Before an original provisional license may be issued for a center located in a building constructed prior to 1978, the Child Care Center applicant must submit a lead hazard risk assessment report indicating that the proposed child-use space, including outdoor play areas, is safe.

Centers licensed before December 7, 2006 located in a building constructed prior to 1978 have until January 2, 2017 to obtain a lead hazard risk assessment.

A lead-based paint risk assessment is an on-site investigation to determine the existence, nature, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards, and the provision of a report by the risk assessor explaining the results of the investigation and options for reducing lead-based paint hazards.

Note: Paint, dust and soil must be tested for a lead hazard risk assessment. Water testing is optional but may be requested.

What You Can Expect from a Lead Hazard Risk Assessment

The risk assessor will perform a visual inspection of each previously referenced facility and play areas to locate the existence of potential lead-based paint hazards and assess the extent and causes of the hazards. Additionally, background information will be collected regarding the physical characteristics of the facility and occupant use patterns that may cause lead-based paint exposure to one or more children aged six years and under. ASTI will test paint, dust and soil, as described below:

Paint Testing
ASTI will test painted surfaces that have deteriorated paint, or that are potential lead-based paint hazards, using a Niton X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer. As part of Risk Assessment requirements, ASTI will test paint that meets the following conditions:

Paint that is in poor condition (peeling, chipping, cracking, chalking, etc.);
Painted chewable surfaces (window sills, railings, etc.) that show evidence of teeth marks;
Paint that is going to be disturbed as part of planned renovation or repair projects;
Painted surfaces determined to be a potential lead-based paint hazard, such as friction surfaces of windows and impact surfaces on doors and doorframes; and
Other areas as determined necessary by the risk assessor.

Lead-Dust Sampling
ASTI’s risk assessor will collect a dust sample from the window sill or trough and a dust sample from the floor in each room, hallway, or stairwell, and in other common areas in the child-occupied facility where the risk assessor determines a child could reasonably be expected to come into contact with lead dust.

Soil Sampling
ASTI’s risk assessor will collect soil samples and have the samples analyzed for lead concentrations in all of the following locations:

Exterior play areas where bare soil is present;
Dripline/foundation areas where bare soil is present;
Yard locations in addition to those described above where the area of bare soil exceeds 9 square feet.

Reporting
Once the on-site activities are complete, ASTI will produce a risk assessment report that includes the following information:

Locations of any painted components tested for lead;
All results from the analysis of collected paint, soil, and dust samples;
Any information regarding the condition of the property and use patterns of the residents that may cause lead-based paint exposure in young children;
A description of the location, type, and severity of identified lead-based paint hazards and any potential hazards;
If applicable, appropriate recommendations for addressing lead hazards as well as a re-evaluation and monitoring schedule; and
Completion of a Lead Hazard Risk Assessment Summary form BCAL-4344 (Rev. 9-14).

Examples of Lead Paint Risk Assessments

Lead Risk Assessment Information