Effective April 23, 2010, all contractors who perform work on pre-1978 buildings must be Certified Firms. Failure to take the eight-hour class and pass the test could result in a fine from the EPA in the amount of $37,500. EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (40 CFR 745).
The dust created from work performed on homes, schools and children’s day care center buildings that are older than 1978 could poison both the inhabitants and workers from lead in the paints used during the years before 1978. Mandated safe practices are now required to be followed.
Though we have been following safe practice for years, many contractors are unaware of the importance of good house keeping rules. This law makes it mandatory for all contractors who work in target buildings to take a class and become certified. Since lead poison stays in pregnant women and children’s blood longer and is better absorbed into the blood stream either by inhaling or ingestion, schools, homes and places where children are being cared for are the focus of this law. Also, since lead is heavy, the dust tends to end up on the floors where children play with their toys. Lead does not go through your skin.
There is an EPA consumer pamphlet available for review and it is required to be given to the home or building owner within 60 days of starting a remodeling project on target buildings. You can order the pamphlets by calling 510-637-4050.
Painting contractors are the ones that can cause the most dust while sanding and scraping old painted surfaces. All workers should be wearing a dust mask while doing this work on Target Buildings. Also, plastic must be placed on the floors and to protect personal property. Windows, vent ducts, and doors must be sealed with plastic. A sign must be posted to warn others to stay out of the work area. Clean up is also key in the work project. This is just a few requirements that became law this year for contractors who work on pre-1978 buildings.
Randal G. Winter Construction Inc. is located at 28348 Constellation Road, Suite 810 in Santa Clarita. License 395715. For more information, please call 661-799-8089 and visit www.RGWinter.com .