EPA Requires Lead-based Paint Certification for Contrators
Starting April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that may potentialy disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. If you own a pre-1978 home, examples of renovation, repair and painting projects might include:
- installing new windows;
- replacing painted wood exteriors with siding;
- repairing/replacing existing siding that was installed over historical wood exteriors; or
- any interior renovations that require removal of walls that are known to be covered or may potentially be covered with lead-based paint.
What does this mean?
- Contractors must successfully complete an EPA-accredited training course. EPA's website indicates that only WI, IA and NC have currently been authorized to implement their own certification programs.
- Contractors must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
- An informational pamphlet must be provided to all homeowners prior to any beginning work.
EPA also has several informational packages available on their website that provide guidance on setting up construction contracts for renovation/repair/repainting jobs and what work practices should be implemented by the contractor.
If the home, child care facility, or school was built before 1978 and the lead paint content is not known, the renovation/repair/painting project can continue but must be conducted as if lead-based paint has been confirmed. That means there will likely be additional time/cost associated with implementing the lead safe practices for these jobs. Alternatively, the homeoner/property manager can contract to have the home, child care facility or school tested to determine if lead-based paint is present. EPA is currently evaluating possible self-test kits that may be used by homeowners.
Homeowners who opt to complete the renovation/repair/painting work themselves are excluded from these contractor certification and safe practices requirements. However, municipal waste disposal facilities may impose disposal restrictions on construction debris and there may be longer term issues for future sale of the home.
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