We've all heard of the dangers of lead-based paint. If you are a general contractor or renovation, painter, plumber, carpenter or electrician, this is a question you probably treated when working on structures built before 1978. activies renovation in older structures such as sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips. If the structure is a house, establishment of day care, school, or other building where children are present, it is important for you to do what you can reduce the risk of lead contamination during activities renovation.
To help protect against this risk, the EPA issued a "renovation, repair and painting (RRP)" rule. Basically, the rule states that, regardless of the number of employees, there must be at least one certified renovator on every job where lead-based paint is present who is trained to follow lead safe practices. These certified renovators must be trained by instructors approved by the EPA. Compliance with the EPA is in full effect as of April 2010.
To be certified, a contractor must submit to EPA or their EPA-approved state program and pay the fee. The eight-hour course is taught by a training provider approved by the EPA. After certification, the contractor must follow strict guidelines when renovating old buildings. Renovators must contain the work area to prevent the spread of dust and debris. This applies to work outside as well. All windows and doors should be closed and covered doors, while the floors should be covered to contain the dust. The EPA also has cleaning requirements and specific certification upon completion of the task. See EPA publication "Small Entity Compliance Guide Renovate Right" for more information about the rule and compliance.
If you think that you are exempt from EPA fines, you may want to reconsider. Here are some examples of how the EPA has begun to apply this rule with EPA permission "Press News 05.04.2012 Headquarters"
"On March 20, 2012, Valiant Home Remodelers, a new window Jersey and the coating company, agreed to pay $ 1,500 to resolve violations of not following the rule of PPR during a window replacement project and siding a house in Edison, NJ. Valiant Home Remodelers failed to contain renovation dust, contain waste, and train workers on lead safe practices. "
" February 21, 2012, Johnson Sash and Door, a home repair company in Omaha, NE, agreed to pay a $ 5558 fine for failing to provide the owners or occupiers of dwellings constructed before 1978 with information about the dangers of lead pamphlet approved by EPA or for confirmation written before the renovations to five homes. The complaint also alleges that Johnson failed to obtain initial certification before making renovations to these residences. "
Do not be hit with heavy fines! Take action now to become a certified renovator. Not only will you protect your bottom line, you protect your customers. Have you taken additional safety measures regarding lead-based paint during renovation?
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