IRVING, Texas — Alarm installation companies risk a fine from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if they fail to obtain the proper training and certification before installing fire and intrusion alarms in pre-1978 structures, under a federal rule that will now be actively enforced.
The Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule requires all renovators who perform projects that disturb lead-based paint to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Electronic life-safety and security alarm dealers that offer installation services in pre-1978 buildings fall under the lead paint regulations. Thus, integrators are required to take an eight-hour course by an EPA-approved training provider in order to acquire lead-based paint certification.
Though the rule went into effect April 22, EPA delayed its enforcement until Oct. 1 to allow adequate time for industry professionals to become trained and certified in the new regulations. A recent notice from the Electronic Security Association (ESA) provides security companies with resources on how to become certified.
Installers must also provide homeowners with EPA’s pamphlet “The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right,” no more than 60 days before beginning an installation project. Customers must then sign a document known as a “pre-renovation form,” acknowledging that they have received the pamphlet. The form must include a statement recording the owner/occupant’s name, acknowledgement of receipt of the pamphlet prior to the start of the project, the address where work is to be performed and the owner/occupant’s signature.
Furthermore, security companies that perform installations in structures built before 1978 may have difficulty purchasing insurance coverage for lead-based hazards, because policies often don’t cover most man-made pollutants, such as lead paint, according to ESA.
As a result, lead is often considered an uninsurable exposure. ESA is urging its members to contact Security America Risk Retention Group at (866) 315-3838 to find solutions for lead hazard insurance.
