Contractors; EPA Lead Paint Mandate, $32,500 fine for non-compliance
The clock is ticking for thousands of contractors involved in the renovation of homes. By April of 2010 all contractors who work on homes built before 1978 will be required to comply with the EPA Lead Rules. The penalties for violations; $32,500 per violation per day. This effects remodelers, plumbers, electricians, painters, heating contractors and any trade that is involved in the renovation of these older properties.
There are very few training providers as of this date. Following is information from the Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center. (http://www.cicacenter.org/). In addition organizations like NARI (http://www.nari.org/) can assist you on what this means to your business. It will be interesting to see how many contractors obtain the certification.
Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Resources
| Locate RRP Program Trainers. Training providers have been accredited by EPA to provide training for renovators under EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program: EPA Trainer List. |
New Rule Establishes Requirements to Protect
Children During Renovation, Repair and Painting Activities that Disturb Lead-Based Paint
On March 31, 2008, to better protect children from lead-based paint hazards, EPA issued a new rule for home improvement contractors and maintenance professionals who renovate or repair pre-1978 housing, child care facilities or schools. The rule requires that by April 2010 contractors and maintenance professionals be certified, that their employees be trained, and that they follow protective lead-safe work practice standards (see EPA fact sheet).
The covered facilities include residential, public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis as well as all rental housing. The rule applies to renovation, repair or painting activities. It does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities affecting less than six square feet of lead-based paint in a room or less than 20 square feet of lead-based paint on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.
Additonal Resources
General lead information from EPA
Renovate Right. Pamphlet containing important lead hazard information for families, child care providers and schools.
National Lead Information Center (NLIC). The National Lead Information Center (NLIC) provides the general public and professionals with information about lead hazards and their prevention. (1-800-424-LEAD (5323))
General RRP information. Beginning in April 2010, federal law will require that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
Information for construction trades and property managers/operators:
Information on how to become trained and certified:
Information for construction training organizations and community colleges:
- Renovator training. EPA has developed the following training courses to provide instruction to individuals seeking certification as a renovator or dust sampling technician.
- Training provider application
- Trainer "toolbox". This Web page contains application instructions and information that contractors and training providers need to become approved by EPA.
Information for child-care providers and schools:
- Steps to lead safe Renovation, Repair and Painting. EPA pamphlet describing how to safely work with lead-based paint in the home.
- Renovate Right. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating six square feet or more of painted surfaces in a room for interior projects or more than twenty square feet of painted surfaces for exterior projects in housing, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.
- Small business compliance guide. A handbook for contractors, property managers and maintenance personnel working in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.
- PTA Article. How to help ensure a lead-free environment for children.
- Renovator training. EPA has developed the following training courses to provide instruction to individuals seeking certification as a renovator or dust sampling technician.
- Training provider application
- Trainer "toolbox". This Web page contains application instructions and information that contractors and training providers need to become approved by EPA.
Article for construction trades:
Article on EPA Rule Requiring Mandatory Lead Training
Federal Agency Compliance with EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule