EPA Rule Requires New Lead Training to Protect Children and Expectant Mothers

SEATTLE, WA. June 5, 2009.

If you plan to renovate or repaint a private residence, childcare facility or residential complex in the near future, you may need to head back to the classroom this year. The final Renovation, Repair and Painting rule of The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 was recently published by the EPA. The rule establishes training, certification and best practice guidelines for activities that disturb lead-based paint in residential homes and in child-occupied facilities. As a result of the rule, over 250,000 renovators throughout EPA Region 10 who work on residential housing built prior to 1978 and child-occupied facilities, such as schools and daycare centers, must be certified in safe practices to reduce lead contamination and combat childhood lead poisoning. Beginning in April 2010, a certified renovator, trained by an EPA accredited training provider, must be assigned to renovation, repair and painting projects subject to the RRP rule.