Frequent Questions about the RRP Rule
Search a database of Frequent Questions about RRP. You can also submit your own question.
Lead-Safe Certified Firm Locator
EPA Requirements
Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.
To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
EPA recommends that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices.
- All contractors should follow these three simple procedures:
- Contain the work area.
- Minimize dust.
- Clean up thoroughly.
Facts about lead
FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.
FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.
FACT: You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.
FACT: You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.
FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.
If you think your home might have lead hazards, read on to learn about lead and some simple steps to protect your family.
Read EPA's pamphlet on renovation, repair and painting:
Heavy Fines on the Horizon for Violators of New Lead Paint Standards
Federal certification requirements to take effect
SACRAMENTO -The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is reminding licensees that beginning April 22, 2010, contractors could face fines of up to $37,500 for not complying with federal regulations aimed at protecting them and consumers from exposure to dust from lead-based paints.
The new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) requirements apply to those working on remodeling projects in homes, childcare facilities, and schools built before 1978, all of which are presumed to have lead-based paint. Although the lead-based paint may have been covered by non-toxic paints in subsequent years, remodeling or demolition will disturb the lead paint underneath, potentially harming workers and consumers. For example, amount of lead dust that can cover a three-by-five-inch card can poison a 1,500-square-foot house or apartment, and cause it to fail a lead safety inspection.
Contractors conducting renovation activities in pre-1978 buildings must receive training from a U.S. EPA-accredited training provider. Contractors or their employees with lead safety certification from the California Department of Public Health (DPH) may take a four-hour U.S. EPA-accredited course to achieve federal compliance. At least one person in a firm must be trained and certified in renovation. That firm must then apply to U.S. EPA for firm certification.
The requirements apply to all contractors who disturb lead-based paint in a six-square- foot area or greater indoors, and a 20-square-foot area outdoors. If a DPH-certified inspector or risk assessor determines that a home constructed before 1978 is lead-free, the federal certification is not required for anyone working on that particular building.
Renovator firm certification costs $300 and lasts for five years. Certification forms are available at www.epa.gov/lead, or call 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). Listings of accredited training providers are also available on this Web site. The cost for the training course varies by provider.
CSLB Press Release - 04/22/10
Contractors State License Board Helps Consumers Protect Kids from Lead Exposure in Their Homes
New link from CSLB Web site shows licensees with federal lead-safety certification
SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is making it easier for home and rental property owners to get information about federal lead-safety standards that take effect today. Any remodeling or demolition in housing, childcare facilities or schools constructed in or before1978 must be done by a contractor who has United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)-accredited training and certification as a renovator.
The regulations were put into effect to safeguard children from lead exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can possibly suffer from brain and nervous system damage, behavioral problems, slowed growth, and hearing problems. Numerous scientific studies show lead is more dangerous to babies and young children because they are more likely to put their hands and objects with lead dust in their mouths, their growing bodies absorb more lead, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to lead’s potentially damaging effects.
Visitors to CSLB’s Web site www.cslb.ca.gov can then link to basic information about lead in homes and a link to the US EPA Web site that lists licensed California contractors who have completed training and certification as renovators.
According to federal law, all contractors who disturb lead-based paint in a six square-foot area or greater indoors, or a 20-square-foot area outdoors must have renovator training and certification. In addition, contractors must provide the US EPA’s Renovate Right pamphlet to residents or facility operators before a remodeling or demolition begins. They must also provide information to families with children who attend a child care facility or school where such a project is taking place.
The US EPA fine for contractors who violate the requirements is $37,500 per day. The law does not apply to individuals that undertake renovation or demolition work in their own home.
If an inspector or risk assessor certified by the California Department of Public Health determines that a building constructed before 1978 is lead-free, the certification is not required for contractors working on that particular building.
CSLB recommends you only hire licensed contractors to work on your home to protect you and your family. In addition to not complying with this new lead-safety requirement, unlicensed contractors do not have workers’ compensation insurance which could leave a home owner liable if a worker is injured on their property. CSLB licensees are also required to have a $12,500 bond, which can help protect the home owner if something goes wrong with the project. Since 2005, all contractors applying for a new license or changing or adding to their license classification have been required to pass a criminal background check.
"The health and safety of your family should not be left to chance," said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. "It only takes a few minutes to check the CSLB Web site to see whether your contractor is licensed, and to ensure they have the proper training if they are going to be disturbing lead paint on your property."
CSLB urges consumers to follow the tips below when hiring a contractor:
- Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door.
- Verify the contractor's license by checking online at www.cslb.ca.gov, or via CSLB’s automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752), and ask to see a photo identification to make sure you’re dealing with the correct person.
- Don't pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. There is an exception to this for about two dozen contractors who have special bonds for consumer protection that are noted on the CSLB Web site.
- Don't pay in cash, and don't let the payments get ahead of the work.
- Check references, and get at least three bids and a written contract before your project begins.
- Contact CSLB if you have a complaint against a contractor.
The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. More information about hiring contractors is available on the CSLB Web site or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752). CSLB licenses and regulates California's almost 310,000 contractors, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States. In fiscal year 2008-09, CSLB investigated more than 20,000 complaints and helped recover nearly $36 million in ordered restitution for consumers.
