In May of this year I shared with my blog readers EPA’s plan to address lead-based paint in older homes and other facilities, especially where they involve children. We’ve known for some time that lead-based paint is hazardous to both children and adults. Since the 1980s, paint manufacturers have omitted the use of lead in their paints for this reason. However, older facilities still have it, and for this reason, EPA has implemented a program whereby anyone that cuts or conducts demolitions within this type of environment must be certified.
According to the EPA, “To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 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 certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.”
There is no getting around the EPA requirement. Those that work in retrofit within the security and life safety markets must become an EPA Lead-Safe Certification company. The only way you can do this is to attend an eight-hour course, which EPA or a private training firm can provide.
Locate a training course close to your location.
Review EPA lead-based regulations.
Click here to learn more about lead-based paint and what you must do.
