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). 
  2. If so, discuss the potential risks with the home or business owners
  3. Come up with a plan for the family or workers for the duration of the job to keep them safe. Unauthorized persons or pets are not to enter the work area at all. (Proper signage is necessary to display warning and risk)
  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. If there is any demolition at all (even removal of windows) poly flooring and walls should be put up to contain any debris, sealed in work areas, etc for work area containment to prevent dust and debris from leaving the work area. Furniture, curtains etc should all be removed from the work area as well. Air vents should be closed .
  5. Thorough cleaning throughout the job and a cleaning verification after complete. All supplies should be bagged and sealed and properly stored until disposed of. Lead RRP certified contractors must follow certain cleaning verification procedures. An certified lead inspector, certified lead risk assessor or certified lead sampling tech must conduct clearance testing. 

While homeowners doing their own renovations are not held to the Lead RRP rule, the EPA highly recommends that the same precautions are taken for work environment safety. The safest route is for you to hire a contractor who is familiar with the Lead RRP rule and is certified to handle the job. This will ensure your safety and proper disposal of materials. If you are looking to renovate your home or business built before 1978 or potentially contain lead based paints, contact JMA Painters for a free quote on your project.