The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set new rules for certain contractors who renovate or repair housing, child-care facilities, or schools built before 1978. Workers must follow lead-safe work practice standards to reduce potential exposure to dangerous levels of lead during renovation and repair activities.
EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP) rule takes full effect on April 22, 2010. Specifically, the requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities where more than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. The affected workers include builders, painters, plumbers and electricians, for example.
The current RRP requirements require paid contractors and maintenance professionals to be trained and certified on certain mandated lead-safe work practices before renovating or repairing housing and facilities for children built before 1978. AGC contractors need to be focused on the following compliance dates:
- December 2008 - Pre-renovation education requirements took effect on December 22, 2008, and require workers to distribute an EPA educational pamphlet called Renovate Right to occupants, post signs and retain records for three years; and
- April 2010 - Training, certification, and work practice requirements take effect on/after April 22, 2010.