Lead Safety & Work Area Containment Guide

By My Old House Store – The Official Shop of My Old House Fix

✨ Why This Matters

Working on a home built before 1978? Then lead paint is on the table—and you need to be ready. This guide walks you through the tools, setup, and safety practices we use in every project. Protect yourself, your family, and your old house the right way.

? A Note from Chris

“When we bought our 1890s Folk Victorian, we knew it came with charm—and a whole lot of unknowns. But what I didn’t expect was how much of that old paint was lead-based. We confirmed it with test strips and got to work learning how to handle it safely. Lead dust isn’t something to mess around with. It’s invisible, it spreads fast, and it sticks around unless you do things right. This guide is what I wish we had when we started—straightforward, safe, and focused on preserving your home without putting your health at risk.”

— Chris, My Old House Fix

? Lead Safety Matters

• Homes built before 1978 often contain lead-based paint

• Scraping, sanding, or heating can release dangerous dust

• Lead exposure harms children, adults, and pets

• The good news: there’s a safe way to get the job done

? Why Old Paint Fails (And Why That Matters)

Old paint doesn’t fail randomly—it breaks down for a reason. And when it does, that failure can turn into a lead dust hazard almost overnight.

If you're seeing peeling, flaking, or chalky residue, there’s probably moisture trapped beneath the surface. That’s especially true on old houses where layers of oil-based and latex paint have been stacked up over time without proper prep.

Once the paint starts to degrade, every time you open a window, brush up against the trim, or disturb it with tools, you risk releasing lead dust into the air—especially on horizontal surfaces like sills and baseboards.

⚠️ Signs Your Paint May Be Breaking Down

• Peeling in sheets or flakes

• Spiderweb cracks (alligatoring)

• Soft, chalky surface

• Moisture bubbles

• Paint sticking to storms or sash cords

? Don’t scrape it dry. Use infrared heat and sharp tools for safer removal.

? 5 Steps to a Lead-Safe Setup

1. Quarantine the Area

   • Seal with plastic sheeting

   • Use ZipWall or poles

   • Post a "No Entry" sign

2. Wear Proper PPE

   • Full-face respirator with HEPA filters

   • Disposable gloves + coveralls

   • Shoe covers or dedicated work boots

3. Soften Paint—Don’t Sand It

   • Use infrared tools like Speedheater

   • Avoid dry scraping and sanding at all costs

4. Vacuum with HEPA

   • Use a sealed, certified HEPA vac

   • Mist debris lightly to reduce dust before pickup

5. Clean & Dispose Properly

   • Bag debris in heavy-duty trash bags

   • Wipe down tools

   • Shower and change clothes after

? Video + Downloads

? Watch Chris set up a lead-safe work zone
? [Download the Full Containment Guide PDF]
? [Download the 1-Page Checklist PDF]
? EPA Official Guide to Lead Safety

? Shop the Speedheater System + Infrared Accessories →

? Published by My Old House Fix – Hosted here at My Old House Store