The deadline for compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule has passed, and the rule is now fully implemented. Don’t risk being hit with steep fines — become a Certified Lead Renovator.

The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule requires contractors to become certified in lead-safe work practices before performing certain types of work in homes and buildings that may contain lead paint. Any work covered by the rule must be done by certified firms using certified contractors.

Types of work covered by the rule include:

• Renovating, repairing, or painting that disturbs more than six sq. ft. on an interior wall or 20 sq. ft. on an exterior wall
• Replacing doors and windows

Types of homes and buildings covered include:

• Residences built before 1978
• Pre-1978 buildings occupied by children under the age of six or pregnant women

CEDIA, in cooperation with the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) and other EPA-accredited training providers, is offering a two-part Certified Lead Renovator course. Part one, offered online, focuses on how to handle lead-based paint dust, understanding the health problems associated with disturbing lead-based paint, and how to properly dispose of lead-based paint waste. The online course is a prerequisite for the second lab portion and certification exam.

The second hands-on lab portion is available at ADI locations across the country. Click here to find training near you. This part of the Certified Lead Renovator course will help participants apply the skills learned in part one. Participants will also learn the proper documentation process to confirm accurate work practices and learn how keep renovators safe and reduce liability in a lead-based paint environment.

A written exam will be provided at the conclusion of part two of the Certified Lead Renovator course. The exam is designed to determine participants’ ability to effectively manage a renovation project and comply with the new rules. Participants must score a minimum of 80 percent on the written exam to become a Certified Lead Renovator. Businesses must complete the EPA application to become to become a certified firm.

To register for the online training or to learn more about how the EPA’s Lead: Renovation, Repair & Painting rule affects your business, visit www.cedia.org/lead.