EPA Lead Paint Rule: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
Residential construction companies who work on single and multi-family properties built before 1978 must register and certify their company and designated employees with the EPA. The EPA RRP Rule will be in full effect on 4.22.10. Failure to comply can result in significant fines. $37,500 can be levied against any firm doing work on these homes without having the proper registration and certifications on file with the EPA. This rule applies to remodelers, general contractors, handymen, window contractors, siding contractors, painting contractors, electricians, hvac contractors, roofers, restoration firms, masons, interior designers who perform work, and any trade that disturbs areas known to have lead paint on the interior or exterior of a pre-1978 property.
Contractor Business Coaching
Coaching Strategies for Remodelers & Contractors, the EPA RRP RULE
A New Opportunity for Residential Remodelers, Home Improvement Contractors and Trades
Become a Certified Renovator and stand out from the rest of the industry who wont. This certification can be used to educate your customer and show them that you are a true professional. Once homeowners know the risks of hiring a non-compliant company they will disqualify them. This Rule raises the bar for our industry and will force companies to comply, go out of business or work illegally. Properly educated homeowners will not want to risk their home, health, or project hiring illegal contractors. Embrace this opportunity and make it part of the reasons why it is in their best interest to hire you and not the non-compliant contractor. Napoleon Hill once said "every adversity carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit". The seed here is leveling the playing field and forcing contractors who don't play by the rules to reconsider and professionalize their business. EPA Certification will force other standardization that will necessitate a change in how they conduct business. By educating the public homeowners will seek out contractors who are safe and can prove they are worth the risk. For more information on how to capitalize on this opportunity The Contractor Coaching Partnership can help with the development and implementation of effective strategies.
Contact Mark the Coach to learn how to use this new opportunity to win the prospect's respect, trust and business.
More details on the Lead Paint Rule:
Contractors and trades performing work that disturbs areas with lead paint, in or outside homes or buildings built before 1978 are required to comply with, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) new Lead Renovation and Repair Rule.
The rule applies to work that disturbs surfaces potentially contaminated with lead paint. Anyone who performs work in pre-1978 homes and buildings which are occupied by children under the age of six or by a pregnant woman are required to comply. This rule affects renovation, repair and painting projects. The rule is triggered for work that disturbs six or more square feet of space on an interior wall or 20 or more square feet on an exterior wall.
The rule is scheduled to go into effect on April, 22nd 2010. Some components of the rule are in effect now. One current requirement is for property owner pre-renovation education. This has been in effect since December 2008. In single family or multi-family housing, contractors must distribute the EPA's Renovate Right to Know brochure. Then the contractor must obtain signature approval confirming that the owner has received the brochure. Then the contractor must retain this confirmation for a period of no less than three years.
Beginning April 22, 2010, the EPA's rule will be in full compliance, and all applicable renovations must be performed by firms certified by EPA trained personnel. The term used by the EPA to describe the individual is Certified Renovator. In addition, the firm must also register with the EPA to become certified. Firms must fill out an application and pay a fee to the EPA. Firms may begin to apply for certification on October 22, 2009. It is not necessary to complete the Certified Renovator course to apply. It is advisable to apply now due to the EPA's shortage of staff. They have claimed that they will process applications within 90 days subject to a first come first served basis. To become a Certified Renovator, a person must complete an EPA-approved eight-hour training course from an EPA-accredited training provider. The course includes 6 hours of class training and two hours of hands on training. Certification will be good for 5 years. For list of approved trainers use the link below.
Changes to the rule that will increase the cost of compliance
Another very significant movement in this law is the recent lawsuit brought against the EPA by The Sierra Club. The Sierra Club has successfully convinced the court that the EPA rule was not strong enough. There are two major changes from the suit that will likely amend the final rule. The exact time frame when these amendments will become effective is yet to be determined. Some are expecting the opt out rule to be added first and then the third party testing later. As soon as this is announced by EPA officials we will let you know. For now the law allows opt out in circumstances where it is allowed and in the RRP course the Certified Renovator is allowed to do their own cleaning verification. Stay tuned.
If the amendments are added here is somtheing to ponder.
1. Homeowners will not be able to opt out based on the premise that there are no children under 6 or pregnant women residing in the property to be renovated. This will be a change from the current RRP course. Currently homeowners are allowed to opt out in certain states and circumstances if they can prove that there were no children under 6 or pregnant women in the property.
2. The second part of the amendment is the final clean up after work is done will need to be tested by a third party. Currently the rule states that the Certified Renovator can inspect their own work. If this step is added there will be another line item to the cost of compliance.
Lastly, it is unknown what the cost of insurance will be to cover liability for lead compliance work. Stay tuned and we will provide information on insurance issues as they become known.