1. The EPA’s RRP rule requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based
paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by EPA (or an EPA
authorized state), use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe
work practices. The law went into affect in April, 2010. Certifications need to be renewed every 5 years. Violations can
cost up to $37,500 per incident, so it is well-worth the effort to get certified. In 2014, a major big box retailer received
a $500,000 fine for using non-certified contractors to do renovation work that fell under the EPA RRP guidelines.
800.568.3949
dustlesstools.com
EPA RRP®
FACTSHEET
Controlling Lead Dust When Performing Renovation Construction
The law specifies that contractors use point-of-origin dust
control systems on power tools used for sanding, cutting,
drilling or grinding surfaces, and that these shrouds, tools or
accessories be connected to a CERTIFIED HEPA vacuum.
Vacuums:
Not all HEPA vacuums are certified. In fact, even if a
vacuum uses a certified HEPA filter, it may not meet the
EPA’s criteria. The vacuum must be certified air-tight.
Retrofitting a HEPA filter into a conventional shop vacuum
does not meet the criteria.
The vacuum should be certified air-tight by an independent
third party, and be specifically designed for the HEPA filter
it’s used with. Each HEPA filter should be independently
tested and certified by its serial number. Look for a vacuum
that has proof of serialized HEPA certification located on
each filter. If an inspector visits your job site, you can show
them the sticker on the filter, avoiding the need to dig up
paperwork that may not be handy. The vacuum should also
come with a separate certificate for you to keep on file.
– D1606 HEPA DustlessVac®
Dust Disposal:
The EPA requires lead dust be double-bagged before proper
disposal. One way to streamline this process is to use a
vacuum that uses a sealable bag pre-filter.
Shrouds and Accessories:
Point-of-origin shrouds, accessories and tools are used
to capture dust as it is made, before it gets a chance to
become airborne. There is a wide array of products that
do this:
Paint Scraping - Use a paint scraper that connects to a
HEPA vacuum and collects dust, debris and paint chips as
they are dislodged. The same tool can also be used
for removing popcorn ceiling.
– 61005 ChipBuddieTM
Scraper
Concrete Grinding - Look for a dust shroud with a
removable lip to enable grinding against walls; a brush skirt
for superior dust collection on rough surfaces; and some type
of suspension to maintain a better seal with the grinding
surface when the operator changes the angle of the grinder.
– D1835 DustBuddie®
5” & D1850 DustBuddie®
7”
Concrete Cutting - Shrouds that have a depth-of-cut
control feature are better for decorative cutting and provide
overall superior tool control and dust containment.
– D1730 CutBuddieTM
5” & D1750 CutBuddieTM
7”
Sawing - Reciprocal saws can be fitted with a universal
dust shroud to capture saw dust and drywall dust.
– D2415 SawBuddieTM
Drywall Sawing - Rubber shrouds are available for
capturing dust created by hand-held drywall saws. These are
especially useful when cutting holes for ventilation, electrical
outlets and lighting fixtures. – D1905 BitBuddieTM
Drywall Sanding - Use a Dustless Sander®
specially
designed to capture the ultra fine dust created by sanding
drywall and wood surfaces. Good units capture dust on all
sides of the sanding head, and feature an orbital sanding
head for operator ease. Renovation contractors often find that
smaller, rectangular sanding heads, are better for sanding
into corners, and tight places (bathrooms and kitchens). –
50001 Dustless Sander®
Drilling - Even drilling the smallest of holes can create
enough airborne lead dust to contaminate an entire room.
Even if you are simply hanging a curtain rod, use a device
(DustBubble) to capture the dust and drill shavings as they
are made. – D2218 DustBubbleTM
250 pk.
Sanding - Use a dust shroud specifically designed for hand-
held disc sanders that gives you the latitude required for
sanding things like lap siding. – D1000 DiscBuddieTM

2. EPA RRP®
FACTSHEET
Controlling Lead Dust When Performing Renovation Construction
800.568.3949
dustlesstools.com
HEPA Vacuum Tips
• Make sure the HEPA vacuum has sufficient
air-flow/power to capture dust generated from
powerful hand tools.
• Keep the vacuum hose clear, free of debris,
kinks and tight bends for better airflow and
function.
• Set up a regular schedule for filter cleaning
and maintenance.
• Change Wunderbags®
and filters as needed.
• Extend the life of expensive HEPA filters by
using Wunderbags®
micro pre-filters. Optimum
micro pre-filters capture particles down to 0.5
micron.
• Keep a copy of certifications for your
air-tight vacuum and HEPA filter on hand so
EPA inspectors cause minimal interruption.
• Close the seal on the Wunderbag filters
immediately after removing to minimize
escaping dust particles.
Point-Of-Origin Dust Control System Tips
• Make sure the dust shroud is properly installed
and adjusted. When installed correctly, Blades,
wheels and discs should not come in contact
with shrouds.
• Minimize fugitive dust that tends to escape
during the beginning and ending of the cutting
process. Learn to “begin” and “end” a cut or
grind quickly.
• Keep the shroud flush against the working
surface for optimum dust collection.
• Make sure to secure the vacuum hose tightly
to avoid spewing dust.
• Use a twist tie to attach the electric cord to
the vacuum hose for more control over the
components.
Safety Tips
• Always use appropriate protective gear
(dust mask/respirator) even if you are using
a point-of-origin dust control system.
Use a HEPA rated
air scrubber to
capture fugitive
and remnant
airborne dust.
For more detailed information on EPA RRP rules,
visit www2.epa.gov/lead/renovation_repair_and_
painting_program.