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.

Again, this week I received numerous calls from contractors on how someone can report RRP violations to the EPA. The recent willingness of contractors seeking avenues to report violators is gaining momentum. Compliant contractors throughout New England and New York are frustrated with the lack of enforcement on non-compliant companies. They tell us that many consumers are opting for companies from the underground contracting.

Last week at the Baltimore Remodeling Show I attended the keynote address presented by Remodeling Industry Expert,  Shawn McCadden. He shared his thoughts and insights about the future of the remodeling industry.

At a recent safety workshop held in Waltham, Mass on 9/17/2010 it was learned that the EPA, DOS and OSHA are going to work together to insure companies comply with regulations of both RRP and OSHA. It was reported that if an EPA or DOS RRP inspector discovers OSHA violations that they would report it to the local OSHA office. Conversely OSHA will do the same reciprocally.

RRP Implementation Workshops For Contractors

We recently added a new page to our website called RRP Forms and Resources. The page includes RRP Forms, Lead Check video on how to use the test swabs, RRP supplies and equipment, links and more.

A contractor recently inquired about our RRP training services and the quality of our trainers. After a lengthy inquisition he said "training should be just like lead paint, it should stick for a long time"

This afternoon the MASS DOS posted, Comparison of EPA and DOS RRP Rule Requirements. This post itemizes many of the differences between the EPA RRP Rule and the Mass Lead Rule. One huge difference is the Mass requirement that contractors (with employees)must document that a medical monitoring/respirator protection program is in place. Patricia Sutliffe of the DOS said that this is an OSHA program that has alway been required but has not been widely enforced. She added that bringing this OSHA requirement to the forefront, will aid employers in their efforts to comply with both RRP and OSHA practices and protect the health of employees.

As we begin to understand the full impact of the Mass RRP Lead law contractors will soon be faced with the decision to develop and implement Worker Protection and Medical Monitoring Requirements. In section 22.09 of the Mass RRP Law 454 CMR 22.00, OSHA standards are described. This clause calls for the medical monitoring for employees on lead projects that generate 50 micrograms of lead dust exposure over an eight hour period. Other clauses describe the need for respirator fitting, medical examinations to determine lung capacity, blood testing, air monitoring, protective clothing and more.