Contractors Need to Know Lead-based Paint Requirements
Last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expanded coverage of its Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and set an April 22 deadline for new requirements, said MT2, LLC, in a recent press release.
The rule is “aimed at protecting against lead-based paint hazards associated with renovation, repair and painting activities.” For contractors that intend to continue working in the renovations and remodel market segments, they must take into account the following:
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firms must be certified,
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renovators must be trained ,
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lead-safe work practices must be followed, and
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some exclusions may apply.
Generally speaking, the rule applies to any building built before 1978 that either houses or is occupied by children.
Firms or contractors that choose to become certified will submit a notarized form to EPA for certification, demonstrating that they have met the requirements, and pay a registration fee. Following this, the firm must be recertified every five years. Due to the fact that housing starts are still down and that more than 55 percent of the existing residential homes and buildings in the United States still contain lead-based paint (LBP), the new rulings carry significant impact. Failure to comply with the new rules may result in penalties of up to $32,500 per violation, per day.
MT2, LLC of Arvada, Colo., manufactures EcoBond LBP, which seals surfaces and creates a nonhazardous waste from surfaces that contain lead-based paint.