Lead Paint Testing & Surveys for Commercial, Industrial & Domestic

No. Lead cannot be identified by visual inspection. Sampling is therefore a principal part of a lead paint survey. Paint samples are normally collected through the full depth of the coating system so that historic paint layers can be included in the laboratory analysis.

Lead may be present in a range of decorative and protective coatings, including decorative paints, primers, anti-corrosion coatings, industrial coatings, metal coatings and finishes, varnishes and lacquers.

Samples are normally collected through the full depth of the paint system to the underlying substrate. The surveyor records details such as the sample location, paint type, substrate and visible paint colours. It should be noted that where coatings are very thin, particularly in the case of varnishes and stains, the sample area may need to be the equivalent size of two to three credit cards in order that a sufficient size sample is collected for analysis. Smaller areas will be required where there are multiple layers of thicker paint.

Paint samples are analysed by a third-party laboratory. Paint samples are digested in aqua-regia using a hot-block. Metals are then determined in the digest by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES). Laboratory certificates are included within the survey report.

Laboratory results are reported in parts per million (ppm) and categorised into seven lead content ratings, ranging from Low to Extremely High. The result helps establish the concentration of lead present but should be considered alongside the condition of the paint and the likelihood of disturbance when assessing risk.

No. The appropriate management approach depends on factors including the lead concentration, condition of the paint, likelihood of disturbance, accessibility and potential for human exposure. Depending on the circumstances, recommendations may include managing the paint in situ, repairing or encapsulating it, or removal. If there is planned refurbishment then rigorous risk assessment may be required.

A Priority Assessment considers the condition of lead-containing paint together with factors such as normal occupant and maintenance activity, likelihood of disturbance and potential for human exposure. It is intended to help identify painted surfaces that may require greater management attention and should form part of a wider, site-specific risk assessment.

The findings should be communicated to relevant employees, contractors and others who may undertake work that could disturb the painted surfaces. Depending on the circumstances, management measures may include maintaining a register, monitoring the condition of the paint, repairing or encapsulating damaged areas, and ensuring suitable risk assessments and safe systems of work are in place before work is undertaken.

The survey scope and access arrangements are agreed in advance. Standard access equipment may be used where appropriate, while areas requiring specialist equipment such as MEWPs or scaffolding will only be inspected where suitable arrangements have been agreed. Concealed or inaccessible spaces are not included unless specifically incorporated into the survey scope.

Yes. The survey findings should be consulted before maintenance, refurbishment, demolition or installation work that could disturb painted surfaces. The survey is intended to identify and assess lead-containing paints within the agreed scope; it is not a specification or scope of works for lead paint removal or remediation.

No. There is no safe level of lead exposure. Where work may disturb lead-containing paint, appropriate risk assessments, control measures and safe systems of work must be implemented.