ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, July 25, 1996 TAG: 9607250049
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHRISTOPHER L. BOYD STAFF WRITER
While children learned to serve a tennis ball in a Wasena Park camp Wednesday, workers blasted potentially harmful lead paint from nearby Wasena Bridge, just above the courts.
But the children and the workers were in no danger. In fact, state inspectors were right there, taking pointers from the workers. This was a training class for examiners who wanted to see lead paint removed correctly. And because these inspectors saw the removal process in person, they know what to look for when doing their job, an inspector said.
Hico Inc., a Christiansburg-based company, was hired by Lanford Brothers Co. Inc. to remove the lead paint from the steel of the nearly 60-year-old bridge. Before the project began in March the paint was in poor condition and "exhibited little adhesion to the steel supporters," according to Hico.
With a park below, it was important to remove all loose lead paint particles that could contaminate children, said Evelyn Wagoner, compliance director at Hico. When lead enters the blood systems of young children, it can affect developing brain cells and is associated with lower IQ, reading disabilities, hyperactivity and reduced hand-eye coordination. High levels can stunt growth or cause brain damage.
That is why Hico installed its containment system, which surrounds the work area. Hico says it ensures that 100 percent of the paint blasted from the bridge is collected. Nothing is to fall to the ground or to the Roanoke River below the bridge.
To ensure that all paint is collected, the company surrounded the structure with an impenetrable wrapping. They also installed a metal mesh scaffolding strong enough to support 200 pounds per square inch. Hico workers, protected by lead-resistant suits and blast helmets equipped with air supply lines, stand in the mesh and blast the paint away with with sand. It is simultaneously vacuumed into a container for landfill disposal.
Three coats of lead-free paint are then applied to replace the old.
Virginia Occupational Safety and Health officials and inspectors in training were on the site Wednesday to observe firsthand how lead paint can be properly removed from a steel structure.
"They are doing an efficient and effective job while staying in compliance with current regulations," said James Mann, regional supervisor of the Division of Occupational Health. "Observing them will be an excellent opportunity for field inspectors to participate in a complex de-leading project that is being handled right."
The inspectors also saw a new form of lead-blasting called Blistox technology. Blistox minimizes waste by chemically bonding with lead paint on contact, neutralizing the residue.
Neil Talbert, Hico president, said it would cost too much to use Blistox on the 883-foot-long, 55-foot-wide Wasena Bridge, however.
The Wasena project is scheduled for completion by Sept. 1.
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: WAYNE DEEL/Staff. Workers for Hico Inc., aby CNBChristiansburg firm, prepare to strip away lead paint from Roanoke's
Wasena Bridge on Wednesday. color.