RRP Full Unit Certified HEPA Vacuums
Only a Full Unit Certified HEPA dust extractor meets the
EPA RRP regulation guidelines, protecting you from expensive fines!
All current Festool CT Dust Extractor models have been independently tested and
certified to be FULL UNIT HEPA Dust Extractors. When you purchase a new Festool
CT Dust Extractor, regardless of model, you will find a printed certificate in the
box as well as labeling on the dust extractor documenting its Full Unit HEPA
certification. If your current vacuum only has a HEPA filter and is
not Full Unit HEPA Certified, then you are at risk of being cited for noncompliance
with EPA RRP regulations. Simply put, there's absolutely no substitute for Full
Unit HEPA Certification when using your vacuum for RRP.
A HEPA filter is only as good as its seal with the vacuum.
If you did not receive a printed certificate, please read below for instructions
on how to obtain your certification.
So what's the big deal about Full Unit HEPA Certification?
If you are a remodeler who does RRP work, you want a dust extractor that is going
to protect you from being fined for non-compliance with RRP regulations. While there
are other manufacturers who meet only a portion of the RRP regulations
that require a HEPA filter, you need to make sure the manufacture also meets the
requirement for "no bypass leakage". This is very important,
but easily overlooked, portion of the regulations could cause you to get smacked
with hefty fines! If you're using a Festool CT HEPA Dust Extractor, you can perform
RRP tasks with the confidence that you've chosen a vacuum that fully complies
with the RRP regulations.
What do the EPA's RRP instructors and inspectors think about Festool's claims of
Full Unit HEPA Certification?
There's little doubt that RRP inspectors will see Festool's Full Unit HEPA Certification
as the standard by which all other manufacturers are measured. After all, this certification
fully meets all of the requirements of the RRP regulations when other manufacturers'
vacuums only meet a portion of the requirements. Here's what Bill Robinson, an EPA
RRP instructor, had to say about it:
"I've been using the Festool CT 26 for over a year, and I can tell you that
as a contractor, consultant and RRP instructor I'm very excited to know that I can
use my CT dust extractor and Festool sanders to comply with the EPA regulations
regarding containment, collection and cleaning of lead dust particles. And not only
does it meet these very strict regulations, but it's built sturdy and sized for
easy transport to and from the jobsite."
In the process of saving New Orleans windows, Bill earned his certification to teach
the EPA RRP class. And he brings that understanding of the RRP Rule to his window
restoration sessions.
Tell me more about the EPA RRP guidelines and how Festool
fully complies with them.
In April 2008 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a rule regarding
Lead paint know as Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP), 40 CFR Part 745. This
rule covers the practices of renovation such as sanding, cutting, and demolition
that may disturb surfaces containing lead-based paint, which has been found to be
harmful to adults and children. Any firm performing renovation, repair, or painting
projects that disturbs lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities,
and schools must be trained and certified by EPA-approved training providers.
The EPA RRP guidelines outline many practices related to the above activities. Some
of those practices require the use of HEPA exhaust control and HEPA vacuums. The
specific guidance of the RRP defines a HEPA vacuum with this verbiage:
"HEPA vacuum means a vacuum cleaner which has been designed with a high-efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) filter as the last filtration stage. A HEPA filter is a filter
that is capable of capturing particles of 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency. The
vacuum cleaner must be designed so that all the air drawn into the machine is expelled
through the HEPA filter with none of the air leaking past it."
Festool has exhaustively tested its CT Dust Extractors to the strictest standards
(IES RP-CC-002, IES-RP-CC-0034.1) to ensure that our units not only filter particles
to 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency, but also that the seal between the filter
and the vacuum does not allow for bypass leakage. We feel that this measure was
important, not only to follow the letter of the definition but also to ensure the
highest level of protection for the user. Effective October 2011, all Festool CT
Dust Extractors (CT MINI, CT MIDI, CT 26, CT 36, & CT 48) will be shipped as Certified
Full Unit HEPA Dust Extractors, in accordance with these standards.
To maintain Full Unit Certification on any Festool CT Dust Extractor (CT MINI, CT
MIDI, CT 26, CT 36, & CT 48), the customer must use a Festool branded HEPA filter,
following manufacturer guidelines on service and replacement.
What if I bought a Festool CT Dust Extractor shipped prior to October 1st, 2011?
If you have purchased a Festool CT 26, CT 36 or CT
48 dust extractor and it did not include a printed Full Unit HEPA Certification
document, Festool will provide you with a new HEPA filter at no cost until March
31st, 2012 and printed certificate. Limit one free HEPA filter per serial number.
To claim your free filter, please go to our full unit HEPA certification filter
claim page. All units that were shipped from our warehouse on or after October 1st,
2011 include the required HEPA filter and Full Unit HEPA Certification
documentation.
If you have purchased a Festool CT MINI or CT MIDI
dust extractor, we upgraded those units to include a HEPA filter in mid-2011
and they do have Full Unit HEPA Certification. If you have misplaced
your certificate, you can download from our website in PDF format. If you're unsure
if your CT MINI or CT MIDI have a HEPA filter, please open the unit and check the
filter which will have "HEPA" printed on the filter itself.
If you own a Festool CT 22 or CT 33 dust extractor,
you can view or download a PDF copy of the CT 22 and CT 33 HEPA Filter certificate.
However, please be aware that, based on our interpretation of the current EPA-RRP
regulations, the only certification that will fully comply with EPA RRP guidelines
is the Full Unit HEPA Certification, which is not currently available
for the older CT 22 and CT 33 units.
Are there any other important considerations?
Yes, the ruling also requires the use of a beater bar when vacuuming carpets and
rugs. Festool offers the Turbo Suction Beater Bar (product number 450644) which is
much less expensive than many other beater brushes on the market. Its unique design
allows the beater to be powered by the suction force rather than a motor. Don't
be misled though, the beater brush action is very vigorous and powerful, even on
high pile carpet.
Another important consideration is that Festool's filter bags are designed with
an integrated closing mechanism. Simply remove the bag and slide the closing mechanism
to seal the bag to prevent spilling. Easy disposal without a mess.
( ¹, ², ³ ) References:
EPA Website: Lead; Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program
Have more questions about EPA RRP regulation and how it applies to Festool CT HEPA
Dust Extractors?
Check out our extensive list of frequently asked questions
on the topic. If you still have questions, please give us a call toll-free at 888-337-8600
or send us an email.
The photos above are for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be examples
of proper RRP practices. The Festool CT AutoClean (AC) Dust Extractor has not been tested for and should not be used for RRP tasks.