An informative handout for existing and prospective clients to prepare for a lead paint inspection/risk assessment of multi-family residential property.

1. Tri-Tech Building Hygiene Services
a subsidiary of Freelance Enviro-Tech Services LLC
Joseph Burley, Principal Consultant
248-721-8574
Freelance.enviro.tech@gmail.com
1 of 2
asbestos •••• lead paint/hazardous materials •••• mold
Lead Paint Testing-Background and FAQ
How many units are tested?
For apartments with less than 21 units (or less than 11 for post-1960s), all units are
inspected. For properties with 21 units or more (11 or more for post-1960s), testing is
performed of a statistical sample as specified by HUD requirements. All common areas are
tested and all zero-bedroom units are omitted. To determine the statistical number to be
tested and the cost, the following data are required for each building:
Year and general building structure info (e.g. brick/wood frame, plaster/drywall etc.)
Number of units, number of stories and number and types of common areas
The type and number of dissimilar units (e.g. modified for handicap access,
apartment manager suite-office etc.)
Availability of floor plans
Verification of common ownership/maintenance history for multiple buildings, if
possible.
Completion of the HUD Owner Building Data Form (Appendix B Multi-Unit Data Form)
is useful for this purpose.
Which units are tested?
A list of units, occupants and square footage is required (rent roll or equivalent). The units
inspected are determined randomly and units that are vacant or have problematic tenants
cannot be targeted or omitted Units subjected to dust testing are non-random, determined
based on data obtained from a resident questionnaire that will be provided. An additional
10% of the minimum required units are tested as "wild cards" in the event the inspector
observes adverse or other conditions not representative of typical units. Wild cards are not
required if the building owner can provide specific and detailed information on each unit.
Resident Questionnaires
A Lead Risk Assessment requires distribution of questionnaires to the tenants for
completion. This may be done by flyer or email. Building owner assistance is expected to
obtain returned questionnaires. Fieldwork cannot be scheduled until a majority of these are
returned as they help determine which units are tested.

2. Tri-Tech Building Hygiene Services
Lead Paint Testing-Background and FAQ (cont'd)
2 of 2
Project Preparation
Tenant notifications should be made to facilitate cooperation and full access to every
painted surface and room to the extent possible. A tenant notice form letter or template can
be provided upon request. This is a good time to provide the questionnaires. The results of
the dust testing are largely dependent on the general cleanliness of the unit. It is
recommended that the unit floors and windows be cleaned prior to the inspection. A
handout with a "Lead-Safe" recommended cleaning procedure is available upon request.
Specialized Owner/Manager Knowledge
Any suspected or known elevated-blood level residents must be disclosed in addition to
other knowledge of lead hazards, including abatements. Because the results are statistically
applied to non-tested results, it is disadvantageous and potentially very costly to withhold
adverse information about lead hazards. It is better to disclose known problems and have
these units treated separately.
Inconclusive Data/Re-testing
During any project, the discovery of inconclusive or anomalous results can occur. The building
owner and residents should be aware that a re-check of inspected units or inspection of
additional units may be required beyond the initial inspection pool.
How Long Will Field Testing and Completion of the Report Take?
Generally figure an estimate of 6-7 units per day. An accelerated pace may be possible to meet
urgent deadlines. Report turn-around is dependent on workload but generally allow a minimum
two weeks after completion of the fieldwork.
If My Building "Passes"…?
Congratulations, your property is now considered Lead-Safe and eligible for listing on the
Michigan Lead-Safe Registry. A Lead-Safe Certificate will be issued and the report will be
issued with any required agency forms or certifications.
If My Building "Fails"…?
A report will be issued and options for corrective measures will be provided. "Abatement" can
be costly compared to pro-active maintenance and cleaning. Some hazards can be corrected
without incurring abatement costs. Documentation of corrective action and clearance testing
will be provided for an additional fee. Minor documentation and revision of the report to
demonstrate compliance will be performed as a courtesy to the client. Report splits (separating
passing and failing buildings or units) will be performed for a cost of $150 per split.
Statement of Contractor Independence
Tri-Tech is not affiliated with any lead abatement or construction firms. Therefore, you can be
assured that all results will be interpreted objectively without any potential conflict of interest.
Forms and Questionnaires:
All forms, questionnaires and handouts pertaining to lead paint testing are available for
download at: www.slideshare.net/TriTechBuildingSvcs (navigate to Documents-View All)