Is your Contractor Certified for Lead?

If you haven't heard about the new Law going into affect on April 22nd 2010, and are making repairs to your property that was built prior to 1978 you need to know about the RRP Rule. Millan’s Restoration, Inc. is already Certified, in compliance and equipped to move forward into following the required protocols. If you are unfamiliar with this new Law please read below:

What Is the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP)?

The Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program is a federal regulatory program aimed at protecting against lead-based paint hazards associated with renovation, repairing, and painting activities. Renovation is broadly defined as any activity that disturbs painted surfaces and includes most repair, remodeling, and maintenance activities, including window replacement.

Essentially, contractors, property managers, and others who disturb painted surfaces in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be trained to use lead-safe work practices. Renovation firms must also be EPA certified.

Failure to comply with this rule could result into up to $32,500 in fines per offense per day.

Basic Rules:

1. You must be properly certified. To find a certified training provider in your area, use the EPA’s Accredited Renovation Training Program Locator.

Note: This locator only identifies trainers accredited to provide renovation, repair, and painting training in Federally administered States, Tribes, and Territories. Currently, all States, Tribes, and Territories are Federally administered, with the exception of Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Carolina which are authorized by EPA to administer their own programs.

For assistance identifying trainers in an EPA-authorized jurisdiction, such as Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Iowa, contact the National Lead Information Center at (800) 424-LEAD (5323).

2. If the home was built in 1978 or before, you must perform lead testing or assume that lead is present.

3. Homeowners must be given a copy of Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) (Also available in Spanish). Documentation that the homeowner received this booklet must be signed and kept on file for a minimum of 3 years.

4. Records that all lead-safe work practices must be kept for a minimum of three years. Sample Recordkeeping Checklist (PDF)

5. During remediation, lead-safe practices must be followed.

For more information, see the EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (PDF) (Also available in Spanish) and Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting (PDF) (Also available in Spanish).

6. After remediation is completed, the work area must be completely cleaned. For cleaning guides and inspection rules, please read EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (PDF) (Also available in Spanish).

7. Documentation of cleaning must be kept for 3 years

Where Can I Get More Information?

Further information is available from the National Lead Information Center (800-424-LEAD) and on the Internet at www.epa.gov/lead.