EPA Certification
What effect does the new EPA certification have on my contractor’s package policy?
Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.
To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008 EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. The rule affects paid renovators who work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:
- Renovation contractors
- Maintenance workers in multi-family housing
- Painters and other specialty trades
Many contractors want to know what effect this will have on their contractor’s package. One of the questions on every contractor's package application is, "are you involved in lead abatement?" With this new EPA certification, renovation contractors are still not certified to work in lead abatement. The renovation repair and painting rule (RRP) certification simply confirms that these renovation contractors now use lead safe work practices like cleaning up properly, containing the work area and minimizing dust. Contractors must still remember that their contractor’s package policies exclude pollution. Any bodily injury or disease to your clients because of lead based paint contamination is excluded from your contractor’s package.
If you would like more information on the EPA RRP certification or information on pollution liability please visit our website at www.clarkmortenson.com or contact us at 877-352-2121.
