EPA Lead Certification

Comply with the new EPA lead certification requirements or you could lose work...AND FACE FINES OF $38,892 PER DAY!

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) RRP Rule For Lead Paint Renovations

The EPA has ruled that contractors, painters, landlords, or anyone who performs renovation, repairs, or painting (RRP) work for hire on target housing or child-occupied facilities must train and be certified in lead-safe work practices before renovating certain projects. These EPA rules took effect on April 22, 2010. Not sure if your work falls under the RRP rule or if it classifies as lead abatement? View our simple breakdown of lead-based paint activities and the required certifications.

There are 2 steps to comply with the RRP Rule:

1. Get registered for an EPA or State-approved Lead Renovator Certification course
2. Submit an application to EPA or Authorized State on behalf of your company.

The EPA lead certification and licensing requirement went into effect on April 22, 2010 and you want to be sure that you're lead safety certified. Failure to comply with EPA certification requirements WILL result in fines of up to $38,892 per violation on a qualifying project.

Zack Academy is an accredited EPA Training Provider and works with the largest network of accredited trainers in the US to offer the EPA lead certification, conducting initial and refresher training to comply with the lead renovation repair and painting program, certifying renovators to perform lead-safe work.

Visit epa.gov for full details on the new EPA renovator rules for lead safety certification and licensing.

A Primer On Lead Paint and Safety

Lead paint poisoning is often considered an issue that was eradicated years ago. However, recent studies on child lead levels have shown that despite increased efforts by contractors to follow lead safe practices, children residing in homes under renovation are 30% more likely to have an unsafe level of lead in their blood than those in homes that were not under renovation due to resulting lead dust and paint chips. Even basic renovation or repair work being performed by contractors including plumbers, electricians, and window replacement specialists can lead to invisible, harmful dust from disturbing lead paint.

To work towards completely eliminating the hazardous effects lead poisoning can have, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new certification required for all contractors, renovators, and painters who work in pre-1978 homes and/or child-occupied facilities. For EPA lead certification, companies must register and pay a fee with EPA, and individuals must take a one-day lead safety training course approved by the EPA to become a certified renovator. The EPA lead certification is good for five years.

The Lead Based Paint Renovation Repair and Painting Program (RRP) involves pre-renovation and work practice requirements in addition to the firm and individual certification. Contractors, property managers, and other renovation workers must distribute a lead pamphlet from the EPA describing the hazards of lead before starting renovation work. The required EPA pamphlet is titled Lead Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right, and the EPA mandates that the renovation contractor or worker must keep record of the tenant or owner's receipt of the pamphlet.

During renovation, lead-safe work practices must be followed, including work-area containment to prevent lead paint dust and debris, and minimizing exposure to lead paint hazards by thoroughly cleaning the site after project completion. These lead safe steps must be verified by an individual who has received the EPA individual renovator certification.

Even if you are currently not working on any projects that would fall under the new EPA requirements, it's better to get the training completed and not risk having to turn down any work because you are not yet in EPA compliance. For any questions at all on these new EPA requirements or to determine if these EPA-approved courses are right for you, please call us in the office at 646-564-3546 and we will be glad to help!