Important Information! As of April 22, 2010, federal law requires that:
• Renovation firms be certified under EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
• Individuals be trained in lead-safe work practices
• Training providers be accredited by EPA.
• Contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:
• Contain the work area.
• Minimize dust.
• Clean up thoroughly. EPA Requirements
Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. To protect against this risk, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under this new rule, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
EPA requires that firms performing these projects provide their EPA certification to verify that they have been trained/have the staff that has been trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Although hiring a certified service provider may add 20-25% more fees to your bill, it will provide you with the comfort that you will not receive the hefty fine of ‘several thousand dollars per day’ of project timeframe.
