EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting regulations under TSCA require that renovation contractors use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved providers and follow lead-safe work practices. The regulations apply to contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978.
According to EPA’s website, the government alleges that “Lowe’s failed to provide documentation showing that the contractors it hires to perform renovation projects for Lowe’s customers had been certified by EPA, had been properly trained, had used lead-safe work practices, or had correctly used EPA-approved lead test kits at renovation sites. EPA’s investigation showed that at three homes located in Alton, IL, Trotwood, OH, and Kent OH, Lowe’s contractors failed to ensure that work areas had been properly contained during renovations and cleaned up after renovations.”
A customer intake system to advise each potential customer of the renovation contractor’s use of a checklist of work-safe practices;
Suspension of any contractors with expired RRP certifications, and use of only RRP certified firms;
Verification of practices until payment is made to the home renovation contractor; and
Submission of periodic compliance reports.
On a related note, EPA continues to collect information regarding the implementation of lead-paint rules to public and commercial buildings with a possible final rule in July 2015. EPA is currently soliciting small businesses to sign-up for an Advocacy Review Panel by May 9, 2014 to identify impacts of the lead-paint rules on public and commercial buildings
