Before you know it April 22, 2010 will be here and any contracting company who works on homes built prior to 1978 will be required to be a certified renovator under the EPA Lead Rule. This rule effects remodelers, painters, plumbers, electricians and any trade that may disturb 6 square feet of areas covered with lead paint. Currently there are not enough trainers certified by the EPA. It is estimated that there are 236,000 contractors who need to be trained by April 2010! And currently there are only 4 certified providers in the entire USA! Do you think it is possible that everyone will be trained in time? Stay tuned for more information on available training providers. Hopefully contractors will be able to get training in there local market in time to avoid the stiff penalties that the EPA can impose. Penalties stated in their rule are up to $32,500 per violation, per day.

I am attaching a post from the professional remodelers organization site on this subject. (http://remodelerscouncil.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/epa-releases-initial-list-of-lead-paint-trainers/)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released its initial list of four EPA-accredited training organizations that will provide required training for remodelers and renovators under the EPA's Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule governing the work of professional remodelers in homes where there is lead-based paint. (One of which is in Seattle YEAH!!)

The EPA is also reviewing additional applications for training providers that prepare remodelers for implementation of the rule and certification.

To view the current list, visit www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/trainingproviders.htm.

The rule, which will take effect on April 22, 2010, addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six square feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that are inhabited or frequented by pregnant women and children under the age of six.

When the rule takes effect, firms working in pre-1978 homes will need to be certified by the EPA and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. The fee for a firm's certification is $300.

Along with the firm certification, the rule specifies that, for work done in pre-1978 homes, an employee will also need to be certified as a certified renovator and be responsible for training other employees and oversee work practices and cleaning on the job.

The training will be conducted during an eight-hour class and include two hours of hands-on training.

The certification of a firm and a certified renovator will be valid for five years. A certified renovator will be required to take a four-hour refresher course to be recertified under the rule.

mark the coach