EPA Certified Firm for Lead Safe Painting Work
Hiring a painting or renovation contractor is a daunting task with many elements to consider. These include color schemes, pricing and permits. Moreover, if your home was built before 1978 there is one other vital piece of information you should be aware of. Ensure that the contractor you are working with is EPA RRP Certified Firm. When you work with CertaPro Painters® you know your lead-based paint project will be handled in a safe manner. All of our work complies with new regulation from the EPA, we are an EPA Certified Firm.
In April 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new mandate which significantly impacts the remodeling industry. The EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) changed how painting and other renovation contractors work. Specifically, the regulations apply to buildings built before 1978. Homes, schools, government buildings and hospitals built before 1978 must use lead-safe certified contractors on renovation and painting projects.
Was Your House Built Before 1978?
According to the EPA, most buildings built prior to 1978 likely contain lead-based paint. Lead is a heavy metal which causes a great deal of damage to humans when ingested. Lead can be inhaled, drank or consumed, and lives in fat tissue. It is a neuro-toxin and thus affects the brain, especially in younger children whose brains are still developing. Therefore, consumption by young children often causes serious long-term effects.
Fortunately, now that the dangers of lead-based paint are public knowledge, the EPA actively enforces stringent regulations governing renovation of older homes. These requirements pertain to a number of elements in the work space. Examples include posting warning signs, containing dust within the work area, and restricting or prohibiting certain tools. For example, high heat guns, torches and power sanding are prohibited. Waste removal, and post-renovation cleaning verification wrap up the lead safe work practices.
These lead-safe work practices often require additional labor and materials, hence slightly highers costs. But as a result, your EPA Certified contractor ensures lead-based paint debris is removed and handled in a safe manner for your home and family. Finding an EPA Lead and RRP Certified Contractor is easy. Just ask your potential contractor for their certification number. CertaPro Painters is happy to privide you with ours.
The best way to protect yourself and family from lead-based paint is to be informed and make sure your painter or renovation contractor is EPA RRP Certified.
