What is the basic responsibility of a lead risk assessor during investigations?

The primary responsibility of a lead risk assessor during investigations is to conduct lead hazard screenings and assessments. This involves evaluating properties for the presence of lead-based hazards, such as lead paint, lead dust, and lead-contaminated soil. By performing these assessments, a lead risk assessor can identify potential risks to occupants, especially children and pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure.

Conducting these screenings includes visual inspections, collecting surface dust samples, and taking paint chip samples to determine the presence and levels of lead. The accurate identification of lead hazards allows for informed decisions about necessary remediation measures and helps protect public health.

While reporting findings to health agencies and ensuring compliance with local regulations are important roles, they typically come after the initial assessment phase. Lead-free investigations do not align with the core duties of a lead risk assessor, as their focus is on identifying and evaluating existing lead hazards rather than confirming the absence of lead altogether. Thus, the fundamental task of conducting lead hazard screenings and assessments is what defines the role of a lead risk assessor.