EPA’s Lead Safe Certification
EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule requires any contractor, including renovators, electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers, painters, and maintenance staff, that disturb painted surfaces in homes, child care facilities, and pre-schools built before 1978 be certified and follow lead-safe work practices. Becoming certified can help your firm:
- Avoid fines and civil liability;
- Protect your workers, yourself, and your customers from a health risk; and
- Gain a competitive advantage.
Learn how to become certified. RRP rules vary slightly by state, so check with your state for more specific regulations.
Industry Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Industry Lead Standard (1910.1025) requires employers to do a number of things to make sure that the workplace is safe and covers most industries, but not construction. The OSHA Lead in Construction Standard (1926.62) applies to all construction work where an employee may be exposed to lead on the job. All work related to construction, alteration, or repair – including painting and decorating – is included. Learn more about employers’ responsibilities and how to protect your employees.
Protect Yourself and Your Workers
According to OSHA, the most effective way to protect your workers is to minimize their lead exposure through:
- Engineering controls, including exhaust ventilation, enclosure or encapsulation, substitution, component replacement, process or equipment modification, and isolation;
- Housekeeping and personal hygiene, including provision of change areas, showers and washing facilities, and end-of-day procedures;
- Use of personal protective clothing and equipment, including respiratory protection; and
- Provision of information and training to employees.
Resources for Contractors/Lead Professionals
- Non-certified worker training (NELCC): This training program was developed for certified renovators to use in training other renovation workers who, under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead: Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program, must be trained but are not required to be certified.
- Find an RRP Trainer in your area
- Find an RRP-certified firm in your area