When must surfaces that were stripped or dipped be reinspected?

Surfaces that have been stripped or dipped must be reinspected before a Risk Evaluation and Occupant Clearance (REOC) can occur. The rationale behind this requirement is to ensure that any hazardous lead dust or residue generated during the stripping or dipping process has been adequately controlled and that the surfaces are safe for reentry or use.

Reinspecting surfaces is essential for maintaining safety standards and compliance with regulations regarding lead exposure, especially in residential properties or areas frequented by children. It helps to identify any remaining lead hazards and ensures that proper remediation or clean-up has been completed before inhabitants return to the environment.

In contrast, waiting until the end of an inspection may not address immediate hazards that could arise from treated surfaces. Simply inspecting painted surfaces or assuming that surfaces do not need reinspection ignores the potential risk associated with lead exposure from residues left on stripped or dipped surfaces. Therefore, the requirement for reinspecting these surfaces before a REOC is a precautionary measure critical for health and safety.