--- title: How to Safely Use a HEPA Vacuum and Change a Contaminated Bag description: How to use and maintain the HEPA vacuum for EPA RRP work image: https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15733614-jpg/images/canister_hepa_vac-wr.jpg --- [![Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1539748069.jpg)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/) # Welcome to RRPedia Your Interactive Resource for EPA RRP Information ## ![RRPedia logo](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-1549005086-jpg/images/RRPedia_Logosmall_-wr-1.jpg)Looking for accurate information about the EPA RRP rule? RRPedia has been created by Shawn McCadden to help remodelers and others affected by the New EPA Renovation Repair and Painting Rule.  ## Please read *[RRPedia Use and Contribution Information](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/using-and-contributing-to-rrpedia-/) *before using or contributing to RRPedia.   --- # You Can Browse For RRP Topics By Using The Tags List To The Right ## [How to Safely Use a HEPA Vacuum and Change a Contaminated Bag](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/39354/How-to-Safely-Use-a-HEPA-Vacuum-and-Change-a-Contaminated-Bag) Posted by [Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/author/shawn-mccadden) on Thu, Apr 29, 2010 @ 01:09 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### ![Hepa Vac](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15733614-jpg/images/canister_hepa_vac-wr.jpg) #### The EPA RRP Model Certified Lead Renovator Courses do not address one of the critical tasks for an renovation project:  How to use and maintain the HEPA vacuum.  But if a renovator gets this wrong, then HEPA may not help cleanup dust.  Worse, it could spread dust and cause contamination and poisoning.  #### Some suggestions: - **Cleaning:**  If the filter - whether the HEPA filter or the prefilters - gets loaded down with dust and debris, the HEPA vacuum will not move enough air to properly and efficiently collect lead dust and lead debris from the renovation. The renovator must periodically clean the vacuum and replace the prefilter - and depending on the design - the HEPA filter.  - **Sealing:** Before you turn off a HEPA vacuum, you need to cover the end of the air intake home with tape or bag the beater bar.  If you don't do this, the dust and debris in the hose will fall out and recontaminate the workplace or be released in the truck or someone else's home.  When you need to use the vacuum, turn the vacuum on and then remove the tape or bag.  Remember, when the unit is turned off, the air intake openings must be sealed. - **Training:** When training workers consider the following: - - Consider adding a demonstration about HEPA vacuum cleaning to the training.  Allow traineees to open up a HEPA vacuum and see how it works.  - Consider having the trainees practice with a new unused HEPA vacuum so you can observe and help them.  **Make sure it has not been used and contaminated with lead.**  - Watch the trainees during hands-on exercises to make sure they seal up the vacuum when it is turned off.  If they forget, dump the debris and dust on the cleaned up workplace for a great visual and have them reclean. #### The Wisconsin Department of Health Services developed this great two-page fact sheet on "How to Safely Change a Lead Contaminated HEPA Vacuum Bag." They use a common canister vacuum to show how to change the prefilter. ![How to change a HEPA Vac bag](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15764824-jpg/images/how_to_safely_change_a_lead_contaminated_hepa_vac_bag_page_1-wr.jpg)  ![change a hepa vac bag](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15764958-jpg/images/how_to_safely_change_a_lead_contaminated_hepa_vac_bag_page_2-wr.jpg)  #### Use the following link to view and/or download the fact sheet to your computer: [How to Safely Change a Lead Contaminated HEPA Vacuum Bag](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/Default.aspx?app=LeadgenDownload&shortpath=docs%2fHow+to+Safely+Change+a+Lead+Contaminated+HEPA+Vac+Bag.pdf) Topics: [HEPA Vac Info](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/hepa-vac-info), [Worker Training](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/worker-training), [Production Considerations](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/production-considerations), [Work Practices](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/work-practices), [Personal Protection](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/personal-protection), [Tools and Supplies](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/tools-and-supplies) [![cs-ye-234x16](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1553381212.gif)](http://www.copyscape.com/duplicate-content/) ### Subscribe to RRPedia by Email and get notified about new postings as soon as they happen! ### Are You Documenting Yor Crew's Compliance With The RRP Rule?  [![download free RRP checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e) ### Still Using a Yellow Pad for Your Estimating? 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[Worker Training (15)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/worker-training) ### I just wanted to say thank you for your efforts to keep us informed.  *"Thank you again for the hundreth time for keeping a vigil on this business nightmare. Your site is one of the best resources we have to stay on level ground"*  **Christian Peter**   *"I am quite impressed with all the confusion out there at Shawn McCadden’s clear and concise voice that continues to help contractors and those involved in this industry truly understand the rule. His efforts should be applauded."*  **Christopher Wagner, LBPFiles**   *"RRPedia is an accurate and contractor friendly interpretation of the very complex and confusing EPA RRP rule"* * * *"Thanks for taking the time to write the blog.  It's about the only place one can go to get some serious info on this dreadful subject"*   *"I would like to begin by thanking Shawn for all of his postings and education that he has been sharing with the remodeling industry. He has personally been extremely helpful in guiding me through various interpretations of the RRP rule, his advice and knowledge are priceless."* **Michael A. Mahoney*** * ### Suggest or Contribute a RRPedia Topic ### Want a Simple Summary of the EPA RRP? #### Shawn McCadden has created an EPA RRP Summary for Remodelers. *"Hi Shawn, **Nice RRP write up on the website.   I've already forwarded a link to it to a number of local builder types."*   #### [Click here to go to the summary.](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/epa-rrp-summary-for-remodelers-by-shawn-mccadden/)  You can also download it if you want your own copy. ### Add this widget to your Web page, blog, or social networking site. A widget is a CDC.gov application that displays the featured content directly on your web page. Click the buttons to see the next tip to prevent lead poisoning.