EPA Lead Regulations FAQ
3.19.2010

Who needs to be an EPA Certified Renovator?

• Anyone responsible for maintenance in dwellings built before 1978.
  
• Persons or companies who disturb painted surfaces totaling of 6sq.ft. or more (this includes but is not limited to interior and exterior walls, windows, baseboards, molding, gutters etc.)
  
• All persons or companies that perform services for compensation – including maintenance personnel, property owners and contractors.

What do I have to do to be compliant with the RRP?

• Attend the 8 hour EPA Renovator Certification Course and pass the written tests.
  Use approve lead-safety practices in all work in pre-1978 dwellings.

Where can I become certified?

• AAMD offers the EPA Renovator Certification Course at tour office in Cherry Creek. Contact me at wendy@aamdhq.org for information on other locations.

When does the law go into effect?

• Work completed in pre-1978 buildings on and after April 22, 2009, must be performed by or under the supervision of an EPA Certified Renovator.

Why should I be concerned about this law and lead?

• A $37,500, per incident, civil penalty for failure to comply and a $37,500, per incident, criminal penalty; plus potential imprisonment for willfully or wantonly ignoring the requirements can be invoked.
  
• Babies and young children living in pre-1978 homes are at the most risk of ingesting lead from paint chipping off walls or the dust that becomes airborne and lands on the ground when walls are cut into.

What types of companies need to become a “Certified Firm”?

• Companies or persons performing renovations, repairs or painting in pre-1978 dwellings needs certified employees and must apply for a firm certification to conduct lead-based paint activities and renovations. This includes but is not limited to Management Companies, Property Owners or Contractors for Remodeling and Repair/Maintenance; Painting; Plumbing; Electrical work; Carpentry; Window Replacement; Flooring.

Do all of my employees need to be certified Renovators?

• No. It is necessary to have a Certified Renovator test the site for lead before work begins and maintain the records of compliance. The Certified Renovator can then train others to perform the work following the safety practices. The Certified Renovator must be the job site, or available, during the job, however, to make sure that all safety precautions are being met.

Is this going to cost more money?

• Yes. The cost of training ($200 to $350 per person) plus certifying your firm ($300) plus additional materials and time will cost you more money, however, this is significantly less that the $37,500 fine per incident if you do not comply.

Where can I find more information about Lead-Based Paint and the EPA’s RRP rule?

• The EPA’s web site http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm has all the information that you might need and more.
  
• The EPA has many brochures to help answer questions that you can find on their web site or email me at wendy@aamdhq.org and I will forward the PDF documents to you.

« back to archive