Q: What is the “work area?”

The “work area” is the area established by a certified renovator to contain the dust and debris generated from a renovation.  In other words, the work area is defined by the...

The “work area” is the area established by a certified renovator to contain the dust and debris generated from a renovation.  In other words, the work area is defined by the containment measures established by the certified renovator.  While a renovator has some discretion in setting up a sufficient amount of work area containment, the RRP Rule sets forth minimum requirements for both interior and exterior renovations. 

For interior renovations, cover the floor surface, including installed carpet, with taped-down plastic sheeting or other impermeable material in the work area 6 feet beyond the perimeter of surfaces undergoing renovation or a sufficient distance to contain the dust, whichever is greater. Floor containment measures may stop at the edge of the vertical barrier when using a vertical containment system consisting of impermeable barriers that extend from the floor to the ceiling and are tightly sealed at joints with the floor, ceiling and walls. 

For exterior renovations, cover the ground with plastic sheeting or other disposable impermeable material extending 10 feet beyond the perimeter of surfaces undergoing renovation or a sufficient distance to collect falling paint debris, whichever is greater, unless the property line prevents 10 feet of such ground covering. Ground containment measures may stop at the edge of the vertical barrier when using a vertical containment system. If the renovation will affect surfaces within 10 feet of the property line, the renovation firm must erect vertical containment or equivalent extra precautions in containing the work area to ensure that dust and debris from the renovation does not contaminate adjacent buildings or migrate to adjacent properties. Vertical containment or equivalent extra precautions in containing the work area may also be necessary in other situations in order to prevent contamination of other buildings, other areas of the property, or adjacent buildings or properties.