Equipment for analysing lead in coatings used in diagnostic tests carried out under the Public Health Code

Amendment to an order concerning diagnostic tests for the presence of lead in coatings in residential properties, carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Public Health Code

Under the emergency procedures to combat lead poisoning, the Public Health Code requires technical diagnosticians to carry out a diagnostic test of the risk of lead poisoning from paint (DRIPP). The procedures for implementing this DRIPP are laid down by Order of 19 August 2011 relating to the diagnosis of the risk of lead poisoning in paints. The diagnostic test of the risk of lead poisoning from paint involves identifying deteriorated lead-based coatings that may pose a risk of lead exposure in areas regularly frequented by children. The order requires these measurements to be carried out using a portable X-ray fluorescence device capable of analysing at least the K-line of the fluorescence spectrum emitted in response by lead.

The revision of this order aims to define only performance criteria for lead detection for the devices used to carry out these diagnostic tests and not to specify categories of devices