Madison, WI Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

49 applies to owners of buildings and structures built before 1978, or whose age can't be established to Public Health Madison & Dane County's satisfaction, covering construction, alteration, repair, painting, paint removal or decorating of any painted exterior surface, walls, windows, trim, soffit, facia, doors, porch floors and ceilings, columns, railings and foundations. Three paint-removal methods are barred unless adequate engineering controls are used: open-flame burning, power tool cleaning such as machine sanding or grinding, and open-air abrasive blasting with sand, steel grit, steel shot, aluminum oxide, water or similar media.

Adequate controls include HEPA-filtered vacuum attachments, partial or total containment structures under negative pressure, or another method the Director of Public Health approves. During work, all windows, doors and HVAC vents must stay closed or sealed, plastic sheeting must be secured around the work area to catch dust and debris, and all dust, debris and disposable materials, tape, sheeting, mop heads, filters, clothing, must be cleaned up daily and bagged in double 4-mil or single 6-mil plastic. At least two 11-by-8-inch warning signs reading 'Caution - Paint Removal Work Area / Danger to Children and Pregnant Women' must stay posted at the work area from project start to finish. 7 mg/cm²) is present or disturbed, documented before work begins.