EPA Announces 2022 Lead-Based Paint Safety Changes
Building Managers and Contractors are Totally Responsible
Last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that as of March 21, 2022, they will withdraw previously published answers to two Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) concerning property management companies and their compliance responsibility under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Lead Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
With the withdrawal of these FAQs, EPA affirms that property management companies (PMCs) that perform, offer, or claim to perform regulated renovations in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities are required to obtain certification from the EPA and ensure that renovations in the homes they manage are performed by certified firms and employees trained to use lead-safe work practices.
This move signals that EPA plans to hold both the PMCs and the contractors they hire responsible for compliance if the circumstances indicate that both entities performed or offered to perform renovations for compensation in target housing or child-occupied facilities.
“Following lead-safe work practices will help reduce exposure to lead and keep children and workers healthy.”
– EPA Office of Enforcement and Assurance
Ignorance is Not a Defense
The RRP rule protects residents of pre-1978 homes from lead-based paint disturbed during renovation, repair, or painting activities. The rule requires that firms that perform or offer to perform renovations in pre-1978 houses need to be certified by the EPA and assign individuals who have been trained to use lead-safe work practices; disclose important safety information to residents prior to the work; and document their compliance with the rule. The paint doesn’t have to be peeling. The home doesn’t have to be from the turn of the century. Midcentury modern homes continue to be in demand – and if you work on them, you need to comply.
Leadsmart Can Help You Comply – And Stay Alive
No joke. If you are a remodeler or painter who works with lead paint surfaces every day without the proper gear and safety precautions, it affects your brain and shortens your life. Period. Leadsmart is known as New England’s leader in RRP training, because we are contractors training contractors. We’ve worked for decades in the field. We know what makes it tolerable to sit through the classes. It’s not worth the fines, having your license pulled or seriously ruining your health and that of your family.
Check Out Our Lead Paint Certification Classes
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Register for a class or call Peter today and walk through your company’s needs and we’ll give you a quote on how we can make this happen.
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