Final Lead Paint Class Set Before Rule Goes Into Effect
Posted
Staff Report-
The Environmental Protection Agency's new lead paint rule will affect builders, remodelers, property managers and subcontractors.
This requirement, effective April 22, requires all contractors to be EPA certified and to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination when working in homes and housing units, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.
These new rules were created in order to prevent dangerous lead paint exposure, which can affect children's brains and nervous systems, can cause high blood pressure in adults, and in rare cases may even be fatal.
Any activity that disturbs painted surfaces greater than 6 square feet per room inside or more than 20 square feet on the exterior of the home or building fall under this regulation.
Activities include most repair, remodeling, and maintenance activities - including window replacement and building demolition. Specific examples of activities include electrical work, plumbing, painting, carpentry and window replacement, among others.
There are additional requirements for signage, recordkeeping and record retention. The RRP Rule and specific requirements are posted on the EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/lead
The EPA estimates 200,000 or more contractors will require certification training.
The Builders Association of Kosciusko and Fulton Counties will provide EPA certified training April 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help local contractors meet the certification requirement. Contact the Builders Association at 574-267-6125 or www.bakfc.com for more information or to enroll in the certified lead renovator training seminar.
Cost for BAKFC members is $225 and $325 for nonmembers. The training will be held at the Builders Association office, 313 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw. Enrollment is limited.
EPA has the right to inspect work sites, review records and reports and respond to complaints.
Enforcement action against a company that fails to comply with the RRP Rule could result in fines as high as $32,500 per violation, per day.
The Builders Association of Kosciusko and Fulton Counties serves, advances and protects the welfare of the building industry through customer quality assurance, education of its members, and contributions to the community. Membership consists of 176 builder and associate members.
