In a recent EPA RRP Training class at morning break, I witnessed something I hadn't seen all year. We had just completed module 1 and 2 of the Certified Renovator class. I went outside to get some fresh air and return a phone call. After my call, a contractor standing near by was speaking passionately on the phone. He was speaking to his wife about what he had just learned about the effects of lead poisoning on children and how it can be brought home on clothing. He voice was full of concern as he asked his wife to call their pediatrician right away to schedule a blood lead test for his two children.

Since January, we have held over 80 EPA RRP training for contractors. I have kept a journal of real life stories from contractors who have personal experiences with lead poisoning. I am going to share some of these real life stories over the coming months. My hope is that you will be able to relate with real life stories from residential contractors dealing with lead poisoning.

There are few resources available today for contractors seeking factual information about the EPA RRP Lead Rule. One can go to the EPA or states websites and scour through all the documents and still not find what they were looking for. Many have shared with us they are more confused after taking a such a stroll. Some rely on the internet and trade organizations only to find that there are many conflicting view points and opinions.

On 10/20/2010 our RRP Contractor Workshop team will be joined by OSHA expert Darcy Cook, President of Safety Trainers. The new Massachusetts Lead RRP Law requires contractors to be compliant with the OSHA Lead Standard. This includes respiratory programs, fit testing, medical monitoring and worker protection programs. Darcy will be working with The Contractor Coaching Partnership to help Massachusetts contractors with OSHA/RRP compliance.

Five months have passed since the EPA RRP Lead Law went into effect on April 22nd, 2010. To date almost 500,000 contractors have been trained to become Certified Renovators. The 6/18/2010 extension has come and ended.

The June 18th EPA RRP Enforcement  extension date came to a close on Thursday, 9/30/2010. As you may recall, the EPA determined in June, that it was necessary to allow contractors, property owners and maintenance workers more time to obtain RRP training and certification. Reasons given were lack of accredited trainers, awareness and available classes. The extension called for the EPA to forgo enforcement of the firm certification until 9/30/2010. In addition, the extension stated that contractors must prove that they have signed up for RRP training by 9/30/2010 and that training must be completed on or before 12/31/2010.

A few months ago I met Frank Dusek in Southampton, New York at our EPA RRP Certified Renovator training. After the training he told me he is going to use his RRP training to differentiate himself from other contractors on Long Island. Frank called me several times for guidance on how to approach an exterior renovation job. The soffit and fascia were rotted. The trim was up high over a lower roof. The dormers protruded from the mansard slope covered with slate.

While at the Mass DOS/OSHA Workshop at UMass we were told about the enforcement efforts currently underway in Mass. DOS is going out into the field and catching contractors not following the RRP Lead Rule. OSHA inpsectors are instructed to stop by any job they see with violations. 

Yesterday Shawn McCadden and I attended a workshop presented by Mass. Depart. of Safety and OSHA at the U Mass. The presenters covered OSHA regulations that need to be considered in order to be compliant with RRP lead safe practices. It was very obvious that these agencies will be working closely with each other. Here are  highlights from the workshop; (the post is long, yet contains important details about RRP and OSHA in Mass)

We are constantly hearing complaints from contractors about RRP and losing work to the underground economy. Unfortunately, some would rather just complain and not do anything about it. We all know that government has a history of passing regulations without enough resources for enforcement. This is clearly evident with RRP. This year we have witnessed the lack of awareness by contractors and consumers due to a sub-par advertising campaign. The EPA has acknowledged that they need to improve their efforts in this area and I know personnally that they are doing more now in New England than earlier in the year. I agree it is not enough, however whether we like it or not, it is what it is. They need help to create a level playing field.