HEB Achieves EPA Renovator Status
Home Equity Builders is ready for the implementation of the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, scheduled to go into effect April 22, 2010. Jeff Rainey, President and CEO, Patrick Mullen, Superintendent, and Donna West, Senior Designer have all achieved certified status as EPA Certified Renovators.
The EPA rule requires contracting firms to be certified in the use of lead-safe work practices, as well as lead-safe practices that minimize occupant’s exposure to lead hazards. The law impacts a wide range of specialty trades including building maintenance and service personnel, drywall mechanics, plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, window and siding installers, kitchen and bathroom cabinet specialists and painters. In short, any contractor engaged in any activity that has the potential to disturb lead based paint is affected by the rule.
The federal law applies to renovations including many typical housing maintenance, repair and remodeling activities for all houses built before 1978. Homes that have been tested and certified and lead free are exempt from the rule.
Lead- based paint can be found not only on walls and ceilings, but on surfaces that get a lot of wear and tear including window frames and window sills, door frames and doors, stairs, handrails, banisters, porch railings and fences.
Lead dust due to renovations can enter the body if people put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths or breathe in lead dust, especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces.
Lead exposure is a serious health issue, not only for infants and children, but for adults as well, potentially causing a wide range of health problems ranging from behavioral problems to damage to the brain and nervous system.
“This rule will affect many of our clients in neighborhoods throughout Northern Virginia,” states Rainey. “We are proud of our commitment to training and education to ensure lead-safe work practices. The health of our clients’ families depends on it.”
In becoming certified, Home Equity Builders submitted an application to the EPA and Rainey, Mullen and West completed an 8 hour training class. In working with clients, Home Equity Builders talks about the lead-safe methods they will use on their job sites, and discuss results of any previously conducted lead tests. Following work, Home Equity Builders keeps records documenting how lead-safe practices were followed.
Additional information can be found on the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm, including information for homeowners working at home.