Renovation, Repair and Painting Certification

There is a lot of controversy over the new lead-safe work practices and certification required by contractors that disturb lead-based paint in homes built before 1978.  Recently I became RRP certified and wanted to share a little information about the new law:

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 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 certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.
Lead-safe remodeling is the law if you are a contractor and smart if you have kids.  Since I have kids and work a lot with buyers and sellers of historic homes, I recently took the 8 hour course and became certified.

Lead poisoning remains a major environmental-health concern, and though it is commonly associated with youth, high levels of lead exposure are linked to serious adult health conditions, such as high blood pressure and dementia.

Locally, the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program works to promote lead-safe environments in Buncombe and Henderson counties by providing the community with educational resources, identification of lead hazards in the home and training for professionals. “Although we don’t see many children who are lead-poisoned, low levels of lead, once thought safe, have been shown to be harmful,” says Program Coordinator Linda Block. If you are pregnant, or have children or grandchildren under the age of 7, call for a free lead inspection of your pre-1978 home. There are upcoming workshops on lead-safe work practices for remodelers, renovators and painters.


See the following links for details:


Local RRP Training info

Details of EPA requirements