Washington, DC – Responding to concerns raised by the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and several members of Congress, and the US Environmental Protection Agency announced June 18, 2010 that is was delaying enforcement of its Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP), which became effective April 22, 2010.

EPA has acknowledged the need for additional time for renovation firms and workers to receive training and certification under the RRP rule. The new deadline for lead safe work practices to be enforced under the RRP rule is October 1, 2010. There has been a lot of buzz about this rule and working on homes constructed before 1978, but you need not worry about your home meeting lead safe work procedure requirements until October of this year.

To view the EPA’s official announcement click here

For more information on compliance with the RRP click here or read below for a summary of the important information

New EPA Lead Safety Rule as it pertains to Renovation, Repair and Painting (RPP Rule):

The EPA has announced a new law for doing any kind of work on homes built before 1978 because of the frequent use of lead based paint in home construction before that date. Often is invisible lead-dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead and very specific procedures have been outlined by the EPA to prevent contamination and exposure. Any remodeler working on a home constructed before 1978 containing lead based paint must:

Become certified by the EPA to work on homes containing lead based paint
Provide homeowners with lead safe work practices documentation
Follow lead-safe procedures to minimize lead contamination

As of October 1, 2010 any person or company receiving compensation for work that disturbs paint must be certified in the practices associated with remodeling homes containing lead based paint. Just like asking for insurance, always make sure to ask for your prospective remodeler’s copy of their EPA certification!

Not all homes contain lead based paint and those that do are not always required for lead-safe work practices. The size, location, and type of project you are interested in might not warrant lead-safe procedures, but you always want to be sure. The professionals at Superior Remodeling can educate you on whether or not your project calls for lead-safe practices.

How do I know if a remodeler or contractor is EPA certified in the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule)?

They will have copies of their EPA certification readily available for you or you can call the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1-800-424-LEAD and ask if the company in question has been certified

What documentation should be provided?

Contractors are required to provide a copy of the EPA’s lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools. Homeowners will also need to sign a document stating they have received the information

What are the lead safe procedures?

The work area must be contained with an impermeable material so dust and debris cannot leave the area; furniture and air vents must also be covered

Only use renovation methods that minimize lead-contaminated dust. Methods that generate large amount of lead dust should be avoided:

Open flame burning or torching
Sanding, grinding, or blasting with power tools not equipped with a shroud and HEPA vacuum attachment
Using a heat gun at temperatures greater than 1100°F.

Clean up thoroughly. Use a HEPA vacuum to clean up dust and surfaces followed by wet wiping and mopping with plenty of rinse water

What can I do to prepare my home for remodeling?

The rooms or areas where work is being done may need to be blocked or sealed off with plastic sheeting
Depending on where work is being done you may need to plan for alternative kitchen, bathrooms or bedrooms
Make sure pets cannot enter the area, they are susceptible to lead poisoning and can track lead to other rooms
Prepare a place to store any furniture that can be moved. Any furniture that cannot be moved will be covered by those doing the work
Turn off forced-air heating and A/C systems while work is being done. This prevents dust from spreading through your air vents

What documentation should homeowners receive?

Contractors must supply a copy of the EPA’s lead hazard information booklet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools. Beginning April 22, 2010, homeowners will also sign a pre-renovation form proving they have received this pamphlet. Upon completion of your project a report that documents the lead safe work procedures used will be provided.
EPA logo

Click here for more information regarding the new EPA Lead Safety Rule on the EPA website or call the
National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1-800-424-LEAD.