Lead Paint?


 

EPA Requirements

“Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

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.

EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.” (courtesy of EPA website)

Essentially, the new law effects:

  • Renovation Contractors
  • Maintenance workers in multi-family housing
  • Painters and specialty trades

And it pertains to:

  • Containing the work area
  • Minimizing dust
  • Thorough cleanup

The fines can be levied on uncertified work taking place in houses built prior to 1978, where more than 6 sq/ft or 20 sq/ft is being disturbed on the interior and exterior, respectively. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $37,500 per offense.

There are systems and procedures that are mandatory for compliance as well as the safety of your children, family members, and pets. Before taking the necessary classes to become certified I knew lead paint was harmful, but I had no idea how few particulates in the air it takes to cause permanent neurological damage to small children.

It is my opinion that any painter who doesn’t recognize the responsibility to protect their customers from this potential danger, for the sake of booking a job at a lower price than qualified contractors, or saving the small investment in safety equipment and training, is not someone I would want doing anything on my property, especially in my house around my family.