WHAT A CHAPTER 424-GUIDED XRF INSPECTION ACTUALLY INVOLVES

01 — SCOPE THE DECISION: Your Maine DEP Certified Lead Inspector and Risk Assessor confirms whether the assignment is a full lead inspection, a limited lead determination, or part of a risk assessment and matches the scope to the property, transaction, renovation, or client question.

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02 — BUILD THE INVENTORY: Rooms, exteriors, common areas, and coated testing combinations are identified so windows, doors, trim, walls, stairs, cabinets, built-ins, siding, porches, railings, and other applicable components are not reduced to a vague spot check.

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03 — VERIFY XRF QUALITY CONTROL: The Viken Pb200i is checked against its required calibration standard before testing, at required intervals, and after the inspection period.

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04 — TAKE REPRESENTATIVE READINGS: The probe is placed flat on intact areas most likely to include older paint layers while avoiding pipes, electrical surfaces, nails, and other interference. A full Chapter 424 inspection evaluates all required testing combinations; walls generally receive multiple readings.

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05 — CLASSIFY THE DATA: Results are classified as positive, negative, or inconclusive using the analyzer’s HUD Performance Characteristic Sheet - not personal opinion.

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06 — RESOLVE UNCERTAINTY: Inconclusive results are confirmed by an accredited paint-chip laboratory or, with client agreement, treated as positive. They are never assumed negative.

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07 — DOCUMENT CONDITION AND LOCATION: Tested components, exact room/location references, paint condition, floor-plan identifiers, photographs, readings, and quality-control data are recorded.

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08 — DELIVER THE DECISION: You receive a clear report showing where lead-based paint was found, where it was not found within the tested scope, and what the findings mean for closing, renovation, maintenance, or further risk evaluation.