According to the Environmental Protection Agency, painting and maintenance activities can release lead dust and chips from paints manufactured prior to 1978. To prevent lead poisoning, the EPA issued its Lead Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) rules, which went into effect April 22, 2010.

Contractor companies (including sole proprietorships) and individual contractors performing indoor or outdoor renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, childcare facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified, trained, and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Noncompliant contractors could be fined up to $37,500 per violation, per day.

To become certified, contractors must pay a fee and attend an 8-hour EPA-approved training course covering the following:

• Procedures for alerting residents and other responsible parties about lead hazards
• Approved dust-containment, cleanup, and disposal procedures
• Required documentation and record-keeping

The New Requirements

When working on a project involving lead-based paint, federal law requires certified, EPA-trained contractors to do the following:

• Provide owners, tenants, and childcare facilities with a copy of the EPA's lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools.
• Post informational signs at sites where lead-related work is being carried out
• Contain the work area, minimize dust, and clean up thoroughly
• Maintain written records of receipt for required EPA pamphlets for three years once a project is completed

Additional Information

Download the EPA's lead-hazard information pamphlet, "Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right" for certified training information, complete contractor compliance guidelines, and exceptions to these rules.

You can also find an EPA-accredited training program by calling the National Lead Information Center Hotline at (800) 424-5323.