What is the primary goal of project clearance in lead inspection?

The primary goal of project clearance in lead inspection is to ensure safety with respect to occupancy. This involves checking a space after lead hazard control work has been completed, such as abatement or remediation, to confirm that lead levels are safe for re-occupancy. During the clearance process, measurements of lead dust, soil, and other potential hazards are taken to determine if they fall within permissible limits set by regulatory guidelines. This crucial step ensures that the environment is safe for residents or workers and helps to prevent lead poisoning, particularly among children and pregnant women who are more vulnerable to its harmful effects.

While compliance with EPA standards is important, the focus of project clearance specifically aligns with assessing safety for occupancy. Preparing for renovations might involve lead inspections but is not the ultimate aim of project clearance itself. Reducing project costs is a consideration in any renovation work, but it does not address the key objective of ensuring that a property is safe for inhabitants before they return.