EPA's new "Lead Rule" took effect on April 22, requiring contractors, property managers and others paid to renovate structures built before 1978 to be certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The rule could have a significant impact on dealers with installed sales operations and their contractor customers.
Requirements for Renovation Contractors - Certification and Training Requirements
Company Certification: All firms performing renovation, repair or painting work on homes constructed prior to 1978 must become certified by the EPA. This can be accomplished by applying to EPA or to the State, if it has an EPA-authorized renovation program, and paying a fee. Six states have been authorized by EPA to run their own program (Kansas, Rhode Island, Mississippi, North Carolina, Iowa and Wisconsin).
Individual Certification: In addition, firms must have one or more "Certified Renovators" assigned to jobs where lead-based paint is disturbed. To become certified, a renovator must successfully complete an EPA or State-approved training course conducted by an EPA or State-accredited training provider.
Training: All renovation workers must be trained. Renovation workers can be trained on-the-job by a Certified Renovator to use lead safe work practices, or they can become Certified Renovators themselves.
"Opt-out" Provision Removed
On April 23, EPA announced it is eliminating the "opt out" provision in the 2008 Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. Renovation firms will no longer be exempted from the training and work safe practice requirements of the RRP rule by obtaining certification from the owner of a pre-1978 residence that no child age 6 or younger or pregnant woman resides in the home. The rule removing the opt-out provision may be found here. View the full EPA Press Announcement here.
Firms Engaged in Renovation Work
Dealers and contractors engaged in renovation work on homes constructed prior to 1978 that are not yet certified and do not have certified renovators are encouraged to start the process for securing both as soon as possible. Certification of firms currently takes EPA six weeks or more to process and approve.
Firm Certification/Renovator Training Information
Firms/contractors seeking certification please click here for more information.
Firms/contractors seeking Certified Renovator training please click here for a searchable database of EPA-approved trainers.
Please click here to view the full EPA brochure, "Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting." You may contact the NRLA for a free hard copy of the brochure.
To visit EPA's LRRP website, click here.
Training Information
National Center for Healthy Housing Calendar of Training Courses
Connecticut
Home Builders Association of Connecticut: http://www.hbact.org
Maine
NRLA/RLDAM General information session: Overview with Robert Clark on May 14
Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Maine: http://www.hbrame.org
Massachusetts
Home Builders Association of Massachusetts: http://hbama.com/archives/339
New Hampshire
Home Builders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire: http://www.hbranh.com/index/index
New York
New York State Builders Association: http://www.nysba.com/newsite/index.php?q=node/362
Environmental Education Associates (Classes in Western NY, Rochester, and Buffalo): http://www.environmentaleducation.com/CourseDates.php?t=Lead&CID=1823
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Builders Association: http://ribuilders.org/events/
Vermont
Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern Vermont: http://www.vtbuilders.com
Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Southern Vermont: http://www.cvthomebuilders.com