The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) April 22 will begin enforcing a rule which requires all contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb more than six feet of lead-based paint in pre-1978  homes, child care facilities and schools be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead poisoning.  

The rule is a part of the EPA’s Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program which was established April 22, 2008.  Under the RRP program, both firms and individual employees must be certified by the April 22 deadline.  EPA has also produced a series of advertisements to help get the word out about the upcoming deadline.  To view the advertisements, click here.  

Firms can become certified by completing an application and sending in a fee payment.  Applications may take up to 90 days to be approved by EPA.  Individual renovation contractors must complete an EPA-accredited training course in order to receive certification.   

In November 2009, ABC and other organizations in the construction industry asked EPA to provide an opt-out provision for building owners and exempt post-1940 – or at least post-1960 – buildings from mandatory compliance.  ABC also asked for a six-month delay of the April 22 effective date and voiced concern over trainer availability.  To date, EPA has not responded to any stakeholder information requests on these matters.