Lead Paint laws

[Eieio]

Well they are starting to enforce the lead paint laws in my area. By next year you have to be certified to work in homes older than 1978 if your remodeling project disturbs any lead base paint areas.

This will effect everyone in every state starting in 2010, have you even heard of it being enforced in your area?

The new government bid packages from the Department of housing already is asking to see our certification

Has anyone taking the classes to be come certified?

Will it have an impact on your business and what prices you have to charge for your work?

[Eieio]

Congress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, also known as Title X, to protect families from exposure to lead from paint, dust, and soil. Section 1018 of this law directed HUD and EPA to require the disclosure of known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978.
What is Required?
Before ratification of a contract for housing sale or lease, sellers and landlords must:

Disclose any known information concerning lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. The seller or landlord must also disclose information such as the location of the lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards, and the condition of the painted surfaces.

Provide any records and reports on lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards which are available to the seller or landlord (for multi-unit buildings, this requirement includes records and reports concerning common areas and other units, when such information was obtained as a result of a building-wide evaluation).
* Include an attachment to the contract or lease (or language inserted in the lease itself) which includes a Lead Warning Statement and confirms that the seller or landlord has complied with all notification requirements. This attachment is to be provided in the same language used in the rest of the contract. Sellers or landlords, and agents, as well as homebuyers or tenants, must sign and date the attachment.
* Sellers must provide homebuyers a 10-day period to conduct a paint inspection or risk assessment for lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. Parties may mutually agree, in writing, to lengthen or shorten the time period for inspection. Homebuyers may waive this inspection opportunity.

Types of Housing Covered?

Most private housing, public housing, Federally owned housing, and housing receiving Federal assistance are affected by this rule.
Effective Dates

The regulations became effective on September 6, 1996 for transactions involving owners of more than 4 residential dwellings and on December 6, 1996 for transactions involving owners of 1 to 4 residential dwellings.
Recordkeeping

Sellers and lessors must retain a copy of the disclosures for no less than three years from the date of sale or the date the leasing period begins.
What Can You Do?

If you did not receive the Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards form when you bought or leased pre-1978 housing, contact 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Link (lead base paint pamplet)

[Eieio]

US sets new rules for lead-based paint
Source: US EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
Apr. 1, 2008
To further protect children from exposure to lead-based paint, EPA is issuing new rules for contractors who renovate or repair housing, child-care facilities or schools built before 1978. Under the new rules, workers must follow lead-safe work practice standards to reduce potential exposure to dangerous levels of lead during renovation and repair activities. 'While there has been a dramatic decrease over the last two decades in the number of children affected by lead-poisoning, EPA is continuing its efforts to take on this preventable disease,' said James Gulliford, EPA's Assistant Administrator for Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. 'Today's new rules will require contractors to be trained and to follow simple but effective lead-safe work practices to protect children from dangerous levels of lead.'

The 'Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program' rule, which will take effect in April 2010, prohibits work practices creating lead hazards. Requirements under the rule include implementing lead-safe work practices and certification and training for paid contractors and maintenance professionals working in pre-1978 housing, child-care facilities and schools. To foster adoption of the new measures, EPA will also conduct an extensive education and outreach campaign to promote awareness of these new requirements.

The rule covers all rental housing and non-rental homes where children under six and pregnant mothers reside. The new requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities where more than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. The affected contractors include builders, painters, plumbers and electricians. Trained contractors must post warning signs, restrict occupants from work areas, contain work areas to prevent dust and debris from spreading, conduct a thorough cleanup, and verify that cleanup was effective.

Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in paint and was banned for residential use in 1978. Exposure to lead can result in health concerns for both children and adults. Children under six years of age are most at risk because their developing nervous systems are especially vulnerable to lead's effects and because they are more likely to ingest lead due to their more frequent hand-to-mouth behavior. Almost 38 million homes in the United States contain some lead-based paint, and today's new requirements are key components of a comprehensive effort to eliminate childhood lead poisoning.

[Eieio]

Lead

Lead Abatement Worker (Washington, DC/Maryland Accreditation)
FOH-EH-LEAD-001
Overview:
When the performance of assigned duties presents the possibility that employees will disturb lead-based paint, they must receive training prior to engaging in these activities. Attendees will learn about the health effects of lead exposure, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Lead Standard, personal protection equipment (PPE), and proper safety procedures for removing lead-based paint and handling materials containing lead. The course content is based on the Environmental Protection Agency/Housing and Urban Development (EPA/HUD) model course.

Duration:
2 Days
NOTE: A one-day Lead Abatement Worker refresher course is also offered. FOH-EH-LEAD-001A

< Back

Lead Abatement Supervisor (Washington, DC/Maryland Accreditation)
FOH-EH-LEAD-002
Overview:
This class meets the training requirements for individuals supervising or overseeing projects involving the disturbance of lead-based paint. Topics covered include: health effects of lead exposure, medical monitoring, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard control activities, engineering controls, legal liability, insurance considerations, supervisory practices, and hazardous waste disposal. The course content is based on the Environmental Protection Agency/Housing and Urban Development (EPA/HUD) model curriculum.

Duration:
4 Days
NOTE: A one-day Lead Abatement Supervisor refresher course is also offered (FOH-EH-LEAD-002A).

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Lead Inspector Technician (Washington, DC/Maryland Accreditation)
FOH-EH-LEAD-003
Overview:
This class is for individuals who perform investigations of lead-based paint as well as substances that could contain lead in targeted housing, commercial, or industrial facilities. Instruction includes "state of the art" sample collection and reporting methodology. This course includes a module on radiation safety for x-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) users. The course content is based on the Environmental Protection Agency/Housing and Urban Development (EPA/HUD) model course.

Duration:
3 Days
NOTE: A one--day Lead Inspector Technician (DC/MD Accreditation) Refresher course is also offered (FOH-EH-LEAD-003A).

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Lead Project Designer (Washington, DC/Maryland Accreditation)
FOH-EH-LEAD-004
Prerequisite::
This class is taught in conjunction with the Lead Supervisor Initial course; students must already be trained as lead-supervisors.


Overview:
A project designer reviews inspections, analyzes methods of abatement, and designs plans to eliminate lead-based paint hazards. The project designer also creates the blueprint for the project and oversees all activities. This focus of this class is target housing such as child-occupied and multi-family housing, as well as large-scale abatement projects such as public buildings.

Course content includes the roles and responsibilities of the lead project designer; development of occupant protection plans for large-scale projects; analysis of inspection reports and risk assessment reports; review of lead abatement and interim control measures; interior dust abatement/clean-up and lead hazard control for large-scale projects; clearance standards and testing for large-scale abatement projects; and integration of lead abatement methods with modernization and rehabilitation projects. The course content is based on the Environmental Protection Agency/Housing and Urban Development (EPA/HUD) model course.

Duration:
1 Day
NOTE: A one-day Lead Abatement Project Designer Refresher course is also offered (FOH-EH-LEAD-004A).

Note on state-specific accreditation and certification:
The lead abatement and inspection courses listed have above are based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Training Requirement standards (40 CFR 745) and are accredited through the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia, as certifying agents for the EPA.

While states and local jurisdictions outside Maryland and the District of Columbia may grant reciprocity for this training, they may also have additional requirements (e.g., a third party examination, licensures, verified work experience, etc.). Interested parties should check with each jurisdiction to determine any specific state and local requirements.

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Lead Awareness
FOH-EH-LEAD-005
Overview:
This class is designed for individuals whose work will put them in contact with lead containing substances, but does not require that they disturb these substances. The course content includes an overview of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Lead Regulations, sources of lead exposure, and toxic effects of lead.

Duration:
30 Minutes

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Lead Paint Repair and Maintenance Worker
FOH-EH-LEAD-006
Overview:
This course is designed for maintenance and custodial personnel who may disturb small amounts of lead-based paint in the performance of their job. The course content includes sources of lead exposure, toxic effects of lead, acceptable lead abatement techniques, and lead abatement work practices. An overview of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Lead Regulations will also be provided.

Duration:
2 Hours

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Other Lead Activities Worker
FOH-EH-LEAD-007
Overview:
This course is for maintenance and custodial trades personnel (plumbers, electricians, plasterers, and other general maintenance personnel) whose work-related activities may involve the disturbance of lead-containing substance other than lead-based paint. The course content includes sources of lead exposure, toxic effects of lead, lead disturbance work practices, as well as an overview of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Lead Regulations.

Duration:
2 Hours

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Lead Inspector (Washington, DC/Maryland Accreditation)
FOH-EH-LEAD-008
Overview:
This course is a certified program approved by the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia and is based on courses derived from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) model training curriculum for lead-based paint. It is designed for individuals involved in identifying and analyzing lead-based paint and lead containing substances. This course covers guidelines established by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Examples of the topics addressed in this course include sources of lead exposure; toxic effects of lead; containment, clean-up, and disposal of lead dust; and regulations governing lead abatement; disturbance, and inspection.

Duration:
3 Days
NOTE: One day Lead Inspector Refresher (DC/MD Accreditation) is also available (FOH-EH-LEAD-008A).

[RCP]

There is more info here (http://www.epa.gov/lead/)
I have ordered material from this site to use when consulting with a customer. There is a form you have to have signed.


I have chosen not to pursue certification for removal, but am considering getting certified as Lead Risk Assessor.

If you are familiar with Google Earth, there is a feature that lets you go back in time and see what your community looked like in 1978.

[Eieio]

There is more info here (http://www.epa.gov/lead/)
I have ordered material from this site to use when consulting with a customer. There is a form you have to have signed.


I have chosen not to pursue certification for removal, but am considering getting certified as Lead Risk Assessor.

If you are familiar with Google Earth, there is a feature that lets you go back in time and see what your community looked like in 1978.

In DC it will be mandatory for everyone in remodeling to have someone or rely on some one that is certified to work on the homes.

Even Plumbers, electricians, window installers etc will be affected.

[RCP]

Sorry, I deleted too much when I edited to avoid repeating!
I live in a very rural area with most construction having occurred after 1978.
I do not feel there will be enough work for my company to justify the training and equipment costs involved. There is a local painter that is certified that I refer the work to. I think there is an opportunity for a Lead Inspector though.

[Eieio]

Sorry, I deleted too much when I edited to avoid repeating!
I live in a very rural area with most construction having occurred after 1978.
I do not feel there will be enough work for my company to justify the training and equipment costs involved. There is a local painter that is certified that I refer the work to. I think there is an opportunity for a Lead Inspector though.

In DC and most major cities the downtown areas are brick rowhouse that are 100+ and older now way around it really

[Blue]

Yep got my cert about 5 years ago.

[Blue]

Oh and one more thing, good luck trying pass your clearance on the first try!!! LOL

[Century Man]

I don't think anyone is taking it seriously yet but I need to get the our people trained. Do you have any info on classes?

[Eieio]

Class Action Lawsuit Seeks $200M For Lead Poisoning From D.C. Tap Water
Written by Derek Markham
Published on February 20th, 2009



A class action lawsuit seeking $200 million was filed against the Washington D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) by the single father of twin boys who were poisoned as infants by lead contaminated tap water. John Parkhurst filed the suit on behalf of himself and other parents in D.C. whose children were poisoned due to extremely high levels of lead in the municipal water supply from 2001 to 2004.

“In June 2001, WASA discovered that that toxic levels of lead were leaching into the District’s drinking water. Not only did the Authority fail to eliminate this danger, it actually took affirmative steps to hide the lead contamination from its customers and federal authorities. At the same time, WASA encouraged the public to consume this dangerous product. As a result, tens of thousands of children and pregnant mothers faced elevated risks for years longer than they should have. WASA’s actions endangered thousands of children living in the District between 2001 and 2004, many of whom, like Jonathan and Joshua Parkhurst, are now profoundly affected by their ingestion of this highly poisonous element.” - Stefanie Roemer, Sanford Wittels & Heisler.

The complaint lays out the defects associated with lead poisoning in kids, including brain damage, decreased growth, reduced IQ levels, speech and balance problems, below-average learning skills, and hyperactivity. A recent study by Dana Best, M.D., of Children’s National Medical Center and Marc Edwards, Ph.D., was cited, which found that elevated levels of lead in D.C.’s children are directly correlated to the amount of the District’s tap water they were exposed to.

“For the first time, parents know who is to blame for the poisoning of their children. The recent study shows that when the levels of lead in the District’s water spiked, there was a 10-fold increase in elevated blood levels of our District’s children. Rather than protect our children, WASA undertook Herculean efforts to shield itself from liability and to otherwise deny responsibility for seven and a half years. Through this lawsuit, parents like Dr. Parkhurst will be able to hold WASA accountable and will be able to get the help their children so desperately need.” - Kate Kimpel, Sanford Wittels & Heisler

Parkhurst’s twin boys first showed evidence of lead poisoning in 2002, during their two-year-old checkup. They have both experienced serious behavioral and learning difficulties and been diagnosed with significant problems in attention and learning. Parkhurst’s costs for their medication and therapy is $30K to $40K per year, which will add up to a half a million dollars by the time they reach 18.

The lawsuit requests $200 million in compensatory damages and an unspecified amount of money in punitive damages from WASA for failing to notify parents of young children in D.C. of the presence of lead in the drinking water, and for failing to notify them about the dangers associated with drinking the tap water. Also listed in the complaint were the facts that WASA failed to take appropriate measures to remedy the dangers and that it continued to cover up the severity of the lead contamination from 2001 onward. The suit asks for the establishment of a system of medical monitoring and care for the poisoned children, as well as a system of educational intervention and services for the children poisoned by the contaminated water.


Link to blog
http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/20/class-action-lawsuit-seeks-200m-for-lead-poisoning-from-dc-tap-water/

[Allrounder]

I was told by the state that the classes that meet the new criteria won't be offered until December, and that anybody claiming to have a class now is lying to us.

[Blue]

If you are interested in geting the cert. call any of the Fed org. in your city. Such as the neighborhood services, section 8 dept, housing/urban developement, they will tell you where the classes are held.

In my area it was just some yahoo who rents out an old school building and teaches several different classes.

[Eieio]

Well its official we got an email form DCHA last week, it was sent out to all the registered contractors that do work for them.

If you do not have a certificate you will be kicked of their contractor list.


Unless your a roofer every one needs it

[Msargent]

I took the course and got my cert from the state of VT. They said all states by April 2010 will have to take this course.Now I am registered with the state of Vt Dept of Health

[ModernStyle]

It isnt gonna do alot of good to certify the owner of a company that has about 20 illegals doing all of the work for him. He gets his pretty little paper saying he knows all about lead, and his workers blow the shit all over the house. It is just a way to get some money from contractors who try to be legit, the hacks will still do what they do.

[Msargent]

I am with you modern. I know VT doesnt have enough people to enforce this but if you are the one company caught they will fine ya to death

[Eieio]

EPA-Accredited Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (RRP) Training Providers


I got this link today that has some of the training sites to get certified. There really aren't to many places to go for training it appears

http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/trainingproviders.htm



This seems to be the closet location for me

Aerosol Monitoring & Analysis, Inc.
1331 Ashton Road
Hanover, MD 21076
410-684-3327
Training in Maryland

[RCP]

Here is another site, http://www.connorsolutions.com/