Make Sure the Remodeling Contractor You Hire is A “Lead-Based Paint Safe Renovator”
Are you planning on remodeling or renovating your home? Then be sure to hire a remodeling contractor that is a “Lead-Based Paint Safe Renovator”.
What is the Lead-Safe Renovation Rule?
Beginning April 22, 2010 in the State of Wisconsin the Lead-Safe Renovation Rule will regulate remodeling, renovation, repair and painting activities performed in housing built prior 1978. Properties built prior to 1978 may contain lead-based paint on building components (such as the following: walls, doors, windows, trim, siding, floors, etc.). Lead hazards are created when old paint is disturbed during remodeling, renovation, repair and painting activities.
Is the Lead-Safe Renovator Ruling a State or Federal Rule?
Wisconsin’s Lead-Safe Renovator Rule, DHS 163, is administered and enforced by the WI Department of Health Services’ Asbestos & Lead Section in the Division of Public Health. Wisconsin’s rule is based on a federal EPA rule, 40 CFR Part 745, “Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program” that was published on April 22, 2008. On October 20, 2009 EPA authorized the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to administer and enforce the state rule in lieu of EPA administering and enforcing the federal rule in Wisconsin.
Why does the rule apply to homes built prior to 1978?
Lead was banned from use in consumer paints in 1978, therefore housing built before this date may
contain lead-based paint.
Why is this rule important to me?
This rule is to protect you and your children from being exposed to lead-based paint during a
remodeling project, repair or any painting activities that disturb the painted surfaces in your home.
Children that are exposed to lead dust and debris run the risk of lead poising. Lead poising can cause
permanent injury to your children.
What does it mean to be a “Lead-Based Paint Safe Renovator”?
The Lead-Safe Renovator Rule has five main requirements:
1.) Information must be provided to owners of the property before work begins.
2.) Training and certification must be completed by the remodeling contractor.
3.) Use of lead-safe work practices and cleaning techniques must be performed by the remodeling contractor.
4.) Final cleaning verification must be performed by the remodeling contractor.
5.) Recordkeeping must be completed. At each regulated remodeling project at least one certified “Lead-Safe Renovator” is to be in charge during the project to ensure compliance. This person is required to complete an accredited Lead-Safe Renovation training course and apply to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for certification as a Lead-Safe Renovator. In addition the company that they work for must also be a certified. To maintain this certification, the remodeling contractor is required to take refresher training every 4 years.
How can I be sure the company I am hiring to remodeling, renovate repair or paint my home is a “Lead-Based Paint Safe Renovator”?
A reputable remodeling contractor will know about this rule, they will already have their employees
certified and their company certified. In fact, a reputable company will be telling you about this new rule
and what has to be done during your remodeling project to comply with the new Wisconsin “Lead-Safe
Renovation Rule”. You can ask the contractor you are planning to hire to see a copy of their certificate.
On their certificate will be their picture so you can verify that the person you are working with is the
person that is certified. Protect not only your largest asset, your home, but more importantly be sure to
protect your health and the health of your family by hiring a “Lead-Based Paint Safe Renovator”.
