As of April 22, 2010, The US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) requires that all renovations, repair or painting projects (RRP) that disturb lead-based paint (pre-1978 housing) must be performed by Certified Firms, using Certified Renovators and other trained workers. To become certified, renovators must take a course, and their firms must submit an application and pay a fee.
All renovators working on affected projects must supply owners and occupants with the pamphlet “Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for families, Child Care providers and Schools”. Certified renovators also must train their employees, post signs, inspect for cleanliness and keep records. These rules don’t apply to owner/builders.
In San Francisco, painting contractors already must follow strict lead-based paint removal guidelines, but the RRP Certification is a Federal (EPA/HUD) requirement. Unfortunately there seems to be very little public awareness on this issue (despite extremely stiff penalties for non-compliance), and my guess is that most contracting firms are as of yet un-certified (we are!). More information can be found at www.epa.gov/lead
