The EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule

In an effort to reduce lead paint exposure, the EPA has issued a rule for work that disturbs potentially contaminated painted surfaces. As of October 1, 2010 all professionals working in homes, child care facilities, and kindergartens built before 1978 are required to comply with the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule. Affected firms must be EPA- or state-certified and must use certified renovators who follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Your company is affected by this rule if your company performs any of the following types of work in pre-1978 homes:

Renovating, repairing, or painting that disturbs more than six sq. ft. on an interior wall or twenty sq. ft. on an exterior wall
Replacing doors and/or windows

If your company is performing this type of work and is not compliant, your company could be subject to penalties of up to $37,500 per day, per violation.

For more information, visit the following links:

EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule

EPA Renovate Right brochure

Please note: Regulations may vary by state. Click here to see state-by-state details.

To find out more information about your state, contact the National Lead Information Center.

CEDIA, in cooperation with the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH), is making it simple and cost-effective for you and your company to take the first step toward becoming a Certified Lead Renovator.

The path to training & certification:

Take CEDIA’s online course for the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rule, Certified Lead Renovator, part one.
Locate an approved hands-on lab training provider in your area and complete the lab portion (part two) of the Certified Lead Renovator training.
Pass the Certified Lead Renovator final exam, delivered in conjunction with the Certified Lead Renovator hands-on lab training (part two).
Businesses must complete the application to become a certified firm. A business must have one employee who has earned the Certified Lead Renovator credential. A fee of $300, payable to the EPA, is due at the time of application. More information about becoming a Certified Renovation Firm can be found in the EPA publication Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right.

If you have a group of individuals interested in taking the Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair, and Painting training in your area, please contact CEDIA.