Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency completed implementation of the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, which requires builders and remodeling contractors to meet strict lead containment requirements. Remodelers must test for lead paint if they are disturbing an area of more than six square feet in a home, school, or child care facility built before 1978. If lead paint is found, builders must meet strict testing requirements. health security and submit a large number of paperwork and documentation that must be kept for three years. Enforcement of the RRP rule began on October 1, 2010 after being delayed due to pressure from the construction industry. Builders who fail or ignore safety requirements could be subject to fines of up to $37,500 per day per violation. Small remodeling businesses simply cannot afford to incur such a devastating cost. Despite this, there is still a lot of confusion among construction professionals about what supplies and procedures are needed to comply and whether or not it is worth the extra cost.
Many builders and remodeling contractors are simply ignoring the RRP rule and assuming they won’t get caught. This is a mistake that could cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. EPA law enforcement officials can fine builders for violations that occurred up to three years earlier, meaning that if builders are ignoring the rule today, they could be paying for it several years from now. Another thing to consider is human health: lead is a neurotoxin that can cause brain damage in both children and adults. Allowing your workers to be exposed to high levels of lead for long periods of time is detrimental to their health. Occupants of the home being renovated may experience health problems from inhaling lead dust. Children and pregnant women are especially at risk.
The reputation of your business is also something to consider. Obeying the law and emphasizing to customers that you care about public safety will ensure customers trust your business and can increase referrals. Attempting to avoid or ignore health safety regulations is an irresponsible business tactic and diminishes your company’s credibility.
If you are a builder or remodeling contractor who is confused or distressed by the RRP Rule, you are not alone. There are many resources online that can help you navigate through the information glut to get the facts right. Online forums have sprung up specifically to address questions about RRP compliance. There are also several companies that can help builders and remodeling contractors determine what supplies they need to fully comply with the RRP rule. Builders Site Protection, RRP Compliance Shop, Nikro Industries, and LeadPro Tools have developed lead containment kits that include the necessary products. Builders Site Protection even offers a discount on related supplies, including plastic sheeting and personal protection when builders purchase a lead containment kit.