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EPA's Lead-safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) program open to contractors


Dear Contractor Magazine or Association:

I am happy to tell you that EPA's Lead-safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) program has begun. This program places new requirements on your members and readers, and I hope that we can count on you to help us get the word out.

By April 2010, all firms who disturb lead paint as part of their work in pre-1978 homes, schools, and other buildings must be EPA-certified. All of these jobs must be supervised by a certified renovator who has completed an EPA-accredited one-day training course, and other employees will have to receive specific on-the-job training. This new program will allow your members and readers to help reduce childhood lead poisoning by working lead-safe. I hope that you will join me in encourage contractors you to get trained now and start reaping the benefits of working lead-safe.

Hundreds of contractors across the country have already taken the one-day accredited RRP training course and have become EPA-certified renovators. They learned how to protect themselves and their clients from lead contamination during renovation, repair, and painting activities. They also realize that working clean can mean working profitably. They will be able advertise that they are certified by EPA under the RRP program. Please encourage your members and readers to become part of our nationwide network of lead-safe contractors.

Some of your members and readers may already be familiar with EPA requirements, and some may even be certified lead abatement contractors. But they may not yet be aware that even contractors with previous training and certification must be trained and certified under this new program. In some cases, a shorter "refresher" course may be adequate.

All contractors must be trained and certified by April 2010. Although it may be difficult to find an accredited training course if people wait until just before the deadline, there are courses available now. Your membership and readership can continue to work with confidence if they take a one-day accredited course in the next few months.

Finding an accredited course is easy. EPA's website now lists over 50 accredited trainers at http://epa.gov/lead/pubs/trainingproviders.htm. Check back often if you do not find one near you today, as this list grows weekly. A number of trainers have been approved to travel to your site, making training even more convenient. Individual certification as a "certified renovator" is automatic upon completion of training, at no additional charge. This certification is valid anywhere in the country. As state and tribal programs become authorized, the Agency will work closely with certified renovators and the authorized state or tribe to ensure a smooth transition.

Both individuals and contracting firms must be certified. Firm certification is straightforward - your members and readers need to complete a short application, and submit it with fee to EPA. The application is now posted on our website at http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/firmapp.pdf. We will start processing applications in October, in the order they have been received. Again, after April 2010, your members and readers will need both firm certification and individual renovator certification.

If you have questions about the RRP rule or the certification process, you can visit EPA's web site at www.epa.gov/lead or call the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1-800-424- LEAD [5323]. I hope that you will join us in publicizing this new program and encouraging your members and readers to attend an accredited training course soon. I look forward to having your help as we continue to combat childhood lead poisoning.

Sincerely,
Michelle Price, Chief
Lead, Heavy Metals and Inorganics Branch