Posted 2/26/10
New EPA regulations governing lead based paint become effective April 22, 2010. BSR feels that these new regulations are an excessive and expensive over-reaction to handling lead based paint in older homes. For the most part, the work practices defined by the regulation are reasonalble but the licensing, certified training, administrative bureaucracy and other complexities will add approximately $100 per window which means that a whole-house replacement installation could cost you an additional several thousand dollars.
BSR, of course, will comply with the regulations. A quick summary of the regulations follows:
- Regulations pertain to houses/buildings built prior to 1978
- Pertains to contractors. Homeowners doing the work are exempt
- Contracting firms need to be certified
- Employees must be trained
- Lead education pamphlets must be given to owners/occupants
- <6 sf inside per room or <20 sf outside exempt
- Window replacement not exempt
- Record keeping for three years
- Emergency renovation are exempt
- Strict work practices must be followed such as:
- Work area containment
- No burning of paint or open flames allowed
- No power tools without HEPA exhaust control
- Thorough cleanup and verification testing
- Documented pre and post installation testing
- Homes can be exempt if:
- No child under 6 resides in the house
- No pregnant woman resides in the house
- The housing is not a child-occupied facility
- The owner signs an acknowledgement that the work practices will not apply
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