Here's what you need to know about lead paint and remodeling provided courtesy Allison Ellis, Rule4 Building Group.
What is RRP?
· RRP stands for Repair, Renovate and Paint
· RRP is a new rule which forms part of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulations regarding potential harmful lead in your home
What does the new rule mean in practice?
· Since April 22 2010, the new EPA rule requires all contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead paint in pre-1978 homes to be certified.
· Contractors must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination in your home
· The work practices are based around 3 simple procedures:
o Contain the work area
o Minimize dust
o Clean up thoroughly
What is the scope of the certification?
· All companies must be lead-safe certified - a requirement of Federal Law
· Individual employees within companies must have passed an accredited RRP Lead-Safe training course
What should the homeowner do?
If your home was built before 1978 and you are planning to paint or renovate you should:-
· Ensure all contractors you work with are a lead-safe certified
· You can easily verify contractors are lead-safe certified via the EPA website where all certified firms are listed by zip code
· Ask your certified contractor to explain how they will comply with the new rules and how it will affect your project
Where can I find more information?
· Ask your contractor’s trained staff to answer your questions
· EPA website http://www.epa.gov/lead/index.html
· EPA publication – Renovate Right – gives detailed information about lead in your home and is also available from their website
http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf