--- title: "RRP Training Refresher: Defining Work Area Containment" description: There are many degrees of RRP containment, ranging from simple plastic sheeting on the floor at a small work area to a fully enclosed space. image: https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16117512-jpg/images/refresh_key_for_rrpedia-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 ## [RRP Training Refresher: Defining Work Area Containment](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/76159/RRP-Training-Refresher-Defining-Work-Area-Containment) Posted by [Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/author/shawn-mccadden) on Thu, Mar 22, 2012 @ 05:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## **RRP Training Refresher: **Defining Work Area Containment**** ### ![RRPedia Refresher Key](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16117512-jpg/images/refresh_key_for_rrpedia-wr.jpg?width=119&height=112&name=refresh_key_for_rrpedia-wr.jpg)   ### It’s probably been a while since you took your RRP Certified Renovator Training Class.  This blog post is offered as a refresher topic to help you keep important details about the RRP rule top of mind when selling, estimating or performing RRP renovations.   ### **Refresher: Defining Work Area Containment** **What is Containment? ** ![RRP Containment](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16142312-jpg/images/zip_wall_example-wr.jpg?width=131&height=132&name=zip_wall_example-wr.jpg)     “Containment” is what is required under the RRP Rule to prevent dust and debris from spreading beyond the work area to non-work areas.  In general, there are many degrees of containment, ranging from simple plastic sheeting on the floor surrounding a small work area to a fully enclosed space. Some types of containment are more effective than other types.   **Why is Containment Required?** ![RRP Respirator](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15728773-jpg/images/assorted_respirators-wr.jpg?width=95&height=94&name=assorted_respirators-wr.jpg)Containment is required by the RRP Rule because it reduces the risk to you and residents. Following the work area setup requirements will protect you, your co-workers and residents by confining lead-contained dust and debris to a defined and demarcated area. Confining the lead is an important consideration in avoiding exposure. Reducing the risk to you and co-workers is also dependent upon use of personal protective equipment.  Requirements for the personal protection of workers are established by OSHA and can be found in the OSHA document titled [“Lead in Construction”](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/Default.aspx?app=LeadgenDownload&shortpath=docs%2fOSHA+Lead+in+Construction+Doc.pdf)   ![RRP HEPA Vac](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15733614-jpg/images/canister_hepa_vac-wr.jpg?width=155&height=128&name=canister_hepa_vac-wr.jpg)Proper containment also facilitates efficient cleaning of the work area. The pre-work setup process is essential to keeping lead-contaminated dust confined to the work area where it can be easily cleaned. Proper containment of the work area helps to limit the area you need to clean after the job is complete. Knowing exactly where to clean is an important factor in saving time (and money) spent on cleanup.  Controlling dust and debris may require more extensive containment than is specified in the rule if the job is particularly dusty. For example, small areas of ceiling work can spread dust over the entire room and are very difficult to control.    **Containing the Work Area Includes: ** - Removing objects and furniture from the work area, or covering them with plastic sheeting. - ![RRP Vertical containment](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16136638-jpg/images/vertical_containment-wr.jpg?width=214&height=157&name=vertical_containment-wr.jpg)Covering floors (or the ground) with plastic sheeting a minimum distance beyond the surfaces being renovated (6 feet for interior jobs and 10 feet for exterior jobs). - Closing windows and doors, and using plastic sheeting to seal doors and air ducts in the work area.  - Covering doors used to enter the work area with plastic sheeting in a manner that allows workers to pass through but contains dust and debris within the work area. ** ** Topics: [Refresher Information](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/refresher-information), [RRP for Dummies](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/rrp-for-dummies), [Containment Considerations](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/containment-considerations), [Personal Protection](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/personal-protection) [![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.