Certifications
The USEPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
Surfaces Painting and Decorating is an USEPA Certified Renovator whose employees have taken the manditory "Lead Safe Work Practices" training classes.
What is the RRP Rule?
EPA's RRP(Renovation, Repair and Painting) Rule requires anyone (remodeling, renovation and painting contractors and most other trades) who works in pre-1978 housing for compensation and who might disturb painted surfaces to become an EPA Certified Renovator by taking a "Lead Safe Work Practices" RRP class from an EPA accredited training provider.
Why is the RRP Rule important?
When lead paint is sanded or scraped or disturbed, microscopic particles of the metal mingle with the dust that is created. That "lead-containing" dust is what can seriously impact people's health, especially children and pregnant women.
Lead causes a long list of problems, including learning and behavioral problems, kidney disease, high blood pressure, miscarriage and birth defects. Lead can even cause depression and aggressive behavior. Experts say lead poisoning doubles the number of children in special education classes. Studies show it plays a major role in crime rates. Any amount of lead is bad for you. There is no safe level.
There has been a lot of publicity about toys and other consumer products containing lead. But, problems caused by all of those products put together is a drop in the bucket compared to the number of people harmed when contractors disturb old paint in pre-1978 buildings without taking some simple precautions. That's why EPA and the State of California require contractors to protect people they work for.
To Whom does the RRP Rule apply?
The RRP rule applies to anyone who works for compensation in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:
* Demolition workers
* Remodeling contractors
* Maintenance workers in multi-family housing
* Painters, plumbers and most specialty trades.
The RRP rule covers a lot of jobs: renovation, remodeling, painting, window replacement, plumbing, electrical work, heating & air-conditioning, demolition, plus work performed by trades like carpenters, electricians and handymen. The rule also applies to persons working for rental property owners, schools, and day care providers. And, it also applies to non-profits and governmental agencies.