As of April 22nd, the EPA established requirements to protect children during renovation, repair and painting activities that Disturb Lead-Based Paint.
The new EPA rules are aimed at protecting children from lead-based paint hazards in places they frequent. The rule applies to renovators (e.g. painting contractors, carpenters, drywall installers, and even plumbers & electricians) and maintenance professionals that work in any residential housing including apartments, condos and coops child-care facilities and schools built prior to 1978. *
The new EPA rules require:
- Contractors and maintenance professionals be certified (at least one worker per job)
- Employees be trained in required “lead-safe” work practices
- Contractors and maintenance professionals must follow protective work practice and testing standards.
- Providers of renovation training must be accredited
- Communications
Some of the required work practices include:
- Posting warning signs
- Restricting occupants from work areas
- Containing work areas to prevent dust and debris from spreading
- Conducting a thorough cleanup
- Verification that cleanup was effective
These rules apply to renovation, repair or painting activities. It does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities affecting less than six square feet of lead-based paint in a room or less than 20 square feet of lead-based paint on the exterior. The rules and additional information can be accessed at www.epa.gov/lead.
How does a firm become certified?
Firms that perform renovations for compensation will complete training classes and apply to EPA or a state that has an approved program for certification to perform renovations. Firms will have to apply for re-certification every five years.
Where can I get more information?
For general information contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. Information is also available at www.epa.gov/lead. For technical information regarding this rule, contact Mike Wilson at (202) 566-0521 or by e-mail at wilson.mike@epa.gov.
What should I do?
Along with compliance of the new regulations, contractors may want to consider pollution insurance. Contractors pollution liability insurance is the only way to cover the gap found in standard general liability policies, which exclude liability associated with lead paint.
For more information or to get a premium indication for contractors pollution liability, contact TGA today.