Beginning 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 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
Many people who are selling their homes or buying a new home, hire someone to repair, renovate or paint….so I thought I would dedicate this week to the new law.
As licensed Contractors, we are required to be certified. This week, we attended our Certification class to learn about the new law. There are some very strict guidelines that Contractors must follow and it's important that Home Owners are aware.
If it's determined that the area of work contains lead based paint, Contractors must follow specific work practices to contain the area, minimize dust and clean up thoroughly.
I won't go in to all the details on this new law, but information can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm
If you do hire a Contractor:
Ask them if they are trained to perform lead-safe work practices and ask to see a copy of their training certificate.
Ask them what lead-safe methods they will use to set up and perform the job in your home.
Ask them if they are aware of the lead renovation rules.
Not every home built before 1978 will require the new practices, but only a Certified Contractor will be able to help determine whether or not the new steps need to be taken.
