Lead Paint Advisory

Are you aware of the new RRP Rule?

The new EPA regulation becomes effective April 22, 2010.

Contractors working on homes, schools, day care centers or other buildings built before 1978, you now must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified.

The Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule is an EPA federal regulatory program affecting anyone who disrupts more than six square feet per room in interior surfaces or more than twenty square feet on exterior surfaces containing lead based paint in homes, day care centers and other buildings where children spend time.

Dust from renovation, repairs and painting can contaminate an entire home and, if inhaled or ingested, can cause irreversible damage to children and adults. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint.

The new RRP Rule requires all professional contractors and their employees to become EPA Certified Renovators. To become certified they must complete an 8-hour approved course on lead safety and trained in proper setup and cleanup practices.

Consumers will need to accept the additional costs and time associated with doing the job safely utilizing EPA recognized test kits, internal and external containments, and cleaning verification procedures.

All owners and residents of pre-1978 buildings preparing to undergo renovation must be given a Renovate Right pamphlet on proper lead safety procedures.

Contractors who do not comply with this new regulation will be subject to fines of up to $37,500 per violation/per day. And risk the potential of lawsuits.

You may wish to review your inspection commentary on Lead Based Paint Hazards to reflect this new regulation. Please find the RRP pamphlet attached.

More information can be found at:

http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm

Regards,

Jesse Rusmisel

CREIA Education Chair