Decision Tree for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control and Abatement for Steel Structures

摘要

Many options are available for the naanagement and removal of lead- based paint (LBP) on steel structures. The waste generated by any of these paint removal strategies is often hazardous due to the toxicity and leaching characteristics of lead. A means of selecting the best available strategy for a given structure is necessary in order to balance cost, worker health, and government environmental objectives. The objective of this research was to develop a decision tree to help responsible personnel to select the best available strategies for LBP hazard control and abatement for steel structures. The decision tree is implemented as a spreadsheet application that presents eight technical questions to be answered in a specified sequence. Successful application of the decision tree requires the user to be knowledgeable about steel structures and coatings, and to have access to specific data about the target structure and its location. In this report, the tree is presented graphically as branches showing the logic flow for each decision. The tree is also easily programmable on a desktop computer using the 'logical IF' function found in standard business spreadsheet programs.