Becoming a Certified Firm or Remodeler
Beginning in April 2010, firms working in pre-1978 homes will need to be certified. Along with firm certification, an employee will also need to be certified as a Certified Renovator. Below is an explanation of the difference between a Certified Firm and Certified Renovator.
Certified Firm
All remodeling firms doing work in pre-1978 homes are required to have Firm Certification, which is different from Certified Renovator. There are certain activities in pre-1978 houses that are not subjected to the rule and it is important to look at the rule for a better understanding of exempt activities. Firms are required to be certified by April 22, 2010
Firms may begin applying for certification beginning October 22, 2009. To obtain a copy of the “Application for Firms” contact the NLIC at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or visit www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm. The cost for firm certification is $300 and renewable every five years.
Responsibilities of Certified Firm
Certified firms must ensure that:
- All individuals performing activities that disturb painted surfaces on behalf of the firm are either certified renovators or have been trained by a certified renovator.
- A certified renovator is assigned to each renovation and performs all of the certified renovator responsibilities.
- All renovations performed by the firm are performed in accordance with the work practice standards of the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program.
- Pre-renovation education requirements of the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program are performed.
- The program’s recordkeeping requirements are met.
Certified Renovator
A certified renovator must successfully complete an eight-hour initial training course, including two hours of hands on training, offered by an accredited training provider. The course completion certificate serves as proof of certification. Renovators are required to be certified by April 22, 2010.
Responsibilities of Certified Renovator
- When requested by the homeowner, must use a test kit accepted by EPA to determine whether components to be affected by the renovation contain lead-based paint.
- Must provide on-the-job-training to workers on the work practices they will be using in performing their assigned tasks.
- Must be physically present at the work site when warning signs are posted, while the work-area containment is being established, and while the work-area cleaning is performed.
- Must regularly direct work being performed by other individuals to ensure that the work practices are being followed, including maintaining the integrity of the containment barriers and ensuring that dust or debris does not spread beyond the work area.
- Must be available, either on-site or by telephone, at all times renovations are being conducted.
- Must perform project cleaning verification.
- Must have with them at the work site copies of their initial course completion certificate and their most recent refresher course completion certificate.
- Must prepare required records.
The certified renovator will be responsible for training other employees and overseeing work practices and cleaning. The training curriculum, which is currently under development by the EPA, will be an eight-hour class with two hours of hands-on training. Both the firm and Certified Renovator certifications are valid for five years. A Certified Renovator must take a four-hour refresher course to be recertified.
Application for Firm Certification
EPA has made available the application for remodeling firms to become certified to work under the lead paint rule going into force in late April 2010. Download the form from: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/firmapp.pdf.
Source: http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=1827&genericContentID=118473