If You're Not Lead-Safe Certified, Lead Paint Could Cost You Big Time.
Think lead paint doesn't affect your business? Think again.
A new rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that all renovation and repair contractors working in pre-1978 homes, schools, and day care centers who disrupt more than six square feet of lead paint are required to become EPA Certified in lead-safe work practices. Contractors are required to take a one-day training course and firms must send a short application to the EPA. If not, they could face tens of thousands of dollars in fines in the future.
Those who work on pre-1978 homes, apartments, schools, day care centers, and other places where children spend time, from large and small contractors to building services professionals, will have to take the necessary steps to become lead-safe certified. Firms must register with the EPA and pay a fee. Individuals must take a one-day training course from an EPA-accredited training provider to become a certified renovator. Renovator training is also available via e-learning. This option allows trainers to provide much of the course content online, making it more convenient for many renovators. EPA certification is good for five (5) years.
EPA is mindful of the small added costs that may result from complying with this important rule. To that end, the EPA is launching a consumer campaign designed to raise awareness of the dangers of lead paint poisoning, and encouraging consumers to choose only contractors who are Lead-Safe Certified.
For additional information including how your firm can get Lead-Safe Certified and where to find an EPA-accredited trainer in your area, visit epa.gov/getleadsafe or call 800-424-LEAD.
For Renters and Landlords of Residential Properties:
Maryland law requires that all long-term rental units built prior to 1978 comply with state-mandated lead testing requirements. "Title 6, Subtitle 8, of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, and (“Act”) was enacted to reduce the incidence of lead poisoning while maintaining affordable rental housing. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) was given the authority to enforce the provisions of the Act. Compliance is mandatory for rental dwelling units built prior to 1978, regardless of renovation history." Landlords are required to provide this preventative safety-service prior to the installation of a new renter. For further information on the risks posed by lead paint and how they can be mitigated, please see the below links:
MD Dept. of the Environment Lead Safe Standards
