CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

Can a supervisor take a wipe sample to determine if clearance has been achieved after an abatement job?

1. No, it's not allowed

2. Yes, and it is valid

3. Yes, but it is invalid

4. Yes, and it must be analyzed

The correct answer is: Yes, but it is invalid

The appropriate action after an abatement job is to ensure that the area is confirmed to be free of hazardous lead contamination, which typically requires proper clearance sampling and analysis. While a supervisor can take a wipe sample, this sample alone cannot validate clearance because it does not meet the regulatory requirements for independent verification of lead-safe status. Clearance testing must be conducted under specific protocols, often requiring that samples be collected by an accredited inspector or risk assessor to ensure objectivity and compliance with established standards. In this context, a supervisor taking a wipe sample may not provide the necessary level of oversight or impartiality required for valid clearance testing. The focus here is on the importance of adhering to regulatory protocols for ensuring safety. Thus, while a supervisor has the ability to collect a sample, without appropriate analysis and following the regulatory framework, the sample taken would not be considered valid for clearance purposes. Therefore, the answer indicating that it is valid would not reflect the regulatory standards and practices necessary for proper lead abatement clearance.