Epa Lead Paint Renovation Repair And Painting Rule Goes Into Effect This April

Who should take notice of the new rules?

Property owners that own homes or buildings built pre-1978
Contractors that work on homes or buildings built pre-1978

Lead paint is a health hazard for both children and adults.  The new stricter EPA regulations are designed to ensure those contractors that disturb lead painted surfaces, due so in such a way that protects themselves and the inhabitants from lead poisoning. Certified renovators must perform any work that disturbs six square feet or more of interior lead painted surfaces (20 square feet or more on the exterior).

The new rule which becomes effective in April 2010,  requires only EPA certified individuals to perform this work.  Contractor is broad term that could include a number of various trades people that may work on the target pre-1978 built homes and buildings.  These  may include:  plumber, electrician, handyman, renovator, mason, carpenter, painter, hvac contractor, remodeler and others.

Those contractors and trades people caught not following the new guidelines can face a fine of $32,500.

Contractors and property owners need to know that if a home was built prior to 1978, there is a good chance it contains some lead paint. Before  any work is performed that may disturb painted surfaces, a contractor is now required to provide this pamphlet  www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf.   On April 22, 2010, all contractors performing work on pre-1978 homes and buildings  must be certified by the EPA.

If you are doing any work yourself as a do it yourself project, there is some good information on lead paint hazards at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm

For more home improvement tips, please visit www.HouseFixer.info and subscribe to my blog.