OK, what's the deal with lead and asbestos? (HEPA dust extractors)

[Ken Nagrod]

Yeah, I don't understand Cableaddict either.

This is for the entire world's benefit.  Plain and simple.

Festool CT's are NOT for asbestos--period.

Festool's current line of CT's are certified for lead removal--RRP work.

Forget about micron this and filter that, those are the answers.

If you are not comfortable doing the work, if you feel it's beyond your skills or safety, hire a professional.  It's in everyone's best interest.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I don't really understand this, though. If it can't fully contain asbestos (which is what I'm asking) then it can't fully contain lead.  Yet, it's RPP certified. 

Allan, the manual specifically states that the unit should not be used for asbestos. You said you were working with concrete originally, not asbestos. Even so, if you are working with a material that could be hazardous, the proper safety equipment and steps should be taken, including consideration for any applicable laws. As well as using tools that are designed to be safely used with the application.

I'm not enough of an expert on the matter to give the reasons why it can be used for RRP but cannot be used for asbestos, but those are the facts. I know that in Europe there are specific models of the CT for various hazardous and explosive materials. In the U.S./Canada, we have only one model and that model has only been tested and certified for RRP and general dust extraction of non-hazardous materials.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

If it is your house and you are doing the work, you are exempt from following anything.

I still think the EPA is exempt from logical thinking too.

You might want to read up on the topic a bit more...  Yes the owner might be able to work on the project themselves at one time… but don't count on it anymore. Being that this forum covers many US States and Cities in the USA and many members are in other countries... we really can't and must not state absolutes as each Country, State and Local authority can add to the puzzle.

At one time in MN, USA no matter how many properties if you owned, you could pull the permit and do the work yourself or act as GC.  Well that is not the case anymore. Back many years it changed to a person is only able to work on their "homesteaded" properties, and for several years a single MN resident could homestead 2 properties. But that has now changes.  A person can only homestead one property. So they can only work on the “One and only One” home they live in. Just because they own it is not enough anymore to be pull a permit and be able work on it without a licensed contractor.

The reason… well in one word… “Lawyers”. If person owning it, is not living in it full time. Most likely others will be living or staying in it.  If the person living/staying in it is not a relative of the owner (check local definition of “relatives”) then the owner might let others use (rent/stay) at the property. So all PERMITS for construction work shall only be pulled by a licensed contractor. Any lead/asbestos work MUST BE DONE BY A LICENSED/TRAINED CONTRACTOR that has been approved to do such work.

So at the most a person can assume is that they can pull permits for and work on the property they own and live in full time. That said if they do the work, they will have to pull the permits. If they sell said property shortly after work is done… their azz is grass… as they just worked as a contractor and can be seen liable for lack of following lead and asbestos regs.

Baseline, go by the regulations... or go get ready to pay for the fines and lawsuits filed by the new owner when their dog gets sick and needs $50,000 worth of cancer treatment.

Just kind-of CYA or follow the rules?  Just follow the rules. It is like the statement “The best lie is the Truth” without the hassle of having to remember what you made up.

Cheers,
Steve

Trust me, I don't need to read up on it.  I have paid them my money for their stupid class, and been dealing with the stupid requirements for long enough.

Thanks though mom.

 

[harry_]

As has already been stated, our dust extractors are not tested, certified or suitable for use with asbestos. There's the official answer.  [wink]

Thanks, Shane.

I don't really understand this, though. If it can't fully contain asbestos (which is what I'm asking) then it can't fully contain lead.  Yet, it's RPP certified. 

I guess I'll be getting lung cancer, as I can't afford another vac, and have to do this myself. 

Oh well. 

Cableaddict,

If you are telling us that a vacuum that can fully contain lead as the CT's are certified to do, can contain asbestos, then you already have the answer you are looking for. With that said, do not expect Festool  to make ANY claims to that in any way, shape or form. Since you live in the states, you are well aware of ambulance chasing lawyers. Do not blame Festool for not wanting to jump into that line of traffic. Can't say that I blame them.