Are you EPA-certified? Do you need to be EPA-certified? If you disturb lead paint as part of your work in pre-1978 homes, schools, and other buildings you must be EPA-certified by April 2010. If you aren’t EPA-certified by April 2010, then all work in pre-1978 buildings must be supervised by a certified renovator who has completed the EPA-accredited one-day training course and other employees will have to receive specific on-the-job training. This new requirement is intended to help reduce childhood lead poisoning by 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. The training will teach you how to protect yourself and your clients from lead contamination during renovation, repair, and painting activities; and that working clean can mean working profitably.

Contractors with previous EPA training and certification must be trained and certified under this new program. In some cases, a shorter “refresher” course may be adequate. Although it may be difficult to find an accredited training course if you wait until just before the deadline, there are courses available now. 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

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. You 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. The EPA will begin processing applications soon! So don’t put this off. Again, after April 2010, you 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].