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On April 22, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rule went into effect for homes, childcare facilities and schools built before 1978.

The rule must be followed on an interior project that disturbs 6 square feet or more of painted surfaces per room or 20 square feet or more of painted surface for exterior projects. A contractor working on a project that triggers these rules needs to satisfy the certification requirements and follow lead-safe work practices, namely contain the work area, minimize dust and clean up thoroughly.

What contractorsshould know

The EPA governs the Lead RRP Rule in most states, and information about those rules can be found at the EPA’s website (see sidebar “Get More Information”). The EPA authorized Wisconsin, Iowa, North Carolina, Mississippi, Kansas, Rhode Island, Utah and Oregon to administer their own Lead RRP programs; in those states contractors will need to contact their governing RRP body for rules.

From start to finish, remodelers, specialty trade contractors, rental property owners or anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 will need to approach projects differently when the Lead RRP Rules are in effect. For full recommendations, visit the EPA’s website. In short, the work site will need to be contained and warning signs posted. Vents in the work area need to be sealed and heating and cooling systems turned off. In order to minimize dust when sanding and scraping, contractors can mist water to moisten the area they’re working on. Power tools should have a shroud and be attached to a HEPA vacuum.

During cleanup contractors should HEPA vacuum the work area and wash down with a general purpose cleaner. They should ensure workers and tools are dust-free before leaving the work area. At the end of the project, a lead-safe certified contractor will need to perform a final clean-up check using a disposable cleaning cloth to wipe the floor of the work area then compare it to an EPA-provided Cleaning Verification Card. Other guidelines contractors should follow:

• Distribute copies of the EPA pamphlet “Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools,” to those affected by work that disturbs lead-based paint and obtain confirmation of receipt of the pamphlet. Records will need to be kept for 3 years.

• Construction companies must be certified.

• Workers on the project must be certified renovators or have been trained by a certified renovator.