Are you or your firm involved with renovation, repair or painting work? If so, there is a new EPA regulation that will affect you and/or your firm if painted surfaces will be disturbed during your work.

Under the new EPA Lead, Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) rule, contractors, renovators, remodelers, painters, maintenance workers and others performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, apartments, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified. Also, firms must have at least one “Certified Renovator” assigned to jobs where leadbased paint is disturbed. There are communication, paint testing, work practice and final cleaning issues that will be new to many.

The EPA has decided to delay enforcement of the RRP Lead Safe Rule. From the NAHB: "in its decision to delay enforcement of the rule, EPA said that remodelers, electricians, heating and air conditioning technicians and other contractors must adhere to lead-safe work practices, including the use of special equipment filters and a ban on open flames, but that EPA will not take enforcement action against firms that have been unable to obtain certification until Oct. 1 of this year. Individual contractors, it said, must apply to enroll in a training class by Sept. 30 and complete that training by Dec. 31, 2010."

How do you become a “Certified Renovator”? An individual must successfully complete the Renovator Initial (8 hours) or Refresher (4 hours) course (refresher only for those currently licensed as a lead abatement supervisor/firm) conducted by an EPA or State-accredited RRP training provider. According to the rule, all firms performing or desiring to perform renovation, repair or painting work must become certified by April 22, 2010. Once training is completed, firms can obtain certification by applying to EPA or to your State if it has an EPA-authorized RRP program.