Mass RRP trained contractors are holding back on applying for their Lead License. Last month I posted that there are over 4,000 EPA Certified Firms from Mass. Yet only 1000 firms have applied for their Mass license since 7/9/2011 when Mass took over. You would think that since the Mass license for firms certified before July is free that more would jump on board.
In our Implementation Workshop last week several contractors told me that they are waiting until they complete additional OSHA training to complete the Mass license. For those of you who don't know, the state of Mass took over the EPA RRP Lead Law last July. In doing so they added a few changes to the law. One item they added was that companies must provide a Respiratory and Worker Protection plan with their application to the State of Mass. Then they will qualify for their Mass RRP Lead Safe Renovation License (EPA equivalent is the Certified Firm).
One student also stated that he didn't know about the other changes in Mass. He said he hasn't heard form his RRP trainer or lumberyard on the Mass changes. Now he knows them as we filled in his gaps.
One of my beliefs is that it is imperative that we reach out to all 4000 contractors we trained on RRP last year. Most of the people we trained have been contacted by us and informed about the changes in the law. The Contractor Coaching Partnership was founded on the premise that we would help our industry through best practice training and coaching. I believe that it is crucial that we continue to provide out reach on RRP even if many choose to ignore it. If you are reading this and are stuck on how to make the next move to be RRP compliant in Mass or any other state we are hear for you, whether its a simple RRP question, OSHA matters, EPA questions and more.
Tomorrow I will be with Shawn McCadden and the DOS with several contractors. Shawn and I set up a contractor focus group for the purpose of having the DOS hear directly form contractors on how this law needs to be improved. We will let you know this week how it went.
Mean while our next OSHA Lead in Construction and OSHA Respirator classes are on 3/14/2011 in Plymouth, Mass and 3/16/2011 in Westborough, Mass.
RRP Implementation Workshops; 3/15/2011 in Westborough, Mass
If you are unsure about how to complete the Mass application requirements for your Mass RRP Lead License please call us so we can help you.
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