Case Study: Lead Paint Removal for Major Food Processor

Technique Used: Dry Ice Blasting

Location: Ontario

Service: Lead Paint Removal

Many older industrial and commercial buildings have lead-based paint hazards. These hazards are a major issue, as employees in these buildings are susceptible to exposure to this toxic substance and may be at risk for progressive health problems if the lead paint is not removed safely.

Wickens Dry Ice Blasting worked with a major food processor to remove lead paint from their building’s boiler room before a new power-generating system was installed.

The Situation

The major food processor wanted to remove the boiler from the facility’s boiler room and replace it with a new power-generating system. The food processor had several tractor-trailer loads of waste per week that they would use as fuel for the power-generating system, providing major cost savings for the company.

The walls of this old building were painted with lead that was peeling off and falling in the boiler room. The client wanted the lead paint removed before the new power-generating system could be installed. During the lead removal, the boiler room had to be encapsulated to remain operational and safe for employees.

The Solution

Wickens created a Type 3 containment (50 feet x 50 feet footprint, 34 feet high) that was a room within a room, six feet apart from the original wall that was scaffolded and encapsulated. The exterior was completely sealed from the interior section because of the client’s requirement to continue operations. Wickens built the scaffolding and used tarps to completely seal the room from the inside. We created tunnels from the inside of the non-contained area where the boiler was to doors entering into other areas of the plant.

After this was all installed, we created negative air that pulled the tarp in, so any lead paint particles or airborne debris got drawn into HEPA filters and fully contained. This allowed employees to walk from the other side of the plant through the tunnels into the centre to check on the boiler and equipment.

Once the containment was built, Wickens utilized dry ice blasting to remove all the lead paint that was loose and flaking. The lead paint was blasted off and vacuumed, completely decontaminating the area.

Wickens personnel used a lead encapsulate to paint the room’s walls and pipes, fully sealing the surfaces. The containment was dismantled, and the inside area of the ceiling was painted to complete the job.

The Result

Wickens successfully removed lead paint from the boiler room without interruption to power generation or production. By using dry ice blasting, the lead paint was removed without damaging the building surface and without creating any harmful secondary waste.

For more information on lead paint abatement and removal, contact Wickens today!

Wickens Dry ice Blasting tackles the toughest jobs across Ontario, offering fire restoration, mould remediation, asbestos abatement, lead paint abatement, and more. Contact us today for a consultation or emergency service.