EPA Extends Deadline For Lead Paint Training

The Environmental Protection Agency has delayed enforcement of a the Lead Paint Certification rule for Contractors until October 1st 2010.

The delay comes from a storm of complaints from National Trade groups such as IEC, ABC, Home Builders Association and Congressional Republicans, who said the Government has not provided enough trainers to help contractors meet an April deadline.

The EPA rule requires contractors to use "lead-safe" practices when working on homes, day-care centers and schools built before 1978, the year lead paint was banned for residential use because of health risks.

The delay allows contractors to sign up for training by Sept. 30. Training must be completed by Dec. 31.

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EPA LEAD PAINT FINAL RULE

EPA Lead-Safe Renovate Right Pamphlet

Bill to Delay Implementation of Lead Paint Rule Introduced in the House

House Bill HR 1577 to delay the implementation of the Lead Paint Certification rule from the Environmental Protection Agency in States until accreditation classes are held in the States for a period of at least 1 year was introduced on April 29th by Rep. Dennis Rehberg [R-MT]

This bill is in the first step in the legislative process. Introduced bills and resolutions first go to committees that deliberate, investigate, and revise them before they go to general debate. Committees are like "mini Congresses" The majority of bills and resolutions never make it out of committee.

The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce

The best advise that the NJECPAC can provide to contractors is to get certified. You can get certified through your local Trade Association, who is either sponsoring a Certification course, or can direct you where you can take the Certification course.

EPA EXPANDS LEAD-SAFE CONTRACTOR REQUIRMENT

The Environmental Protection Agency April 23 announced efforts to expand its Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program, just one day after the program took effect.

The current rule exempts contractors from the RRP program if the homeowner certifies there is no child under the age of six and no pregnant women living in the home. However, beginning June 22, that exemption will be abolished and contractors renovating any pre-1978 residential building will have to be trained under the RRP program.

EPA also issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking to expand the RRP program to include public and commercial buildings, a policy the agency plans to finalize by July 2013.  
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Lead Paint Certification Law Now in Effect

The EPA Lead Paint Certification Law is now in effect. If you are a contractor of any trade that does renovation work where children are present and you discturb 6 square ft. or more of painted surface you must be certified.

The penalties for non compliance are up to $32,500 per violation per day. Law firms have already begun lining up to file law suits against non compliant contractors on behalf of homeowners that have renovation work done. 

The EPA also has an enforcement program in place. The EPA's Enforcement Program is aimed at protecting the public by targeting persons or entities who niether comply nor cooperate to address their legal obligations.

For more information Contractors can also contact the EPA at 1-800-424-LEAD or visit www.epa.gov/lead