San Francisco Building Code Section 327 requires strict work practices for any disturbance or removal of paint on buildings built before 1979. Lead is presumed present on all pre-1979 buildings. Prohibited methods include uncontrolled hydroblasting, open flame torching, and dry scraping without HEPA containment.
SFBC Section 327 governs work practices for lead-based paint on pre-1979 buildings and steel structures. Lead-based paint is presumed present on all buildings with original construction completed on or before December 31, 1978, without requiring testing. Prohibited work methods include: uncontrolled hydroblasting or high-pressure washing, heat guns above 1,700 degrees F, burning or torching with open flame (including propane-fueled heat grids), and scraping, sanding, grinding, abrasive blasting, or sandblasting without containment or a HEPA local vacuum exhaust tool. Workers must restrict third-party access to the regulated work area. Cleanup requires wet cleaning with detergent on all exposed interior horizontal hard surfaces and HEPA vacuuming the entire regulated area. The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) Childhood Lead Prevention Program enforces these requirements alongside DBI. Property owners selling or renting pre-1979 properties must disclose known lead hazards under federal and state law. The EPA RRP Rule also requires contractors to be EPA-certified for renovation work disturbing lead paint in pre-1978 housing.
Administrative penalties up to $500 per violation per day. Each day the violation continues is a separate offense. Training course may be accepted in lieu of penalty at the Director's discretion.
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