Are You Ready for the EPA's New Lead Paint Rules?

Beginning on April 22, 2010, remodeling is going to be a whole new ballgame. That’s when the new provisions will go into effect from the EPA which will affect remodeling and renovation of homes built before 1978.

The EPA passed a law in 1976 called the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to control substances determined to cause unreasonable public health or environmental risks. After determining that exposure to lead can cause health risks and impacts the environment, an amendment was added in 1999 to reduce lead contamination.

Fast forward to 2008 when the EPA passed changes to the TSCA that require contractors to be trained and certified in the use of lead safe work practices and to use lead safe work practices on any job involving lead paint. These changes go into effect in 2010 – April 22nd to be exact, which also happens to be Earth Day.

Lead safe work practices would require the remodeler to minimize dust, prepare and clean the work area, and contain lead dust. Since lead paint was banned in the US in 1977, these lead safe work practices only apply to homes built before 1978.

Also, you will be required to provide your customer with a pamphlet entitled “Renovate Right” before any work begins plus you will be required to get a signed acknowledgement from your customer that you did so and keep that acknowledgement in your files for a period of time as defined by the EPA.

You must employ a “Certified Renovator” who manages the jobs on any homes built before 1978 and is responsible for seeing that those on the job practice Lead Safe Work Practices.

And what if you don’t follow the EPA’s new rules and you get caught? Oh, a little fine of $37,500 PER DAY! Yep, that’s per day. There are a couple of exceptions which I’ll discuss in a later post, but for the most part homes built before 1978 will be subject to these new rules.

Want to know more? Visit the EPA’s website and I’ll be posting more information shortly.