EPA Building Certifications: What You Need to Know

Building owners and property managers of older properties must comply with legal requirements to protect against lead exposure, as outlined in the EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP Rule). This rule specifies the necessary steps for building owners when undertaking projects that may disturb lead-based paints on the premises.

The RRP Rule specifically mandates the use of EPA Certified contractors by building owners when renovating apartments, schools, and child-care facilities constructed before 1978. This requirement stems from the widespread use of lead paint before 1978 and the heightened vulnerability of young children to its harmful effects. Therefore, stringent procedures must be followed to adequately prepare and clean up lead-based paints in buildings where young children are likely to be present.

A range of renovation and repair projects necessitate the engagement of EPA Lead Safe certified contractors. These projects include remodeling, property maintenance, window replacement, painting preparation, electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry.

In summary, if you own or manage an apartment building, child-care facility, or school, and your property was built prior to 1978, it is essential to hire a Lead-Safe Certified contractor for these types of projects.

How Does a Firm Obtain Lead-Safe Certification?

To achieve certification, a service provider must undergo a comprehensive training and education program. This includes pre-renovation education, which covers proper site preparation, renovation techniques, and clean-up strategies for handling lead-based paint. The provider must also successfully complete a rigorous certification process.

Generally, service providers who are paid to work in child-occupied buildings built before 1978 must be trained and certified to perform these services. In fact, uncertified firms are legally prohibited from advertising these services. The list of providers that require certification includes window replacement contractors, general contractors, rental property managers, painters, plumbers, and carpenters.

Work Requirements for Lead-Safe Certified Providers

In addition to pre-renovation training and certification, Lead-Safe Certified providers must adhere to strict on-site work protocols during the project. These protocols can be categorized into three criteria:

  1. Contain Work Area: A Lead-Safe contractor must effectively seal off the work area and provide safety information to occupants. Examples of containment measures include covering HVAC systems and immovable furniture. For exterior projects like window replacement, a ground cover and, in some cases, a vertical containment device must be utilized.
  2. Avoid Techniques Generating Excessive Lead-Based Dust: Inhalation of lead dust is harmful, so methods that produce excessive dust, such as mechanical sanding without a vacuum attachment, must be avoided.
  3. Properly Clean the Area: After completing the work, the contractor must thoroughly clean the site. This involves wiping down surfaces and adhering to specific protocols and standards to ensure proper cleaning of the area.

Types of Properties and Activities Exempt from RRP Rule

Certain types of housing buildings and renovation projects are not required to comply with the RRP Rule. Exempt properties include:

  • Housing constructed in 1978 or later
  • Residences primarily intended for elderly or disabled individuals (excluding those housing children under 6)
  • Studio apartments, dormitories, and other “zero-bedroom” properties
  • Housing determined by a certified inspector not to contain lead-based paints

Additionally, some repair and maintenance projects do not necessitate the involvement of a Lead-Safe Certified provider. However, these projects must be limited in scope, such as disturbing only 6 square feet of paint inside or 20 square feet of paint on the exterior. Certain projects, such as window replacement and demolition, always require adherence to the RRP Rule protocol.

For more information on the EPA Lead Building Certifications, read the Renovate Right brochure, as well as the EPA’s Lead-Safe website.

Choose Aeroseal, an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm, for Your Project

At Aeroseal, we take pride in being an EPA Lead-Safe certified firm. If you have a project that requires assistance, we are here to help. Our certification ensures that we meet the necessary standards for working on all commercial properties.

By choosing Aeroseal, you can have peace of mind knowing that we have undergone the required training and education programs to handle lead-based paint properly. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to carry out renovation, repair, and painting projects in compliance with the RRP Rule.

Whether you need remodeling, property maintenance, window replacement, painting preparation, electrical work, plumbing, or carpentry services, our Lead-Safe Certified contractors are ready to serve you. We understand the importance of following strict protocols to contain the work area, prevent the generation of excessive lead-based dust, and ensure thorough cleanup.

Contact Us

Don’t risk the health and safety of occupants, especially young children, by hiring uncertified contractors. Partner with Aeroseal, an EPA Lead-Safe Certified firm that prioritizes the well-being of individuals and the proper handling of lead-based paints.

Contact us today to discuss your project requirements. We are committed to providing quality services while maintaining compliance with EPA regulations. Trust Aeroseal for a reliable and responsible approach to your renovation and repair needs.