter clogging is a major problem with HEPA vacuums. Since HEPA filters capture 99.7% of dust at .filtering at .3 microns is a tough job. In performing their task, they choke up quickly with fine dust and debris, causing the vacuum to load up and reduce the airflow and cleaning power. This leads to big problems during lead clean up; the vacuum is not cleaning properly, and the operator is forced to change filters in the middle of the operation. Filter changing in the middle of the job can create significant liabilities with respect to job site and employee contamination, as well as escalating job costs. Also, one of the major complaints from contractors is the frequency and cost of changing the HEPA filters. One contractor is spending upwards of $400 per month on replacement filters for just one machine.

The answer to the problem is using a lead paint removal vacuum that has Self Cleaning filter technology. Once such technology is HEPA No-Clog™ which provides an automatic cleaning of the filters during operation. Selecting a HEPA No-Clog vacuum removes the need for frequent filter changes, reduces job site contamination, and reduces job site costs. Selecting the right tools for EPA RRP compliance is crucial to getting the job done properly, avoiding fines, and reducing job site liability.

About the Author

Paul Gordon is a leading authority on HEPA Vacuums and
Lead Paint Regulations
. Paul is president of Golden Gate Enterprises, Inc,
www.leadsucker.com
, a leading supplier of HEPA No-Clog Vacuums.

Is there a vacuum that has on-off brush roll, and HEPA filtration?

Thank you.

Yes, my Bissell Healthy Home has the on/off switch for the beater bar and has HEPA filtration both. I really like it! As much as one can like a vacuum cleaner!

It handles pet hair really well! We have 3 dogs and 4 cats. The tools are handy and easy to use also. It's not a light weight unit but is solidly made. 5 year warranty also. Has a filtering technology similar to Dyson but at 1/2 the price. I got mine on sale for $200; normal price is $250.

One tip for ya! Sears sells a generic bare floor brush that with the adapter that comes with it fits right on the extension wand so you can do a better job on bare floors. That's one thing that uprights just don't seem to do well. Cost is about $13.00 and makes doing the hard floors much easier!

Certified Dustless Wet Dry HEPA Vacuum for EPA RRP Lead Paint Abatement