Mar 15 2010
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently increased the requirements for contractors working with the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. The rule is “aimed at protecting against lead-based paint hazards associated with renovation, repair and painting activities” and takes effect April 22, 2010.
For contractors that intend to continue working in the renovations and remodel market segments, they must take into account the following regarding work practices, training and certification:
- Firm must be certified
- Renovators must be trained
- Lead-safe work practices must be followed
- Some exclusions may apply
While it is true that there may be some exceptions to the rule, generally speaking the rule applies to any building built before 1978 that either houses or is occupied by children. For more information about what is covered and what is excluded under this rule, visit the EPA webpage which discusses the new Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule.
Firms, or contractors, that choose to become certified will submit a notarized form to the EPA for certification demonstrating that they have met the requirements and pay a registration fee. Following this, re-certification of the firm is required once every five (5) years. Due to the fact that housing starts are still down, and that more than 55% of the existing residential homes and buildings in the US 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. More information is also available at web link epa.gov/lead.
New Proven Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Technology Eases Contractor Burden under new RRP:
MT2, LLC manufactures the new patented & proven technology that “removes the hazards from lead-based paint (LBP) abatement.” ECOBOND® LBP:
- Simple to use – just paint the ECOBOND® LBP onto any surface that contains lead-based paint (LBP) to create a NON-HAZARDOUS waste
- Simple solution for chipping & peeling lead-based paint (LBP) – reduces problem as ECOBOND® LBP seals onto the existing surface protecting the workers and property owners and simplifies cleanup
- Low cost - ECOBOND® LBP costs are similar to standard latex paint prices, saving contractors and property owners thousands of dollars