Safe Work Practices

Suites 8 & 9

Whenever lead-based paint is disturbed, a child is at risk.  Too often, the paint is sanded or scraped.  Sometimes it is burned.  The result is lead dust that quickly poisons children.  And it stays around to poison other children for years to come.  Wet methods control the lead dust but must be cleaned up to avoid making lead dust later.  

Lead-safe work practices are designed to protect children from lead-dust today and tomorrow.  They involve setting up the work area to capture dust and debris; using wet methods to stop generating dust that can spread from the work area; clean-up practices to eliminate the dust; and dust-wipe samples to ensure that the work was done properly.  Each step in the process is crucial – especially the clearance testing at the end.  Accountability for a job well done makes a major difference.

This session will explore the practical use of lead-safe work practices in Indiana – and the implications when they are not used.  

Moderator:       Chad Appleman – Fort Wayne / Allen County Health Department:  Mr. Appleman is the director of the health department’s environmental health program.  He is a licensed risk assessor.  He will review the lead-safe work practices provisions in proposed Indiana lead poisoning prevention legislation.

Speakers:         Kevin O’Malley – Porter Paints:  Mr. O’Malley is a contractor sales manager for this Louisville-based paint retailer.  Because he serves urban Indianapolis, he has worked to integrate ensure that Porter Paint sales representatives are aware of the lead poisoning problem and has worked with Marion County Health Department and Improving Kids’ Environment to help thos representatives give sound advice to customers.

                        Bill Oesterle – Brownstone Publishing / Angie’s List:  Mr. Oesterle is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Brownstone Publishing.  Brownstone publishes the popular Angie’s List.  Prior to joining Brownstone, he was a general partner in CID Equity Partner, a Minwest-based venture capital firm. Angie’s List is the publication of an Indianapolis consumer group that provides member’s advice on finding qualified contractors.  After finding that is child was lead poisoned as a result of poorly done renovations, he ran an excellent series of articles regarding lead-safe work practices.   

                        Steve Nall – Indiana Community Action Association:  Mr. Nall is the lead training for lead-safe work practices at INCAA.  In this role, he trains weatherization and section 8 staff in community action agencies across Indiana.