EPA’s Lead Paint Rule: What Remodelers Need to Know
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new Lead Paint Rule governing the work of professional remodelers in homes where there is lead-based paint will take effect in April. The rule addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six square feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978.
In summary, the new rule has provisions covering:
- Mandatory Training and Certification: Beginning in April, firms working in pre-1978 homes will need to be certified.
- Work Practices: The new rule has provisions governing the responsibilities of the “Certified Renovator”, including the placement of warning signs, supervising the containment procedures for both interior and exterior jobs, and the rules governing the cleaning and waste removal procedures.
- Verification and Record Keeping: After cleanup is complete, the Certified Renovator must verify that the cleaning has met specified parameters and maintain a complete set of records on each project for no less than three years.
Exemptions
It should be noted that the work practices cited above may be waived under the following conditions:
- The dwelling was constructed after 1978.
- The repairs are minor, with interior work disturbing less than six square feet or exteriors disturbing less than 20 square feet being exempt.
- The homeowner may also opt out by signing a waiver if there are no children under age six frequently visiting the property, no one in the home is pregnant, or the property is not a child-occupied facility.
- If the house or components test lead free by a Certified Risk Assessor, Lead Inspector or Certified Renovator.
The NAHB and EPA websites discussing this new rule in detail can be found here.
