Apr

3

Clean + Green: New EPA Renovation + Repair Law

Filed Under Clean and Green 

Beginning this month, a new certification is required for all remodelers, general contractors and handy men that work on homes constructed prior to 1978, the year lead in paint was banned in the U.S.  This certification is required by anyone doing work on the home, including window installation companies, flooring installers (carpeting too!), and just about anyone you hire to do work on the home.

The purpose is to protect people from lead poisoning, and, most importantly, to not allow children and expectant mothers to breath in unhealthy, lead filled dust from the job.

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 in April 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.

Until that time, EPA recommends that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices.

  • All contractors should follow these three simple procedures:
    • Contain the work area.
    • Minimize dust.
    • Clean up thoroughly.

Homeowners will now receive a “Renovate Rights” pamphlet on commencement of the work. The abatement procedures are standard dust mitigation, cleanliness, and building a containment barrier with plastic sheeting around the doorways into any room being worked on, and posting warning signs.  A homeowner may choose to “Opt Out’ of the abatement if they live in the home, and there are no children under 6 years old or pregnant women on the premises.

HBI is set up for training and certification on April 21. We encourage you to only use contractors that display the lead safe certification icon on their web sites and other materials after April 22, 2010.  In the mean time, stay safe and have your remodeling done by HB Building + Design, the team than keeps your safety top of mind, and will stay with you until your job is complete!

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