New EPA Rule Applies to Retrofit Work
Mar
10
Written by:
Jeremy Glowacki
3/10/2009 8:40 AM
While attending last week's CEDIA Management Conference, fellow Government Affair Committee member Bill Skaer notified attendees about a new U.S. Environmental Projection Agency-mandated regulation governing some retrofit work done by electronic systems contractors. According to these new rules, remodelers and renovators (including ESCs on these projects) are now required to distribute a new lead paint pamphlet, “Renovate Right,” to homeowners for educating them about the new lead paint regulations when remodeling any pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities.
“EPA's Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule” addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six square feet of painted surfaces in a room for interior projects or more than 20 square feet of painted surfaces for exterior projects in housing, child-care facilities, and schools built before 1978.
The EPA rule applies to houses or apartments built before 1978 occupied by children under age six or by a pregnant woman, and buildings built before 1978, such as daycare center, schools or any buildings that a child frequents.
As of December 2008, remodelers must start distributing the new EPA pamphlet Renovate Right when working in pre-1978 houses. In April 2009, "Certified Renovator" training begins. Graduates of this program then may begin applying for accreditation. Once training providers are accredited, they may offer training courses that will allow renovators to become certified.
In October 2009, renovation firms may begin applying to EPA for certification.
All projects are required to be in full compliance by April 2010. The new rule becomes fully effective then, and work practices must be followed.
To download copies of the Renovate Right brochure to give to customers as required under EPA's Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule from www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm or by calling 800.424.LEAD (5323).
CEDIA will be posting more information on the EPA's rule on its website and in the next edition of CEDIA News. Specific comments related to the electronic systems integrator's role in this new rule, may contact CEDIA's director of public policy, Darren Reamon, at 800.669.5329 or dreaman@cedia.org.