Margaret Back, preservation projects manager at the Newport Restoration Foundation, introduced a two‑part resource meant to help homeowners, contractors and commission members respond to Rhode Island’s expanded lead‑hazard enforcement. The materials include a short, plain‑language user guide and a technical manual contractors can use on site to mitigate lead hazards while retaining historic window fabric.

The project team said the effort grew from the state’s expanded enforcement and a new rental registry. “We’ve been getting a lot of calls from homeowners who are confused about what to do with lead hazard wood windows and how to pass a Rhode Island lead inspection with a historic property,” Back said, summarizing the impetus for the work.

Rob Cagnetta of Heritage Restoration described the research and field testing the team completed for the manual. He said the team mapped hazard modes across window parts (sill, jamb, sash, stop) and developed a lead‑identification sheet linking observed conditions (impact, abrasion, friction, none) to verification methods and mitigation options. “The lead identification sheet is at least the first step in identifying the location of the hazard,” Cagnetta said, and he added that the Rhode Island Department of Health reviewed the form and found it helpful.

Cagnetta reviewed findings from site sampling and case studies. The team performed more than 80 dust/dust‑wipe samples across several buildings and said results were mixed: some partially‑restored windows could be tuned and pass clearance, while others required full stripping and rebuilding. He emphasized cleaning and verification: “It usually takes three good cleanings in order to really make sure that something has all the dust removed,” he said.

The team recommended a layered approach: identify and document hazards using the form, coordinate closely with lead inspectors, and choose mitigations (removal, encapsulation, enclosure or making a sash permanently inoperable) based on hazard mode and building use. They also urged more inspector and contractor training statewide to expand capacity for compliant, preservation‑sensitive work.

The Historic District Commission heard the presentation and was told the documents will return for formal adoption at next month’s meeting. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about homeowner work, the need for RRP training, and how the Department of Health applies impact thresholds. The project funders include the Rhode Island SHPO and the National Trust for Historic Preservation; NRF coordinated the work in Newport.

The project team said their goal is pragmatic: reduce unnecessary wholesale window replacement while ensuring compliance and occupant safety. The commission will review a formal adoption package in December.