Thirteen Local Remodeling Contractors Will Be Certified to Work on Pre-1978 Renovations
The Home Builders Association of Raleigh – Wake County announces 13 members who passed the lead-based paint renovation class to renovate homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978. These 13 soon to be certified lead renovators will meet the new lead paint regulations required for contractors by April 2010.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently passed a lead-based paint regulation called the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. Currently, there are a limited number of certification training programs available across the country, a limit on the number of contractors per instructor ratio in the classes, and a four month window to have the EPA process a RRP application for certification by April 2010.
On December 2, the HBA recently offered an EPA-approved certification course for lead renovators taught by an instructor from the EI Group (www.ei1.com), one of only three accredited training programs in the state.
The following (Company: Employee) completed and passed the certification class:
1. Acclaim Builders: Wally Ackerson
2. Blue Ribbon Residential Construction: John Sperath
3. Builders Mutual Insurance Co: Margaret Bruner
4. Colorvision Inc: Jay Simmons
5. Colorvision Inc: Russell Winneberger
6. Complete Construction Co: Glenn White
7. H. Glazer Builder: Harold Glazer
8. Marty Graff Custom Homes, Marty Graff
9. Quality Design and Construction: David Mackowski
10. Quality Design and Construction: Brian Wilkinson
11. Residential Construction Resources, Inc: Betsy Lingenheld
12. Weatherford Construction Co: Glenn Weatherford
13. Zane Danuck Construction: Zane Danuck
Company contact information for the above members can be found on the HBA website (www.hbawake.com).
In 2008, the EPA announced new rules for contractors who renovate or repair housing, child-care facilities or schools built before 1978. Under the new rules, contractors must have documented training and lead-safe work practices to reduce potential lead exposure during renovation and repair activities including sanding, cutting, and demolition. The effective date for companies to work in pre-1978 homes and child occupied facilities is April 2010. However, the EPA just began processing applications for renovators to receive certification on October 22. (Companies who are not certified could be subject to stiff fines as well as jail time.)
The requirements apply to painters, plumbers, electricians, and contractors who could potentially expose children to hazardous lead dust and chips during a renovation. The regulation also requires a contractor to follow specific work practices and meet record keeping requirements.
