New EPA rules on lead-based paint requires certification and training by April 22

April 19, 2010 - PRLog -- A new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation goes into effect April 22, 2010, aimed at limiting the risk of lead poisoning during renovations to older buildings.

The federal Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule will affect hundreds of thousands of businesses including contractors, painters, and even neighborhood handymen.  Failure to comply could be expensive – up to $37,500 in fines.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti, says the new law protects renovators and their clients.

“The dangers of lead-based paint toxicity have been known for decades. The Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule is a significant step forward in protecting the public.”

Renovators who ignore the law risk not only fines, but losing clients and potentially endangering the health of children who live in buildings where lead-based paint is being removed.

Those affected by the rule will be required to:
•Apply to EPA to be approved as a Certified Renovation Firm and receive the necessary training and certification from an EPA-accredited training provider for Lead Safe Work Practices.
•Assign a Certified Renovator to be present at each project and ensure that lead safe work practices are used throughout the project.
•Provide consumers or tenants with the EPA pamphlet “Renovate Right” prior to the start of each project and maintain records documenting that the required information has been provided at each project subject to the rule.

Who must become certified?
The rule covers any person or firm that performs renovations for compensation. This includes contractors, home renovation companies, window replacement contractors as well as plumbers, electricians, painters, maintenance workers and landlords who perform repairs and renovations themselves.

What types of buildings does the rule apply to?
Any residential property built before 1978.  The rule also applies to any public building or commercial building built before 1978 where children under the age of six are present, or could potentially be present, on a regular basis.  This includes, but is not limited to child care centers, schools and hospitals.

What type of work does this rule apply to?
Any modification made to applicable structures that disturb six square feet or more of interior painted surface per room as well as exterior work that disturbs over 20 square feet of painted surface.

How do I become certified?
Businesses and individuals seeking to become certified and trained can find more information on the process and a list of accredited trainers at: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm#contractors.

In addition to the requirement that a firm become certified, at least one person at each applicable worksite must be an “Individual Certified Renovator.”

A list of EPA accredited Certified Renovator trainers can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/trainingproviders.htm.

How long does certification take?
EPA estimates that more than 200,000 contractors will apply for the new certification and applications are processed in the order that they are received.

EPA has 90 days from the receipt of an application to approve or deny application for a firm’s certification.

Individuals can become certified after completing the 8-hour accredited renovator training course and no formal application to EPA is required.
For more information visit: www.epa.gov/lead or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323.

BBB has advice and tips for small business owners on hundreds of topics at http://www.bbb.org/us/Business-Resources/.

# # #

Founded in 1928, Connecticut BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.