Abstract
The authors have developed an abrasive additive that renders lead paint removal wastes non-hazardous under TCLP. With proper engineering controls, it can also reduce the lead in the air generated during blasting. The additive has been successfully utilized with conventional abrasives and equipment to remove heavy metal coatings from over 18,000,000 square feet of steel. The spent residues qualify for solid waste landfilling, beneficial reuse into concrete products or as feedstock for cement kilns. Federal government testing indicates that the additive does not "mask" the TCLP test, but creates a residue capable of passing EPA long term stability testing simulating over 1000 years in a landfill.
OSHA has tightened regulations on lead in the air inside containments, causing additional costs for protection of the workers and the environment. Data are presented showing reductions of lead in the air levels associated with the use of the additive. The additive technology is being used on an estimated 15% of all steel lead abatement projects, generating disposal cost savings in excess of 50%.
As new technologies are used to blast structural steel, the question arises as to the effect on replacement coating technology. This paper will document three years of laboratory and field study of coating performance on surfaces cleaned with the additive blends. Surface conditions after blasting with the additive/abrasive blend appear to be amenable to virtually all industrial maintenance coating systems.
