EPA’s renovation, repair and painting rule (RRP)

EPA’s renovation, repair and painting rule (RRP)

The EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule took effect in April 2010. It is a federal regulatory program covering anyone who disturbs painted surfaces where lead may be present.

Specifically, any contractor, including renovators, electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers, painters and maintenance staff, who disrupts more than six-square-feet of lead paint in pre-1978 homes, schools, day care centers and other places where children spend time, must be certified.

Companies are certified and individuals must be trained in lead-safe work practices. Training providers must be accredited by the EPA.

Alert Consumers

EPA has launched an education program to alert consumers that unqualified workers could spread lead paint dust in housing built before 1978 even in doing a small job. Three simple steps help parents protect their children:

• Get Your Home Tested. Ask for a lead inspection before you buy a home built before 1978.
• Get Your Child Tested. Ask your doctor to test your young child for lead even if they seem healthy.
• Get the Facts. More information about preventing childhood lead poisoning is available at www.leadfreekids.org

To protect tenants and family members when renovations take place, landlords, homeowners and home-buyers are directed to locate a contractor who is Lead-Safe Certified by visiting www.epa.gov/getleadsafe or calling 800-424-LEAD.