EPA Lead Based Paint RRP Program

The EPA has finally begun to enforce its Lead based paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) program that began back in 2008 but wasn't enforced until now. It requires that all contractors who's work causes a disturbance of a painted surface be certified to work with poisonous lead paint and comes with a whole laundry list of new procedures that contractors need to adhere to or face huge fines, loss of certification, license to do business and even jail. Primary affected trades are renovators, handymen, painters, demolition contractors, plumbers and electricians but all contractors may be subject in the near future. For now, it's any contractor who scrapes or punches into painted surfaces in pre 1978 homes. The deadline for certification is April 22 2010.

Contractors are only affected if they work in houses that were built before 1978 therefore new build construction personnel are not required to be certified unless additions are a part of there work.

What does this mean for the contractor?

In Houses built before 1978 the contractor will be required to test for lead using an EPA approved test. If no lead is found then the contractor has to document all tests and no other procedures need to be followed. If lead is found then the whole job is considered a hazardous site and must be treated as such. This means that until the renovation is completed and passes a final clearance test no one is permitted in the renovation site who is not a certified RRP contractor. This includes other contractors and even the home owners. All areas quartered off will be posted with warning signs and no one may enter.

The RRP contractor then must document all lead tests performed, explain to the home owner the procedure and have them sign a document stating they are aware of the problems and that they received the lead based paint pamphlet, train all non certified personnel for a minimum of 1.5 hours in lead handling and procedures and document the training. Then the work area is sealed off with heavy plastic and all non movable furniture must be cleaned and sealed in plastic with all openings and folds taped up completely. The floors in the work area also must be cleaned with a HEPA vacuum and covered with heavy plastic and sealed with tape to the floor. No authorized person may enter the site without protective clothing and an EPA approved dust mask. Before leaving the site all personnel must vacuum themselves off with a HEPA vacuum, remove the protective clothing, roll it up and leave it in the protected area. Upon returning the personnel must put on new protective clothing before reentering the site. This is, in a nut shell, some of the responsibilities that the contractor is required to take on because of the RRP program.

What will the home owner get out of RRP?

Aside from the obvious higher costs to do the renovation, the home owner can expect the assurance that they are coming home to a safe and lead free environment (pertaining to the renovated portion of the home). Good to know if there are children in the house.

Articles Prior to Lead Certification

• Lead cert NYC
• Lad certification courses New York City, NY
• Lead Certification Courses
• EPA Lead Paint Certification
• Lead paint certification
• Lead base paint certification
• Lead safety certification
• Lead certification class