EPA’s - RENOVATION, REPAIR & PAINTING RULE

The EPA has issued a new rule aimed at protecting children from lead-based paint hazards. The rule applies to renovators and maintenance professionals that work in housing, child-care facilities and schools built prior to 1978. The rule, Renovation, Repair and Painting requires that contractors and maintenance professionals be certified; that their employees be trained and that they follow protective work practice standards. These standards prohibit certain dangerous practices, such as open flame burning or torching of lead-based paint. The required work practices also include posting warning signs, restricting occupants from work areas, containing work areas to prevent spreading dust and debris, conducting a thorough cleanup, and verifying that cleanup was effective. The rule will be fully effective by April 22, 2010.

This rule is one component of a comprehensive program that will also include an education and outreach campaign to promote lead-safe work practices. While the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lead-based paint for residential use in 1978, almost 38 million U.S. homes still contain some lead-based paint, with two-thirds of the houses built before 1960 containing lead-based paint. Renovation activities that disturb lead-based paint can create lead hazards that permanently harm children under 6 years old. The rule and additional information can be accessed atwww.epa.gov/lead.

What is covered by the rule?

The rule applies to paid contractors working in pre-1978 housing, child care facilities and schools with lead-based paint. This includes home improvement contractors, maintenance workers in multi-family housing, painters and other specialty trades. Covered facilities include residential, public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis, as well as all rental housing. The rule applies to renovation, repair or painting activities, but it does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities affecting less than six square feet of lead-based paint in a room or less than 20 square feet of lead-based paint on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.

How do firms and individuals become certified?

Firms that perform renovations for compensation will apply to the EPA or a state program that is EPA approved. Firms will have to apply for re-certification every five years.

To maintain certification, a person must complete an accredited refresher course every five years.

What in NOT covered by the rule?

The rule does not apply to:

Minor repair and maintenance activities that disrupt six square feet or less of painted surface per room for interior projects, and twenty square feet or less of painted surface for exterior projects;

Renovations where it is determined the renovation will not involve lead-based paint. The determination that the components affected by the renovation are free of lead-based paint can be made by a certified inspector or risk assessor, or by a certified renovator, using an EPA recognized test kit, and/or

Owner-occupied housing where the owner is performing his/her own renovation work.

When is this rule effective?

The training, certification, and work practice standards will become effective as follows:

Firms may apply for certification beginning October 22, 2009 and must be certified by April 22, 2010

After April 22, 2010, all renovations must be performed by certified firms in accordance with the work practice standards and associated record keeping requirements.

As of August 14, 2009, Leadtec Services has been approved/accredited by the EPA to provide this new 1-day course entitled:  "Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair, and Painting." This course is now part of our regularly scheduled classes.

Class sizes are limited - register today!