Historic Building Restoration
Old buildings are full of craftsmanship and surprises. Restoration crews often find hidden hazards: toxic paint, crumbling masonry, rotted framing and fire risks. Careful planning protects both the people and the building.
- Restoration Crews
- Masons & Carpenters
- Contractors
Common hazards
- Lead paint on walls, trim and windows. See Lead-Safe Renovators.
- Asbestos in plaster, insulation, tiles and roofing. See Abatement Workers.
- Silica from masonry, plaster and stone. See Silica.
- Unstable structure: rotten timber, weak floors, loose masonry and failing roofs. A competent person or engineer should assess before work.
- Falls from ladders, scaffolds, steep roofs and unguarded openings. See Scaffold Basics.
- Fire: old wood is dry, wiring may be damaged, and torches and heat guns for paint removal are a major cause of historic fires. See Hot Work Permits and Heat Guns.
- Mold, animal droppings and pests: bats, birds and rodents. See Rodents & Hantavirus.
- Confined spaces such as crawlspaces, cisterns and towers.
Before work begins
- Survey the building for lead, asbestos and other hazards through testing before disturbing materials
- Have a structural assessment and shoring plan for weak areas
- Make a fire safety plan: remove or protect combustibles, check for hidden voids, keep extinguishers, and use a fire watch for hours after hot work
- Check the preservation requirements. Historic districts and landmarks may restrict materials and methods
- Plan access and fall protection for roofs, towers and steep slopes
Work practices
- Prefer hand methods, wet methods and chemical strippers used with ventilation over open flame. Never use torches on old paint.
- Contain dust, use HEPA vacuums and wear suitable respirators. See Respiratory Protection.
- Handle old materials gently; they can fall apart.
- Use scaffolds or lifts instead of leaning on old ladders and railings.
- Wash hands and change clothes before leaving; do not take dust home.
Standards & references
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