EPA/CTED Lead-Based Paint

In 2003 the Washington state Legislature authorized the Department of Community, Trade, & Economic Development (CTED), to administer EPA’s lead-based paint program.

Language from the scope of the initial EPA rule, “The rule is intended to ensure that individuals conducting lead-based paint inspections, risk assessments and abatements in target housing and child-occupied facilities are properly trained and certified, and that training programs providing instruction in such activities are accredited. Target housing is defined as any housing constructed prior to 1978, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities, or any 0- bedroom dwelling. A child-occupied facility is defined as a building, or portion of a building, constructed prior to 1978, visited by the same child, 6 years of age or under, on at least 2 different days within any week, provided that each days visit lasts at least 3 hours, the combined weekly visit lasts at least 6 hours, and the combined annual visits last at least 60 hours. Child-occupied facilities may include, but are not limited to, day-care centers, preschools and kindergarten classrooms.”

Recently, the EPA issued a new rule to protect children during renovation, repair and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint. The new rule was signed into law on March 31, 2008.

This rule is scheduled to be enforced after April 1, 2010. It applies to housing and child occupied facilities (daycares and schools) built before 1978. The standards apply to those who conduct renovation for money, including contractors, maintenance workers in large apartment complexes, and specialty trades.

The new rule, requires all renovation projects subject to this rule, be done by a firm certified to perform renovations. That firm must employ a certified renovator. Both the firm and the individuals doing the renovation work must apply for certification and re-apply every five years. Certification courses require 8 hours of classroom time, and cost approximately $250 per person. The refresher course is 4 hours and is available to anyone who has had Lead Safe work practices training or any abatement training such as supervisor, worker, risk assessor, inspector, instead of the initial training.

Enforcement will be done the EPA initially, until CTED is authorized to administer this new rule by the Washington State Legislature. Currently, the EPA has 3 enforcement officers for the four state area. CTED may not be authorized, at best, until late 2010.

If you have any questions regarding the BIAW Safety Assistance Program, please e-mail or call BIAW Field Representative Donovan Quebedeaux at 1-800-228-4229.

Donovan Quebedeaux Field Representative donovanq@biaw.com