EPA Expands List of Lead Paint Trainers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expanding on its initial list of EPA-accredited training organizations that will provide required training for remodelers and renovators under the EPA’s Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule governing the work of professional remodelers in homes where there is lead-based paint. EPA-accredited training providers now include 18 companies operating in 12 states and a number also offering national training opportunities.
The EPA is also reviewing additional applications for training providers that prepare remodelers for implementation of the rule and certification.
To view the current list, visit www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/trainingproviders.htm.
The rule, which will take effect on April 22, 2010, addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six square feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that are inhabited or frequented by pregnant women and children under the age of six.
When the rule takes effect, firms working in pre-1978 homes will need to be certified by the EPA and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. The fee for a firm’s certification is $300.
Along with the firm certification, the rule specifies that, for work done in pre-1978 homes, an employee will also need to be certified as a certified renovator and be responsible for training other employees and oversee work practices and cleaning on the job.
The training will be conducted during an eight-hour class and include two hours of hands-on training.
The certification of a firm and a certified renovator will be valid for five years. A certified renovator will be required to take a four-hour refresher course to be recertified under the rule.
Training Calendar
Additionally, the National Center for Healthy Housing, a nonprofit corporation based in Columbia, Md., dedicated to creating healthy and safe homes for children through practical and proven steps, is providing an online training calendar that includes courses on lead paint training required under the EPA rule.
Courses are now being listed and can be identified using this key:
- Lead Certified Renovator-Initial (LCR-I) — The required training to obtain EPA certification to work in housing covered by the lead paint rule.
- Lead Certified Renovator-Refresher (LCR-R) — A required refresher course to maintain EPA certification.
To view the calendar, visit www.nchh.org/training/calendar.aspx.
The calendar lists a variety of training related to healthy homes, in addition to courses related to the lead-based paint rule. Lead-related courses can be found by clicking the "Lead" tab on the calendar.
All the lead courses listed in the calendar should count towards the 16 hours required to become an approved trainer, but they may not meet the Certified Renovator requirements. When registering for a course, remodelers should verify with the trainer that the course is EPA-approved and will count toward the certification requirements.
For more information, e-mail Kelly Mack, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8451.
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