Pushing forward with the industry compliance rule, regarding LEAD based paint (RRP Rule), the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) April 22 issued a mandatory regulation that all contractors working in homes built before 1978 must be certified in LEAD safe practices.
The rules state that anyone working, renovating or repairing or painting, for compensation on homes built before 1978 is subject to the new (RRP Rule).
The National Assocaition of home builders (NAHB) asked for a formal delay in passing the new regulation, RRP Rule. The new RRP Rule will govern the work of more than 125,000 renovation and remodeling contractors.
The EPA is currently seeking a new regulation that would make the RRP Rule manditory for all home built prior to 1978.
The current debate comes from the NAHB, who claim that contractors and remodelers are working hard at becoming certified, but have had a difficult time due to the lack of EPA certified instructor courses.
Over 30 years of effort have gone in to the prevention of childhood lead poisoning. These steps taken by contractors to protect and minimize the exposures to lead paint.
"to ensure contractors were following such procedures, the EPA finalized the lead Renovation, Repair, Painting Rule (LRRP) rule in 2008. The rule requires contractors to become trained and certified as lead-safe by EPA." the agency statement said.
Individuals will have to take an 8 hour class offered from a private provider to become certified as a lead renovator.
The NAHB petitioned for these four reasons:
1. Lack of EPA accredited trainers
2. Not enough certified firms
3. Not enough certified renovators
4. Inaccurate Test kits
Source: Indoor Environment Connections, Volume 11 May 2010, Page 1-7
Mold Inspection & Testing
