We Are Prepared For the New Lead Safe Laws

The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule goes into effect this week. Rest assured that Greco Remodelers is certified, trained and in compliance with all aspects of this new ruling.

The EPA rule requires contracting firms be certfied in the use of lead-safe work practices to keep occupants of homes built prior to 1978 safe from lead-paint dust hazards. The law applies to contractors, painters, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and even residential rental property owners and managers. Any activity that disturbs painted surfaces in a home built before 1978 is subject to the program. This includes remodeling, repairs and maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, painting, carpentry and window replacement.

To comply with the program, Greco Remodelers will provide customers of homes built before 1978 with a pamphlet entitled "Renovate Right" which details the dangers of lead exposure. In addition, one of our EPA Certified Renovators will manage the project and ensure that proper lead safe work practices are used during any disturbance of painted surfaces. These lead safe work practices require that we minimize dust, prepare and clean the work area, and contain lead dust. We will also prepare and keep records documenting the lead safe activities used.

To read more about the new law, check out an article in the Washinton Post entitled Lead Paint Gets the Big Brushoff that explores how the new ruling will effect homeowners.

The EPA’s Lead Safe Work Practices Could Affect Remodeling Projects in Your Home

Starting on April 22, 2010, new provisions will go into effect from the EPA which will affect remodeling and renovation of homes built before 1978.

A little background
In 1976, the EPA passed a law called the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This law was enacted to control substances determined to cause unreasonable public health or environmental risks. In 1999, an amendment was added to reduce exposure to lead contamination which can cause health risks and impacts the environment.

Current changes
The EPA passed changes to the TSCA in 2008 that require contractors to be trained and certified in the use of lead safe work practices and to use lead safe work practices on any job involving lead paint. These changes go into effect in 2010. Lead safe work practices would require the remodeler to minimize dust, prepare and clean the work area, and contain lead dust. Since lead paint was banned in the US in 1977, these provisions apply only to homes built before 1978.

What does this mean for you?
If your house was built in 1978 or after, it means nothing. Due to the federal government’s ban of lead paint in 1977, you are assumed to have no lead paint in your home.

However, if your home was built in 1977 or before, it means a lot. First, not all homes built before 1978 have lead paint and the only way to find out is to test. Only you can decide if you want to test.

After April 22, 2010, you will need to select an EPA Certified Renovator if you are hiring a remodeling contractor in your home. The Certified Renovator will be responsible for properly planning and executing the job using lead safe work practices. And, because of the increased costs of compliance, you are probably going to pay more for your remodeling projects.

Of course, as with most regulations, there are some exceptions. There may be an opt-out option if the home is owner occupied and there is no child under the age of 6 living on the premises. However, there is talk that this opt-out option may be thrown out. Another exception is if the home has been tested and found to be free of lead paint. Third, any minor work that disturbs no more than 2 square feet of painted wall space would not fall under the new law. And finally, emergency renovations would not be covered under the law.

To learn more, visit the EPA’s website.