remodeling vacuum

[geronimotwo]

for those of you not in the trade, the epa has dictated that lead paint is a hazard and must be handled as such.  most of the precautions (such as sealing rooms with plastic, etc) i have been doing but this also means that i must upgrade my vacuum to a hepa unit.  i figure somebody's brother must have a vacuum cleaner dealership somewhere as the hepa inserts are not acceptable according to the epa.

i would like a "shop vac" type canister vacuum, ideally with removable/no wheels and not too large (5-8 gallon).  it should have aluminum wands, and a decent hose preferably without the ridges on the inside. i like a handle on the top for one handed carry.  is there a brand that would be recomended by members here? 

[230RN]

Your post sounds like you probably know this already, but FYI for other contractors and handyman types, the EPA has some new requirements:

http://www.azroc.gov/rocnews/releases/leadsafe20100414.html

Excerpt:

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it expects more than 125,000 renovation and remodeling contractors to be trained in lead-safe work practices by April 22, the effective date for a rule requiring such training. The agency is on target to implement the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which will protect millions of children from lead poisoning, on April 22, 2010.

I have no recommendations (or brothers) regarding vacuums, so let's go back to the mainline thread.  See links in the sidebars for that press release for further information.

Terry, 230RN

[never_retreat]

We bought a large 55 gallon vac from these guys for the gun club. But they have other sizes.
http://www.nikro.com/

The one thing I noticed is even with the huge motors it doesn't suck that good. I think its all the dam filters.
It came  with a huge hose, I cut it down to 15' and it works a lot better.
Just don't expect it to work as good as a normal shop vac.
I don't see a shopping section on there web site but I do believe we ordered ours direct. Maybe give them a call.

[280plus]

I came upwith this but have no experience with the brand or the outlet. http://www.spycor.com/Pullman_Ermator_Wet_Dry_Vacuums_s/159.htm

I also see a part #5AV56 in the grainger catalog listed as a "Lead Vacuum" "Patented vacuum is specially designed for safe and efficient daily recovery of lead dust and paint chips. Dry use only. Includes tool kit" 6 gallons. It lists for $789.50 in the book I'm looking at. If you don't have a Grainger acct I might be able to get you a better price through mine. You can probably pick it up at your nearest branch and pay for it there.

[KD5NRH]

The agency is on target to implement the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which will protect millions of children from lead poisoning

Wouldn't it be easier to just apply the child labor laws to the remodeling business?

"Millions" is a bit deceptive too: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/State_Confirmed_ByYear_1997_2007Total.pdf
Considering it's a pretty safe bet that some of those kids were chewing on pewter figurines or other things unrelated to lead paint, they might as well just extrapolate over the next few centuries and say it'll save trillions of children.

[geronimotwo]

thnks for the links,  i was hoping someone here would have first hand knowledge on what works or doesn't.

i don't under play the value of proper lead abatment, as i have a friend whose kid is emotionally and academically challenged.  lead is blamed for the issues, and his parents did a lot of do it yourself remodeling of old plaster walls when he was an infant.  whether that was really where his problems came from....chances are pretty good in my book.  i have always been a very "clean" contractor so most of the new epa guideluines don't bother me anyway.  what i hate doing is replacing my old, but strong, vacuum as i try to buy tools that will last a lifetime.  not to mention the $500-$1000 price tag.

[230RN]

Apparently, I can't PM you yet (I'm a new member) to keep it off the thread, but I'd like to point out that you may actually need to get formally certified under the new regs.

(Just in case.)

Back to vacuums, please.

Terry, 230RN

[280plus]

Yup. those babies don't seem to be very cheap. 

[sanglant]

i bet these guys know.