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Under the new EPA RRP rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors, maintenance workers, and others performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, apartments, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified. 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 than 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. All firms performing or desiring to perform renovation, repair or painting work must become certified by April 22, 2010. Firms can obtain certification by applying to EPA or to the State, if it has an EPA-authorized renovation program beginning October 22, 2009.

Also, firms must have at least one “Certified Renovator” assigned to jobs where lead-based paint is disturbed. To become a certified renovator, the individual must successfully complete the Renovator initial or refresher course conducted by an EPA or State-accredited RRP training provider.

For more information, visit EPA's Remodeling, Repair, and Painting Website: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm