LEAD BASED PAINT RENOVATOR CERTIFICATION

In 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act regarding “lead-based paint hazards created by renovation, repair, and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint in target housing and child-occupied facilities.” The rule, which became effective on April 22, 2010, directly affects general and specialty contractors by requiring them to be certified if they are performing work on a targeted facility and to provide warnings to let people know of the hazards.

What projects are covered?

The rule generally applies to renovation of any housing constructed prior to 1978 and any public or commercial facility constructed prior to 1978 where children are present on a regular basis, such as a day care center or school. Exemptions include minor repair or maintenance work involving an area no larger than 6 sq. ft. of interior painted surface (20 sq. ft. for exterior), renovations by an owner to their own residence or a certification that the work area is free of lead-based paint (as determined using an EPA recognized test kit). Window and door replacement, regardless of size, automatically fall under the rule and are not exempt.

Who does the rule apply to?

Contractors that perform renovation on target housing or child-occupied facilities are covered by the program. Renovation means modifying any existing structure (or portion of the structure) that disturbs the painted surface such as but not limited to modification of painted or varnished doors, restoring building surfaces, window repair or replacement, painting preparation, or weatherization projects.  

Not only does the rule affect general contractors, but it also applies to any specialty contractor that in the course of their work may disturb a surface that could have lead-based paint. This would include plumbing, painting, HVAC, electrical, finish carpentry, drywall, insulation, siding, tile, glass and glazing, as well as others. It would be advisable for general contractors to verify compliance by their subcontractors by obtaining a copy of their certification.

Since April 22, 2010 contractors must be certified in order perform or even offer to perform renovations to a targeted project. Certifications must be renewed every five years and contractors must become licensed annually with the CCB as a Lead Based Paint Renovation Contractor.  The Oregon Construction Contractors Board and the Department of Human Services are responsible for the enforcement of the EPA rule.

To find a licensed Certified Lead Based Paint contractor see our website or check a contractors license on the CCB Website at http://www.oregon.gov/CCB/lead-based-paint.shtml .

To become certified: COBA, certified through the National Center for Healthy Housing and the Oregon Home Builders Association, is offering the 8 hour classes for required for certification.  Call 541-389-1058 for schedule and more information.