The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now requires contractors performing renovation, repair or painting (RRP) projects that disturb more than 6 feet of lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities to be trained and certified in specific work practices designed to prevent exposure to lead-based paint.
On June 18, 2010, following pressure from construction businesses, lawmakers and industry trade groups, EPA announced it would delay enforcement of the RRP certification requirements until October 2010. (Although the final rule implementing the program initially took effect in April, a lack of accredited training providers prevented many contractors from obtaining the necessary certifications.)
The agency stresses, however, that contactors performing work that triggers the lead-safe rule will still be expected to comply with the rule’s work practice requirements during the certification safe harbor. Fines for noncompliance can reach up to $37,500 per day.
Information regarding compliance is available on EPA’s Lead RRP resource page. More Here. Contractors doing work in North Carolina can find local accredited training providers Here.