New Lead Based Paint Rule
Effective April 22, 2010, a new rule regarding lead based paint goes into effect. This new regulation, issued by the EPA, deals with lead-safe work practices and contractors who work in buildings with lead based paint.
The new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule pertains to anyone who receives compensation for working in residences built prior to 1978 and deals with any other the painted surfaces in the residence.
Per the EPA website:
The requirements under the rule apply to maintenance, renovation or repair activities where six square feet (about the size of a poster) or more of a painted surface is disturbed inside, or where 20 square feet or more of painted surface (about the size of a door) is disturbed on the exterior. Window replacement is also covered by the rule. Under the new rule, child-occupied facilities are defined as public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis. Those affected by the rule will be required to:
- Apply to EPA to be approved as a Certified Renovation Firm.
- Receive the necessary training and certification from an EPA-accredited training provider for Lead Safe Work Practices.
- Assign a Certified Renovator to be present at each project
- Ensure that lead safe work practices are used throughout the project.
- Provide consumers or tenants with the EPA pamphlet “Renovate Right” prior to the start of any project that will disturb six or more square feet of interior painted surface or 20 or more square feet of exterior painted surfaces in housing and child occupied facilities built before 1978.
- Maintain records documenting that the required information has been provided at each project subject to the rule.
