Changes to lead-paint rules
Heads up to all who own or renovate older homes: The Environmental Protection Agency has revised its lead-paint rules.
Here's how the National Center for Healthy Housing describes the changes:
Renovators must build a containment wall—a barrier consisting of plastic sheeting or other impermeable material over scaffolding or a rigid frame—to enclose an exterior work space and prevent the spread of lead dust outside of the area.Uncertified workers should be trained by certified renovators in lead-safe work practices.
Certified renovators should ensure their workers maintain containment and do not spread dust or debris.
States may charge higher penalties for non-compliance with the rule.
This is a revision of rules that went into effect last year. Here's a Q&A with the center in 2010 that runs down what those rules mean, and why it matters for homeowners. The rules apply to homes built before 1978, when lead paint was banned.
And here's a recent Q&A with the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, aimed at helping new landlords (including homeowners who are renting because they can't sell) navigate state rules about testing and remediation.
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Comments
The information above from the National Center for Healthy Homes is inaccurate. They have their "should" and "must" reversed. They also left out critical details that make a big difference. This is how it should read, edits have been capitalized to make them obvious:
DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION, Renovators MAY be required to build a containment wall—a barrier consisting of plastic sheeting or other impermeable material over scaffolding or a rigid frame—to enclose an exterior work space and prevent the spread of lead dust outside of the area. IF THE SURFACE BEING DISTURBED IS WITHIN 10 FEET OF THE PROPERTY LINE VERTICAL CONTAINMENT IS REQUIRED.
Uncertified workers MUST be trained by certified renovators in lead-safe work practices.
Certified renovators MUST ensure their workers maintain containment and do not spread dust or debris.
States may charge higher penalties for non-compliance with the rule, IF THE STATE HAS ASSUMED ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE RULE FROM EPA. STATES MUST USE A MINIMUM FINE OF $5000.00 PER VIOLATION PER DAY
For more information about the RRP Rule visit www.RRPedia.com
Posted by: Shawn McCadden | August 5, 2011 10:15 AM