New Lead Paint Resources Available on Web From NAHB

New resources on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's rule governing the work of professional remodelers in pre-1978 homes where there is lead-based paint — including how to become a certified firm or certified renovator, how to become a trainer or training provider and an update on EPA lead paint training courses — have been compiled for easy access on the NAHB Web site.

The new materials, plus other resources on the EPA rule, "Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting," are now available at www.nahb.org/leadpaint.

Available to NAHB members, the information also provides sample contract language that remodelers can use to minimize liability on jobs before the rule goes into effect on April 23, 2010.

“This NAHB lead paint Web site is the most complete, comprehensive resource to help remodelers understand the rule requirements and how to prepare their business for working in pre-1978 homes,” said Robert Hanbury, CGR, of House of Hanbury in Newington, Conn., and a leading expert on the EPA lead paint regulation. “In particular, the rule summary, certification and training information and draft contact language will help NAHB Remodelers members be fully prepared when rule goes into effect.”

The EPA rule addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six square feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that are inhabited or frequented by pregnant women and children under the age of six.

While training and certification will be required under the new rule, training currently is not available. The EPA, however, is reviewing applications for training professionals and NAHB expects the EPA to share information on training availability with NAHB soon.

The NAHB lead paint rule Web site will be regularly updated as more information becomes available about training, certification and rule implementation.

The Web site also includes a “Latest News” section where updates from NAHB on news and resources for preparing for the lead paint rule can easily be found.

Additional useful resources on the lead paint rule site include:

• An updated overview of the rule requirements and compliance deadlines, including outlining rule requirements for training, certification, consumer education, dust containment, lead-safe work practices, clean up, cleaning verification and record keeping
  
  
• The “Renovate Right” pamphlet for potential clients who own homes built before 1978 and other materials issued by the EPA to help with compliance
  
  
• A link to an NAHB audio seminar about the rule and compliance that is available free to members

When the rule takes effect, firms working in pre-1978 homes will need to be certified by the EPA and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. The fee for a firm’s certification is $300.

For more information, e-mail Kelly Mack at NAHB, or call her 800-368-5242 x8451.

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