Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations for Lead-Safe Work (LSW)

Beginning April 22, 2010 new EPA regulations take effect for Lead-Safe work practices. These regulations apply to Contractors, Subgrantees* and all Firms who work on buildings constructed before 1978.  Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines of $37,500 per day.

* Note that the EPA regulations refer to Contractors but apply to Subgrantees with direct-hire crews or other employees who do weatherization work.

Contractors who perform renovation, repairs, and painting jobs in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities must, before beginning work, provide owners, tenants, and child-care facilities with a copy of EPA's lead hazard information pamphlet: Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools | en español. Contractors must document compliance with this requirement. More information for Contractors contractors can be found at Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program

You may obtain these guides and brochures from the EPA.  The main website for EPA Lead-Safe http://www.epa.gov/lead/index.html has a list of the EPA Regional addresses.

To become certified, renovation contractors must submit an application and fee payment to EPA:

• Download the application here*
• Download an example application for a renovation firm here
• Take training to learn how to perform lead-safe work practices.*
  • List of training providers that have been accredited by EPA to provide training for renovators under EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Program.
  • Please note that if you previously completed an eligible renovation training course you may take the 4-hour refresher course instead of the 8-hour initial course from an accredited training provider to become a certified renovator. Click here for a list of eligible courses.

*Required

Note that much like Davis-Bacon payrolls, you (both contractors and Subgrantees) are required to keep records of all work you do. Records must be kept for 3 years.

When you perform weatherization work on a dwelling you should:

• Provide a copy of your EPA or state lead training certificate to your client (dwelling occupants).
• Tell your client what lead-safe methods you will use to perform the job.
• Ask your client to share the results of any previously conducted lead tests.
• Provide your client with references from at least three recent jobs involving homes built before 1978.
• Keep records to demonstrate that you and your workers have been trained in lead-safe work practices and that you followed lead-safe work practices on the job.

NWC will be offering plans to help you with the record keeping.

Note: All information on this page is subject to change without notification.  Please check back regularly for the latest information.