Before enclosing a surface, what must be done to that surface?

Before enclosing a surface that may contain lead-based paint or lead-contaminated dust, it is essential that the surface is thoroughly cleaned to remove any potential lead hazards. This process typically involves high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuuming, which is a specialized cleaning technique that captures very small particles, including lead dust.

When surfaces are not properly cleaned and then covered, there is a risk that any existing lead dust can escape or become airborne, posing a health hazard to occupants and workers. Therefore, hyper vacuuming ensures that the environment is as safe as possible before any enclosure or sealing work is conducted.

The other options do not align with best practices in lead abatement. Simply painting over a contaminated surface without proper cleaning would not adequately address the lead hazard. Leaving a surface untreated does not mitigate the risk of exposure to lead. Sealing with tape is not a proper method for cleaning or protecting a surface and does not remove lead dust or contaminants. Thus, effective cleaning through hyper vacuuming is crucial prior to any enclosure work in lead abatement practices.