The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has passed a ruling which goes into effect on April 22, 2010 which will have a major consequence on the entire Remodeling Industry. As of this date, all renovations conducted for compensation in pre-1978 housing or child occupied facilities, must be performed by Certified Firms using Certified Renovators trained in "lead-safe" work practices.

Note: "Child occupied facilities" include elementary schools, pre-K, day care and other facilities frequented by children under 6.

On October 30th, Murphy Brothers Contracting in Mamaroneck, NY is hosting the first such training class to be offered in Westchester County. The one-day intensive course, which combines both "in-class" and "hands-on" training, will be conducted by ChemScope.

ChemScope is an environmental testing and consulting firm in North Haven CT, founded by Ronald Arena in 1979. In addition to the laboratory and field industrial hygiene work, ChemScope has been doing training in lead and other subjects since 1989 and is the second New England firm to be approved to teach the new EPA Renovation Repair and Painting Courses

Who needs to be "certified"? Any contractor must comply who does renovation, repair or painting for compensation in pre-1978 housing or child occupied facilities if the work will disturb 6 sq. ft. of painted surface in any room or 20 sq.ft. of exterior paint, or does any window replacement or any demolition. This includes the following trades:

• General Contractors
• Alteration, remodeling and renovation companies
• Painters
• Flooring contractors
• Restoration Contractors (Mold remediation, fire & water damage restorataion)
• Weatherization companies
• Demolition companies
• Maintenance Companies
• Landlords or their employees
• Property Managers

This (8) hour course includes lecture, demonstrations and hands-on training.

Topics include:

• Background information
• EPA regulations
• How to use EPA-recognized test kits
• Project set-up
• During-work activities
• Cleaning and checking your work
• Record-keeping
• Training non-certified renovation workers

Because of the high percentage of pre-1978 built homes in our areas, this ruling will have a major affect on the local Remodeling industry as contractors scramble to obtain the proper certification training in order to avoid the possibility of heavy fines or potential law suits. Six (6) square feet of interior space is the size of a typical window replacement. Twenty (20) square feet of exterior space is the size of a typical exterior door replacement. So, it's apparent that under the new EPA ruling, the simplest remolding project will require an EPA trained and certified individual to oversee these tasks.

Although the EPA ruling does not require that Architects and Interior Designers to be certified, it would be in their best interest to participate in this training seminar in order to understand what is involved that they may best serve their clients? own interests, regarding health and well-being.

Additional Article: NAHB Urges EPA to Accredit More Lead-Paint Rule Trainers