You will not be able to work in pre-1978 homes after April 22, 2010 without lead paint certification!

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April 20 Registration Form

HBA MEMBERS AND NON HBA MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND OUR CLASSES!

This new Federal Law set forth by the EPA can be confusing to some of you. So to help you better understand who needs the certification, who doesn’t and other quick tidbits, I’ve broken down the most important information you need to know in laymen’s terms. All of the information in this article is true to the best of our knowledge. The best resource for information is the EPA, which can be reached at 1-800-424-LEAD or by visiting www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.

When does this new law go into affect?
This new Federal Law goes into affect April 22, 2010.

What the Law States
This training certification is required for any contractor involved in any construction activity that will or has the potential to disturb lead based paint. The new EPA rule will directly affect ALL paid renovators who work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including: renovation contractors, maintenance workers in multi-family housing, painters and other specialty trades. Under the rule, child-occupied facilities are defined as residential, public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis. The requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities. The rule does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities where less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where less then 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.

Who is affected?
Remodelers, window installers, door installers, painters, insulation contractors, electricians, plumbers, siding contractors and any other contractor working in pre-1978 housing where there is a risk that lead paint or dust will be disturbed. Under the rule, child-occupied facilities are defined as residential, public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis.

About the Training Certification Course
This 8-hour certification course was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to train renovation, repair and painting contractors how to work safely in housing with lead-based paint and complies with the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, and HUD's Lead Safe Housing Rule. This course certifies the individual, not the firm (read below on firm certification).

Who from my company needs the training certification?
It could be the owner, your project manager, superintendent, crew leader. To be in compliance with the law, the certificate of the certified individual must remain on the jobsite at all times. Also, the individual must have copy of the certificate on him/her as well.

How long is the training certification good for?
The training certification is good for five years.

How much does the certification course cost?
The HBA is offering classes for a fee of $195 per person for HBA Members and $250 for non-members of the St. Louis HBA. There will be donuts and coffee available at 7:30 a.m. on class days. Lunch is also included that day.

What if the certified individual leaves my company?
The certification stays with the individual so if he/she leaves your company and they are the only one from your company that is certified, then you are non-compliant. After successfully completing the course, the certified individual will get their photo taken by the instructor which will get embedded onto the certificate they will take with them that day. A copy of the certificate must remain on the jobsite and on the individual at all times.

What if I’m caught non-compliant?
The EPA states on their website that those found not in non-compliance could face hefty daily fines of up to $37,500 per day until both the individual and firm are compliant. I will say this, there are many companies signed up for these courses, obviously some of them are your competitors, if they have to go through this, they will make sure you will too. You don’t want to get caught – plain and simple.

How long is the training course?
The course is approximately 8.5 hours long. Our courses take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are held at the HBA Office at 10104 Old Olive Street Road, St. Louis, MO 63141. Click here for directions. Please arrive a minimum of 10 minutes early as the class starts promptly at 8 a.m. It should end no later than 4:30 p.m.

Firm Certification Vs. Individual Certification
Firm certification is completely separate from the individual certification training course we are offering. Each firm (company) doing any type of construction in pre-1978 housing must also get their firm certified. You can send this paperwork in before or after you get an individual certified. To get your firm certified, you’ll simply fill out the EPA’s firm application and mail it to the EPA with a $300 check. The firm certification is valid for five years. You can access this application by clicking the following icon.  Should you need assistance in filling out this application, call 1-800-424-LEAD (option 3 - lead paint certification information) and they will be able to walk you through this form and/or answer any questions you may have.

Don’t be fooled!
There are out-of-town firms holding similar classes to ours who are claiming to be certified instructors (some may be and some may not). They also claim that you will receive the certification you need to be compliant with the new Federal law taking affect on April 22, 2010. If you choose to take a class with another firm, PLEASE double check with the EPA’s website to be sure they are in fact certified to instruct the EPA's Lead Safety Certification for Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule before making your reservation. Also, don’t be surprised when you learn they charge more than the HBA does for the same class!

More questions?
Contact Renee Mincher at 314-994-7700 x118. You may also go to www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm or call the Lead Paint Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD.