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The Real Cost of the New EPA Lead Safe Rule

As of April 22, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has passed a rule called the Renovation, Repair and Painting rule which requires all contractors, property managers or other firms and their workers to be trained in and utilize lead-safe work practices. The new Lead-Safe Certification is a federally regulated program that will help reduce hazardous lead dust commonly caused by renovation and demolition projects. However, this new rule is creating quite a stir in the contracting world as many workers are worried about the financial burdens associated with the increased costs associated with lead-safe practices.

The new Lead-Safe Certification is just one part of the EPA’s campaign for preventing lead poisoning. According to the EPA, lead poisoning amongst children within the United States is a huge problem; damage to the brain and nervous system, hearing problems and headaches are just a few of the problems that can affect children who have been exposed to lead. Although children’s bodies more readily absorb lead, adults are also at risk for lead poisoning and may experience toxicity in the form of nerve disorders, muscle pain and reproductive problems. The EPA had decided to make serious strides in the area of preventing lead exposure and the new Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (RRP) will definitely help steer their agenda.

The RRP directly applies to contractors or firms that are renovating, repairing or painting homes, child care facilities or schools built before 1978. From demolishing a building to electrical work to simply replacing a window, the EPA requires workers to use lead-safe practices so as to not disturb lead paint. The EPA estimates about 38million homes and apartment units contain lead paint. The rule does not cover buildings built in 1978 or later and includes other exemptions such as housing for elderly persons. As well, the rule does not apply to homeowners; though the EPA strongly encourages homeowners to use lead-safe practices when renovating their homes. Currently, the training involves 8 hours to be paid-out-of-pocket. In addition to the training, there is a $300 certification fee per person to be renewed every five years.

Read the rest of the The Real Cost of the New EPA Lead Safe Rule article here