What should be the first step taken if a lead hazard is detected?

When a lead hazard is detected, conducting further risk assessment and testing is essential as the first step. This process involves identifying the extent of the lead hazard, determining the specific sources of lead exposure, and evaluating the risk to residents and workers.

By performing a comprehensive assessment, supervisors can gather crucial information that will guide the subsequent actions, including potential remediation methods. This ensures that any response to the detected lead hazard is informed and effective, ultimately prioritizing safety and compliance with health and environmental regulations.

Without this initial assessment, any immediate action taken—such as remediation or sealing off the area—might not be appropriately tailored to address the specific conditions present, potentially leading to inadequate protections or oversight. Informing affected residents and workers is an important step, but it typically follows the assessment to ensure that they are given accurate and relevant information based on the findings.