Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 6, March 18, 2024
(a) Encapsulation products or systems to be used for lead-based paint hazard abatement shall be warranted by the manufacturer to perform for at least 20 years.
1. Encapsulants shall meet all applicable fire, health and environmental regulations.
2. The material safety data sheet (MSDS) shall be obtained from the manufacturer for all encapsulants tested or applied.
3. Residential paints and canvas-backed vinyl wallpaper shall not be used for encapsulation of lead-based paint unless they meet the performance requirements of this chapter.
(b) Prior to the application of any encapsulant, a determination shall be made as to whether the surface or component is suitable for encapsulation. Encapsulants shall not be applied to friction or impact surfaces, deteriorated components or severely deteriorated paint films.
1. Exception to (b) above: Interior floor and stair surfaces may be encapsulated with a rigid floor covering (for example, vinyl tile) that is adhesively bonded to the surface.
2. The condition of existing paint films shall be assessed by performing a visual evaluation, checking for surface deterioration and determining interfacial and other film integrity properties. Standard ASTM procedures shall be used to rate the degree of these conditions.
(c) Patch tests shall be performed for each surface preparation procedure and encapsulant. A successful patch test of the surface preparation and the encapsulant on the surface to which it will be applied shall be made before an encapsulant is applied to a surface.
1. For liquid-applied systems, the patch size shall be six inches by six inches. The area prepared for the patch test shall be at least two inches larger in each direction than the area to be encapsulated.
i. Three inch by three inch patches may be used for fiber-reinforced wall covering and for areas where the shape of the component makes use of a larger test patch impossible.
2. At least one test patch shall be applied to each type of component in each room where the encapsulant is to be used.
3. A logbook shall be kept documenting the location, application method, wet film thickness, if appropriate, and environmental conditions (temperature and relative humidity) for each patch test.
4. A visual evaluation of each patch test shall be performed and the results recorded in the logbook. The encapsulant coating shall be inspected for wrinkling, blistering, cracking, cratering, or bubbling.
5. An adhesive evaluation of each patch test shall be performed using one of the following three methods and the results recorded in the logbook.
i. "X"-Cut Method:
(1) Using a sharp cutting tool, an "X" shall be inscribed in the center of the patch after the encapsulant system has cured according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Each cut line shall be one and one-half inches to two inches long and shall be made through all layers down to the substrate.
(2) If the cut does not go through the patch to the base substrate, a second "X" cut shall be made in a different location.
(3) The point of the cutting tool shall be placed at the intersection of the two cut lines and used to attempt to peel or lift the patch from the existing topcoat. If more than a one-half inch square portion or section of the patch can be removed from the existing topcoat, then the encapsulant fails the patch test.
ii. Patch edge method:
(1) A cut shall be made adjacent to the edge of the patch, through as thick a layer of the encapsulant as possible, to the base substrate.
(2) If the cut does not go through the patch to the base substrate, a second cut shall be made in a different location.
(3) The point of the knife shall be placed under the encapsulant at the cut, attempting to peel or lift the patch. If more than a one-half inch square portion or section of the patch can be removed from the existing topcoat, then the encapsulant fails the patch test.
iii. Soundness method:
(1) A three-eighths inch by three inch bead of construction adhesive shall be applied to the central portion of the face of an eight inch square piece of gypsum wallboard. The wallboard shall then be pressed onto the six inch by six inch patch. The curing time recommended by the adhesive manufacturer shall be observed.
(2) An attempt shall be made to pull the wallboard square away from the painted surface. If the paper backing of the wallboard remains on the adhesive on the painted surface, the patch passes the test.
(d) In addition to the other worksite preparation requirements of this chapter, surface preparation shall be performed as follows and shall replicate the surface preparation used for the successful patch test:
1. Surfaces to be encapsulated shall be cleaned with non-sudsy degreasers or other appropriate cleaning products. The surface shall be rinsed thoroughly;
2. Smooth, glossy surfaces shall be roughened as allowed by this chapter to improve adhesion as recommended by the encapsulant manufacturer;
3. Loose paint shall be removed by wet scraping;
4. Exposed base substrates shall be cleaned or prepared for encapsulation as needed; and
5. Any leaks or sources of moisture shall be eliminated. Where nonreinforced coatings are to be used, cracks shall be filled with a caulking, patching, or sealing compound compatible with the encapsulant and the substrate to which it is applied.
(e) Coatings shall be applied following the manufacturer's instructions. Encapsulant application shall be performed as it was for the successful patch test.
1. Environmental conditions shall be as specified in the manufacturer's instructions and shall be as close as possible to the conditions that existed during the successful patch test.
2. Mixing and/or thinning of liquid encapsulants shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's directions.
3. Wet film thickness gauges shall be used to ensure that liquid encapsulants are applied according to the manufacturer's recommended thicknesses.
4. The manufacturer's instructions shall be followed for the application of fabric if required with the use of reinforced liquid encapsulants.
(f) Adhesively bonded coverings shall be applied following the manufacturer's instructions. Encapsulant application shall be performed as it was for the successful patch test.
1. Environmental conditions shall be as specified in the manufacturer's instructions and shall be as close as possible to the conditions that existed during the successful patch test.
2. Wherever possible, permanent, clay-based adhesive shall be used.
3. Adhesively bonded floor tile shall be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
(g) Following encapsulation and the curing time specified by the manufacturer, all encapsulated surfaces and components shall be visually inspected for signs that the encapsulant is not adhering. If problems are noted, then appropriate corrective measures shall be taken.
(h) In addition to the logbook of patch test results described in (c) above, the following documentation shall be maintained by the contractor and shall be supplied to the building owner and to the occupant if other than the owner. This information shall be made available at the job site upon request of the Department:
1. The type of encapsulant used and product name;
2. The exact location(s) to which encapsulants were applied;
3. The product label and/or a copy of the manufacturer's technical product information;
4. The MSDS for all products used;
5. A description of the procedures followed, including surface preparation, environmental conditions and wet and dry film thickness for liquid encapsulants.
6. The name, address and certification number of the contractor;
7. The date of application; and
8. A recommended schedule for inspection of the encapsulated surfaces for signs of failure.
