The eagerly awaited EPA clearance rule announcement was made on Friday afternoon. The document is 113 pages long. Here are some of the highlights;

1. Dust wipe testing and clearance requirements are not required. The clearance verification process taught in the RRP course stays.

2. Exterior work; Vertical containment must be used when affected surfaces are within 10 feet of the property line. The containement can be set up as close as possible to the disturbed surface so long as all debris are contained in the work area. For example vertical containment can be set up 5 feet from the disturbed surface.

Interior work; Vertical containment from floor to ceiling. Certified Renovators do not have to place the minimum 6 feet of plastic on interior floors. The vertical containment can be set up as close as possible to the disturbed surface so long as all debris are contained in the work area. For example vertical containment can be set up 3 feet from the disturbed surface.

3. Certified Renovators are allowed to collect a paint chip sample and send it to a recognized laboratory for analysis in lieu of using a test kit.

4. Training Provider Records to be kep on file for five years.

5. Minimum penalty for states and Tribal programs of $5,000.

6. Hepa vacuums EPA has decided to promulgate the requirement that HEPA vacuums be operated in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, but not the requirement that compliant vacuums be rated at a MERV value of 17 or higher.

To learn more just click the document link above to read all 113 pages.

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