When should dust samples be taken from a unit with high or moderate risk work?

Dust samples in environments where there is high or moderate risk work should be collected from multiple locations to ensure an accurate assessment of potential lead dust hazards. Selecting samples from two floors, two window sills, and two window wells allows for a comprehensive evaluation. This approach helps in identifying the extent of contamination in various key areas of the unit, especially because lead dust tends to accumulate in areas where children play or where windows can cause friction, such as window sills and wells.

By taking samples from two separate floors, inspectors can ascertain if dust is present at different levels of the property, highlighting any potential spread or risk associated with varying degrees of accessibility or usage. This method also enhances the reliability of the results since it minimizes the chances of anomalies skewing the data that could arise from testing too few locations. Multi-site sampling is crucial for creating a thorough understanding of lead exposure risk, especially in residential environments.