Visual Assessment Training

De Minimis Levels Defined

If more than ten percent (10%) of the total surface area of an interior or exterior type of component with a small surface area is deteriorated, the de minimis level has been exceeded. Examples would be window sills, baseboards, and trim.

Exterior de minimis levels

The de minimis level is 20 square feet for exterior surfaces.

	This means a total of 20 square feet on all the exterior surfaces
	This includes outbuildings, fences, and play equipment attached to the land and belonging to the owner
	Twenty square feet is a square about 4 feet 6 inches on each side (about the size of the square shown on the photo)

If all the deteriorated paint on all of the building components is larger than the square, safe work practices and clearance must be performed.

Interior de minimis levels

The de minimis level is two square feet in any one interior room

	This means a total of 2 square feet of deteriorated paint on the floors, walls, and ceiling in the room.
	Two square feet is a square about 17 inches on each side
	If all of the deteriorated paint on all of the building components is larger than the square, safe work practices and clearance must be performed

Examples of de minimis levels

Consider an interior room with 50 linear feet (if you measured the total length of all the walls in the room) and a baseboard that is 6 inches tall. Suppose the deteriorated area was 6 by 12 inches in size, would that exceed the deminimis level? The answer is no. The deteriorated area does not exceed ten percent of the total area. Here are the calculations:

	Total area: 50 feet x 6 inches (0.5 feet) = 25 square feet total area
	Calculate ten percent of the total area: 25 square feet x 0.1 = 2.5 square feet
	Deteriorated area: 6 inches (0.5 feet) x 12 inches (1 foot) = 0.5 square feet

Since the deteriorated surface area (0.5 square feet) is less than ten percent of the total area (2.5 square feet) and less than 2 square feet, the area does not exceed the de minimis level.

Identify areas where deteriorated paint is common

You should look for deteriorated paint on all painted building components, especially any exterior and interior walls, windows, or trim damaged from a roof or plumbing leak.

Also look on surfaces that experience friction or impact

	When two surfaces slide across each other or strike one another, the painted surface may become deteriorated
	Examples of friction and impact surfaces are doors, windows, floors, and trim areas

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