We are announcing another EPA RRP Training for contractors and trades on 6/17/2011 in Riverhead, New York.

Announcing a new EPA RRP Training date for Mineola, New York on 6/16/2011. We are training for National Center for Healthy Homes. We just had another successful training in Riverhead last week.  

Contractors report that finding shroud attachments for hand powered tools is challenging. Most lumberyards and big box stores have not caught up yet with supplying their contractor clients with the supplies they need for RRP work. Many complain that they cannot find tools with shrouds for drilling and drywall cutting. We hear the same from contractors in our RRP Implementation Workshops. Here are links to manufacturers' that will save you some time searching for shrouds.

We are fast approaching the date of our next RRP Implementation Workshop on 5/19/2011 in Marlborough, Mass.

OSHA's new fall protection directive requiring contractors to have a written fall protection plan in place is 6/16/2011.

Recently Eastern Mass NARI was asked to assist the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations to help educate Mass contractors about the Home Improvement Law. NARI is an organization of contractors and suppliers in the residential construction industry committed to contractor and homeowner education. OCABR is looking to level the playing field by educating contractors to be compliant with the Mass Home Improvement Law as well as educate consumers on the importance of hiring legal contractors.

In February, Mass DOS promised RRP enforcement of state contractors would increase in the spring.  I informed the DOS officials at the meeting that contractors who stepped up to the plate to be RRP compliant were concerned about a level playing field. Manager Ernie Kelly said contractors who do not take us seriously will be surprised as soon as the winter breaks.

RRP Containment Expert, Chris Zorzy will be joining our RRP Workshop Team on 5/19/2011 in Marlborough, Ma. Chris is an outstanding teacher, showing contractors how to tackle real world challenges setting up RRP containment inside and out. He is a 25 plus year contractor who knows the challenges we face everyday working with employees, subs and homeowners.

RRP enforcement of contractors by Mass DOS is on the rise. We learned that the DOS has visited over 100 job sites so far this spring.  They are going into the neighborhoods looking for RRP compliance.

Maybe now is the time to consider a contractor coach?