New Lead Paint Regulation(s) effective April 22, Contractors and Remodelers must be Certified

Posted by GSDispatch Editor in by City of Lee’s Summit, GSD Online, Home & Garden

Spring will be here before we know it, which means that many of us will begin several household projects. Before you begin those projects, there is some important information you need to know as a property owner and as an individual performing the work.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. Lead, which enters the body through swallowing and inhaling, is especially dangerous to children under six years of age. Low levels of lead in these children can damage their brains and nervous systems leading to learning disabilities and learning problems. It is also harmful to adults, causing high blood pressure, nerve disorders, and digestive problems, just to name a few.

In 2008, new Federal regulations were enacted pertaining to structures which may contain lead based paint.  The regulations are enforced through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  One of the provisions under the 2008 regulations requires, beginning April 22, 2010 contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects for compensation that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and *schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

(*There are specific guidelines that apply to child-occupied facilities, please go to click here for more details.)

For details about this rule, go to the EPA’s Web site, www.epa.gov/lead.  The EPA Web site contains information that is valuable for both companies in charge of these renovation, repair, and painting projects as well as homeowners and building owners. The EPA’s site contains information about the required training sessions in the Kansas City area and across the United States. http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/trainingproviders.htm

You can also download the regulation(s) and several pamphlets below:

  • Read EPA’s Regulations on Residential Property Renovation at 40 CFR 745.80, Subpart E.
  • Read about lead-hazard information for renovation, repair and painting activities in the EPA lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) (20 pp, 3.3MB) | en español (PDF) (20 pp, 3.2MB)
  • Read about lead-safe work practices for contractors in the EPA pamphlet Contractors: Lead Safety During Renovation (PDF) color, in English (2 pp, 826K) | color, en español (PDF) (2 pp, 334K) | HTML version | Other formats
  • Read about how to comply with EPA’s rule in the EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (PDF) (34 pp, 2.5MB) | en español (PDF) (34 pp, 1.3MB).
  • Find additional EPA publications and brochures on lead-safe renovation, repair and Painting and on lead poisoning prevention.
    • Lead and Your Health

    Lead can affect the brains and developing nervous systems of children causing:

    • Reduced IQ and learning disabilities
    • Behavior problems

    In adults, low levels of lead can pose many dangers, including

    • High blood pressure
    • Pregnant women exposed to lead can transfer lead to their fetus

    Source: Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools

    What activities are Subject to the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program?
    In general, any activity that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including, but not limited to:
    •    Remodeling and repair/maintenance
    •    Electrical work
    •    Plumbing
    •    Painting
    •    Carpentry
    •    Window replacement
    Source: EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right

    Who Must Follow the 2008Lead-Based Paint Requirements?

    In general, anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, this may include:

    • Rental property owners/managers
    • Building contractors
    • Special trade contractors, including, but not limited to
      • Painters
      • Plumbers
      • Carpenters
      • Electricians

    Source: EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right

    What Housing or Activities Are Excluded and Not Subject to the Regulation(s)?

    •    Housing built in 1978 or later
    •    Housing for elderly or disabled persons, unless children under 6 reside or are expected to reside there
    •    Zero-bedroom dwellings (studio apartments, dormitories, etc.)
    •    Housing or components declared lead-free by a certified inspector or risk assessor
    •    Minor repair and maintenance activities that disturb 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less on the exterior of a home or building.

    Note: minor repair and maintenance activities do not include window replacement and projects involving demolition or prohibited practices

    Source: EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right

    Resources:

    Your regional EPA office can provide further information regarding regulations and lead protection programs.
    •    Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska)
    1-800-223-0425

    To access lead information via the Web, visit www.epa.gov/lead andwww.hud.gov/offices/lead/.


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