What is the 3-step sequence to clean surfaces contaminated with lead dust?

What is the 3-step sequence to clean surfaces contaminated with lead dust?

• A. Vacuum debris, Wet clean for fine dust, Vacuum again for remaining particles
• B. Wet clean for fine dust, Vacuum debris, Vacuum again for remaining particles
• C. Vacuum debris, Vacuum again for remaining particles, Wet clean for fine dust
• D. Wet wipe, Vacuum debris, Wet clean for fine dust

Answer: (A)

Removing debris first is essential because you clear the largest pieces that could become dust if you rush to wipe or vacuum. Once the big stuff is out of the way, damp cleaning for fine dust binds and lifts the remaining particles from surfaces without kicking them back into the air. A final pass with a HEPA-equipped vacuum then captures any residual fine particles that the wet clean may have loosened or left behind, ensuring the surface is as clean as possible and reducing the chance of re-aerosolization. This sequence—clear debris, damp wipe for fine dust, final HEPA vacuum—balances physical removal with dust suppression for lead-contaminated surfaces.

Removing debris first is essential because you clear the largest pieces that could become dust if you rush to wipe or vacuum. Once the big stuff is out of the way, damp cleaning for fine dust binds and lifts the remaining particles from surfaces without kicking them back into the air. A final pass with a HEPA-equipped vacuum then captures any residual fine particles that the wet clean may have loosened or left behind, ensuring the surface is as clean as possible and reducing the chance of re-aerosolization. This sequence—clear debris, damp wipe for fine dust, final HEPA vacuum—balances physical removal with dust suppression for lead-contaminated surfaces.