The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Oct. 22 will begin processing applications for contracting firms seeking certification under the Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program.
The RRP program was established April 22, 2008, when the EPA issued a rule requiring that 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. Under the RRP program, both firms and individual employees will need to be certified by April 22, 2010.
Firms can become certified by completing an application and sending in a fee payment. Applications may take up to 90 days to be approved by EPA. Individual renovation contractors must complete an EPA-accredited training course in order to receive certification. Certified lead abatement contractors with previous training may qualify for a shortened “refresher” course. For a list of available training sessions, visit
www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/trainingproviders.htm.
To learn more about EPA's rules and lead-safe work practices, visit
www.epa.gov/lead.