On April 22, 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe work practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning.
BEGINNING APRIL 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be EPA certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
Federal law will require firms to be certified and to use lead-safe work practices. Violators can be fined up to $32,500.00 per violation for not complying. To become certified, renovators, remodelers, and paint contractors must submit an application for firm certification and a fee payment of $300.00 to EPA (www.epa.gov/lead).
This requirement affects electricians, plumbers, renovators, remodelers, and painters. The rule does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities where less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where less than 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.
Training is required. Each firm must have at least one certified renovator on staff trained by an approved EPA training provider. In order to be certified, an 8-hour EPA certified Renovator training course must be taken and a 4-hour refresher course is required every 5 years.
The Home Builders Association of San Angelo is offering the Lead-Safe EPA Certified Renovator Training, presented by accredited EPA trainer The Wagner Consultant Group, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. Cost is $230 for HBASA members and $300 for non-members. Breakfast, box lunch and snack is included in price.
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