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 EPA certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Specifically, the rule affects paid renovators who work in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities, including renovation contractors, maintenance workers in multi-family housing, and other specialty trades such as painters, electricians, plumbers, window installers, and carpenters. The certification is required under EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program.

The rule requires workers to be trained to use lead-safe work practices, requires renovation firms to be EPA-certified, and requires contractors to provide an EPA lead pamphlet to owners and tenants and post signage regarding the renovation work (such informational requirements are already in effect). Renovation is broadly defined as any activity that disturbs painted surfaces and includes most repair, remodeling, and maintenance activities, including window replacement.

The rule does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities where less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where less than 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior.

The rule also includes record-keeping requirements and fees.

For more information, please contact Andy Thompson, and for EPA’s Compliance Guide regarding the lead paint rule, click here.