Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Resources

New Rule Establishes Requirements to Protect
Children During Renovation, Repair and Painting Activities that Disturb Lead-Based Paint
On March 31, 2008, to better protect children from lead-based paint hazards, EPA issued a new rule for construction contractors and maintenance professionals who renovate or repair pre-1978 hospitals, schools, child-care facilities and housing. The rule requires that by April 2010 contractors and maintenance professionals be certified, that their employees be trained, and that they follow protective lead-safe work practice standards (see EPA fact sheet).

The covered facilities include public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis. The rule applies to renovation, repair or painting activities. It does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities affecting less than six square feet of lead-based paint in a room or less than 20 square feet of lead-based paint on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.

Additional Resources

General lead information from EPA

Renovate Right. Pamphlet containing important lead hazard information for families, child care providers and schools.

National Lead Information Center (NLIC). The National Lead Information Center (NLIC) provides the general public and professionals with information about lead hazards and their prevention. (1-800-424-LEAD (5323))

General RRP information. Beginning in April 2010, federal law will require 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 follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Information for construction trades and property managers/operators:

• Lead debris. Aiming to further reduce lead poisoning in children, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clarified that contractors can manage residential lead-based paint (LBP) waste as household waste.
• Contractors lead safety. EPA pamphlet for contractors involved in renovation projects.
• Renovator training (needs to be taken through certified trainer for certification). EPA has developed the following training courses to provide instruction to individuals seeking certification as a renovator or dust sampling technician.
• Sample recordkeeping checklist
• Steps to lead safe Renovation, Repair and Painting. EPA pamphlet describing how to safely work with lead-based paint in the home.
• Small business compliance guide. A handbook for contractors, property managers and maintenance personnel working in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.
• Pre-renovation disclosure form
• Renovate Right. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating six square feet or more of painted surfaces in a room for interior projects or more than twenty square feet of painted surfaces for exterior projects in housing, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.
• Renovator "toolbox". This Web page contains application instructions and information that contractors and training providers need to become approved by EPA.
• Article for construction trades: Mandatory Lead Safety Certification is Coming in 2010

Information on how to become trained and certified:

• Renovator training (you need to take an in class training from a certified provider to be certified but you can view the model course here). EPA has developed the following training courses to provide instruction to individuals seeking certification as a renovator or dust sampling technician.
• Small business compliance guide. A handbook for contractors, property managers and maintenance personnel working in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.

Information for construction training organizations and community colleges:

• Renovator training. EPA has developed the following training courses to provide instruction to individuals seeking certification as a renovator or dust sampling technician.
• Training provider application
• Trainer "toolbox". This Web page contains application instructions and information that contractors and training providers need to become approved by EPA.

Information for child-care providers and schools:

• Steps to lead safe Renovation, Repair and Painting. EPA pamphlet describing how to safely work with lead-based paint in the home.
• Renovate Right. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating six square feet or more of painted surfaces in a room for interior projects or more than twenty square feet of painted surfaces for exterior projects in housing, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.
• Small business compliance guide. A handbook for contractors, property managers and maintenance personnel working in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.
• PTA Article. How to help ensure a lead-free environment for children.

Information for states and tribes:

• Authorization page

Information on how to become certified to give training (state or tribal community college, college, university or training institute):

• Renovator training. EPA has developed the following training courses to provide instruction to individuals seeking certification as a renovator or dust sampling technician.
• Training provider application
• Trainer "toolbox". This Web page contains application instructions and information that contractors and training providers need to become approved by EPA.

Article for construction trades:

• Mandatory Lead Safety Certification is coming in 2010

article on epa rule Requiring Mandatory Lead Training

EPA Renovations, Repair and Painting Rule for Landlords and Property Management

Federal Agency Compliance with EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule

Training Provider Letter 10-23-08

Training Provider Letter 3-23-09

PTA Article. How to help ensure a lead-free environment for children.