Rule changes are confusing at best so we turned to Glenn Garvey of Handyman Matters, a Certified Lead Safe Contract of explain:
Are You Renovating, Painting or Repairing a Home Built Prior to 1978?
April 22, 2010
Are you renovating, repairing, or painting a home that was built prior to 1978?
If the answer is YES, then you need to be aware that there are new Federal EPA rules that impact all contractors that you would hire to perform this work. The rules apply to any person, business or contractor who receives any type of compensation for performing renovation, repair or painting work in pre-1978 homes.
Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting:
Prior to 1978 Lead was used in some Paint and some Stains to add color, stability and durability to the surface coating. The main hazard with lead based paint is in the dust and debris created during painting, repair or renovation projects.
• Lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Lead is also harmful to adults.
• Lead based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.
• Projects that disturb lead based paint can create dust and endanger you and your family.
Starting April 22, 2010, Federal Law requires that all contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead based paint in homes, childcare facilities and schools built before 1978 be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination, which includes the following:
• Firms must be certified under the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule to conduct renovations and post renovation cleanup.
• The contractor must employ an EPA Certified Renovator that is directly responsible for each specific project, this individual acts as the Project Manager for the project to insure that Lead Safe Practices are followed by the craftsmen on the job.
• The Certified Renovator ensures that the necessary signs are posted, notifications to the residents occurs, proper containment practices are followed, proper work practices are followed, proper cleanup practices are followed, and that all mandatory paperwork and records are maintained.
Unfortunately, you can not look at the top layer of paint and determine if there is lead based paint on the wall. The rules require that a contractor perform his own test, or have a test performed by a Certified Lead Based Paint Inspector or Risk Assessor prior to starting work. If the tests indicate Lead Based Paint is present, Lead Safe Practices must be followed, if lead is not present, than normal construction practices are followed. If a homeowner does not allow a test for lead to be conducted, the contractor MUST proceed as if lead based paint is present. Your Contractor MUST TEST, or have a report from a Certified Inspector/Assessor in his possession prior to start of work. Failure to comply with the rules can result in a fine of $37,500.00 to the contractor.
There are some exclusions, and currently, some types of very small projects are excluded from the rules.
If you would like more information, you can visit the following web sites:
EPA Lead Home Page: www.epa.gov/lead
Renovate Right Brochure: www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf
You may also give us a call and we will do our best to answer your questions:
Handyman Matters
Tel: (303) 727-9600
