Lead paint poisoning affects over one million children today according to the Environmental Protection Agency.  “Adverse health effects include learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and speech delays. If not done in a lead-safe manner, renovations and repair activities that disturb lead-based paint can expose children, as well as adults, to harmful levels of lead dust.” Simply said, it can cause exposure to lead and result in serious health consequences, especially for young children.

Because of the potential harmful levels of lead dust the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe work practices aimed at preventing lead poisoning in children. The new federal Lead-Based Renovation, Repair and Painting requirements may be applicable to you as a Contractor! Failure to comply with the new requirements is a violation of the law. Further, penalties are significant. Those firms found to be non-compliant may be liable for civil penalties of up to $32,000 per violation.

The bottom line, the EPA Certified Renovator certification is a national requirement as of April 22, 2010 for anyone renovating, repairing and/or painting a pre-1978 home or child-occupied facility. –http://MakeMeAContractor.com

As a result Contractors must obtain the EPA Certified Renovator certification under Section 402 or TSCA. The EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Certification course teaches the participant how to comply with the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and the HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule. Additionally, the certification will teach Contractors how to perform lead-safe work practices safely and effectively. A successful completion of this course designates the participant an EPA Certified Renovator and therefore compliancy with the law.  Only an EPA approved vendor such as Contractors State License Services must provide lead-safe construction education programs.

Who should be concerned– All General Contractors, Renovation Contractors, Property Manager, Painters, Plumbers, Carpenters, and Electricians.