This serves as a reminder to everyone about the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that deals with lead-based paint. Lem Marshall addressed FAAR members on March 15th about the rule change, which goes into effect on April 22, 2010. Two years ago, EPA issued a rule requiring any firms or individuals that perform work in buildings where construction may disturb lead-based paint to become certified in best practices. The rule becomes effective next Thursday and any firm or individual performing renovation, repair, and painting projects in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified, individual renovators must be trained by an EPA-accredited training provider, and the firms and renovators must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
This new rule could impact both residential and commercial property owners, property managers, and prospective home buyers who intend to do renovations to an older dwelling. If you are discussing the possibility of renovating an older home or apartment building with clients, make sure they know that any contractor must be EPA certified and if they intend to do the work themselves, the individual must obtain an EPA certification. This only applies to structures constructed prior to 1978 and would not impact newer homes at all.
EPA has certified 190 training providers to date. Fees for the class are set by the individual providers, not by EPA. Training providers report that nearly 5,000 classes have been held across the country with another 1,000 planned for the near future. The EPA estimates that by the time the rule is implemented, 125,000 renovators will have been certified. To directly access the EPA Lead-Safe Certification program, click here.
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