Is lead paint testing a requirement in California?
Yes. Any structure originally built before January 1, 1978 needs to be tested for lead-based paint.
Here is some information on lead testing requirements in California.
This information does not address local building permit requirements.
There are basically two options when working with paint on all structures built before 1978:
- Test for lead-based paint
- Presume to contain lead-based paint (and follow lead-safe work practices)
Type of Structure:
- Residential houses, apartments, and child-occupied facilities
- See pages 6, 9, & 10 of the document, “Steps to Lead Safe RRP“.
- Page 10: Must either be tested for lead-based paint or presumed to contain lead-based paint.
- All other structures
- See page 1 of “Cal-OSHA Construction Safety”
- Sec. 1532.1 Lead (a) Scope
- “This section applies to all construction work where an employee may be occupationally exposed to lead.”
- See page 1 of “Cal-OSHA Construction Safety”
