After April 22, 2010, property owners who perform renovation projects in pre-1978 buildings or space utilized by child-care facilities must use certified contractors and follow the lead-safe work practices required by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Renovation, Repair and Remodeling rule.  It is important to note that the new USEPA lead-based paint renovation rule applies to buildings that may not be covered under current local or state lead-based paint renovation rules and regulations, such as co-ops and condominiums.

In April 2008, the USEPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other safety measures during renovation activities that may disturb lead-based paint in target buildings.  The rule is aimed at preventing lead poisoning in buildings with elevated lead-based paint risk, which includes housing and child-occupied buildings, such as child care centers and schools, constructed prior to 1978. 

Common renovation activities such as sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children if inhaled or ingested.  After April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes and child-occupied buildings built before 1978 must be certified to work with lead- based paint and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

The rule was designed to ensure that owners and occupants of target housing and child-occupied facilities receive information on lead-based paint hazards prior to the commencement of renovations and to ensure that firms performing such work are certified and safe work practices followed. 

The rule will affect paid renovators, including:
• Renovation contractors;
• Maintenance workers in multi-family housing; and
• Painters and other specialty trades.

The rule applies to renovation, repair or painting activities. 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 twenty square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior.  Window replacement is not considered minor maintenance or repair.  Source:  EPA Lead Abatement Requirements.

EWMA is current on all environmental regulatory requirements and can assist you with compliance related issues.  We invite you to contact EWMA (800) 969-3159 with any questions about your lead abatement projects.