The EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) Regulation (40 CRF 745 Subpart E) went into effect on April 22, 2010. The new regulation established training requirements, work methods requirements and record keeping requirements for contractors working on residential and child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978 containing lead-based paint. Companies conducting work on target housing or child-occupied facilities are required to become certified firms through the EPA or through states with their own LRRP programs. Certified firms are required to have a certified renovator assigned to each job. Contractors can become certified renovators through an 8-hour EPA or state approved training course. States with their own programs currently include: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. Any contractor working in these states should take a training course approved by the EPA as well as the state agency overseeing the LRRP Program.
The purpose of the LRRP regulation is to protect the public from lead-based paint hazards associated with renovation, repair and painting activities. Lead-based paint was used in more than 34 million homes before it was banned for residential use in 1978. During renovation projects, lead dust can be created and even small renovation jobs can create enough lead dust to endanger occupants. Children six and under are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning and long lasting effects of lead poisoning including reduced IQ, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. The only way to accurately diagnose lead poisoning is through blood testing for lead levels.
If you’re not Lead-Safe Certified, disturbing just six square feet could cost you BIG TIME!
Classes for certified renovators started being offered in late 2009 by training providers throughout the country. The program requires that all certified renovators take a refresher class within five years following the initial 8-hour course. With the majority of classes being taught during the end of the 2009 and through the middle of 2010, thousands of contractors will need to enroll in refresher classes and renew their registration in the coming months to stay in compliance. If it has been more than 5 years since their initial training, a contractor’s certification becomes invalid and they must retake the initial course in order to be in compliance with their state or the EPA. For more information about the LRRP regulation, visit the EPA Website or call their lead hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).