EPA Lead Paint Rule
If your a contractor in Massachusetts here are a few things to consider regarding the EPA Lead Paint rules [RRP]
Common renovation, repair and painting activities, including those involving sanding, sawing, grinding, scraping or demolishing lead-painted components can produce exposures to lead-containing dust and chips that can be harmful to adults and children. To protect against this exposure risk, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, 40 CFR 745, Subpart E, and it became effective on April 22, 2010.
On July 9, 2010, the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety (DOS) received EPA authorization to administer its own standards for renovation, repair and painting work in target housing and child-occupied facilities, in lieu of the RRP Rule being enforced by the EPA in Massachusetts.
Lead Paint Certification
- Determine and discuss with the client which specific lead-safe methods will be used on your job.
- Explain to the client that the RRP lead rule does not encompass lead abatement / removal.
- The Renovate Right pamphlet must be provided to you before start the job.
- Warning signs for lead must be posted at the construction areas
- Certain activities are now prohibited (open flame burning, grinding without a HEPA attachment)
- Minimize dust through recommended procedures such as containment of the work area, methods to minimize dust and thoroughly cleaning up the work area.
- Written records for the project must be maintained (certification, procedures, cleaning results etc.)
- Proper post job cleanup and verification must be performed and documented.
- Minor repair and maintenance work that involves the disturbance of six or fewer square feet of lead-painted surface per room on interiors, or 20 or fewer square feet of lead-painted surface on exteriors – is exempt from coverage, provided that the work does not involve window replacement or demolition of lead-painted structures.
