Lead-Safe Work Practices

Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint in them. Lead paint is still found in millions of homes, sometimes under layers of newer paint. If your home is older than 1978 and your installation or repair service may disturb painted surfaces, your Home Depot authorized service provider will test for the presence of lead paint before completing the work. If lead paint is found to be present in your home, we'll use special containment practices to keep you and your family safe.

Services such as kitchen and bath remodeling, window replacement or any project involving cutting, sanding or painting may require special handling of lead paint if present. In a home built before 1978, lead-paint precautions are required if:

• 6 sq. ft. of interior paint will be disturbed
• 20 sq. ft. of exterior paint will be disturbed
  
  Square footage requirements may be less in some states. Home services such as carpet or appliance installation don't typically involve lead paint disturbances.

If your home contains lead paint that will be disturbed during your repair or installation service, your Home Depot authorized contractor will contain the work area with plastic sheeting and use a HEPA vac and wet wipes to clean the work site of any dust or paint chips. You will also be provided with a checklist of the precautions that were taken after the job is done. If you don't receive a copy, please let us know.

Yes. In compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, The Home Depot only hires installation companies that are EPA trained and certified to handle jobs that may involve the breakdown or disturbance of lead paint. Some states have additional guidelines that installers must follow.