Lead RRP: Everything You Need To Know

Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (Lead RRP) is a rule for any commercial painting contractor  that works with potential lead based paints in homes built before 1978. This rule was designed to protect against the dangers that can derive from lead. In 1978, the government banned the use of lead-based paints for consumer use due to the great risks lead can have on health in both children and adults. If your home or business was built before this ban, it is very likely that a lead-based paint was used.

Any commercial paint contractor who does work that could disturb lead based (or presumed lead based paint) in a home or child occupied facility will need proper EPA certifications to complete the job. Workers must also be trained and supervisors must take EPA approved training courses and follow a set list of safety requirements. JMA Painters is certified to work with Lead RRP and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about your facility renovation needs.

Why It’s Important to Make Sure Your Commercial Paint Contractor is Certified

If your home or business contains lead based paints, a renovation could release dangerous lead paint chips and dust into the air that can contaminate your living or working space. Even the smallest amount of lead dust (oftentimes not even visible particles) from sanding, cutting, window replacement and more is enough to put your family at risk of lead poisoning. The impacts of lead poisoning and other health hazards caused by lead are more dangerous in children, but are also dangerous to adults.

Your commercial paint contractor needs to be very familiar with the work practice requirements needed to safely complete the job. A certified contractor will understand the proper precautions to take and will be skilled in minimizing dust particles, containing the dust and proper clean up after the job. Even simple things like using power tools or open flames is prohibited when working in a lead exposed environment.

Note: Commercial paint contractors that are not certified to work with home renovations that contain lead based paints and choose to do so anyway are subject to hefty fines.

Simple Steps To Deal with Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting

1. Determine if lead is present in the home (or proceed as if it is to be safe).

• Start by testing for the presence of lead in the paint. This can be done using lead test kits available in hardware stores or by hiring a certified professional to conduct a thorough inspection.
• If testing confirms the presence of lead, proceed with caution and follow all recommended safety procedures.

2. Discuss the potential risks with the home or business owners.

• Clearly communicate the dangers of lead exposure to the occupants.
• Provide information on the health risks associated with lead poisoning, especially to children and pregnant women.
• Offer guidance on the steps to take to minimize exposure during the renovation process.

3. Develop a safety plan for the family or workers for the duration of the job.

• Unauthorized persons or pets must not enter the work area at all.
• Proper signage is necessary to display warnings and risks.
• Create a detailed plan outlining how the work area will be secured and isolated from the rest of the property.

4. Extra prep work to separate the work area from the rest of the home.

• Depending on the job, more prep work may be necessary.
• For demolition or window removal, poly flooring and walls should be put up to contain debris.
• Furniture, curtains, etc., should be removed from the work area.
• Air vents should be closed.
• Seal off doorways and other openings to prevent lead dust from spreading.

5. Thorough cleaning throughout the job and a cleaning verification after completion.

• All supplies should be bagged, sealed, and properly stored until disposed of.
• Lead RRP certified contractors must follow certain cleaning verification procedures.
• A certified lead inspector, lead risk assessor, or lead sampling tech must conduct clearance testing.
• Clean the work area daily to remove any lead dust and debris.
• After the job is complete, conduct a final thorough cleaning and ensure all contaminated materials are properly disposed of according to EPA guidelines.

While homeowners doing their own renovations are not held to the Lead RRP rule, the EPA highly recommends taking the same precautions for work environment safety. The safest route is to hire a contractor who is familiar with the Lead RRP rule and is certified to handle the job. This ensures your safety and proper disposal of materials.

Contact JMA Painters for Your Lead RRP Needs

If your property was built before 1978 and you are planning a renovation, it is crucial to address any potential lead hazards. JMA Painters is here to assist you with all your Lead RRP requirements. Our team of certified professionals is equipped to handle projects of any size, ensuring compliance with all EPA regulations and maintaining the highest standards of safety and cleanliness.

Don’t take chances with your health and safety. Contact JMA Painters today for a free quote and let us guide you through the process of a safe and compliant renovation. Our expertise in Lead RRP will ensure that your project is completed efficiently, safely, and to your utmost satisfaction. Reach out to us now to learn more about our services and how we can help protect your property and loved ones.