The EPA's Renovation, Repair & Painting Regulations
Most likely, they effect YOU!
In 2010 the Environmental Protection Agency introduced new regulations to more effectively manage the public's risk of lead exposure when work is done on homes built prior to 12/31/1978, the date when lead ceased to be an ingredient in paint. The new Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) regulations are enforced by the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety and require all contractors to inform their clients of the risks inherent in working on homes where lead-based paints may have been used -- fully 99% of houses in the greater Boston area!Once work commences, RRP protocols require that painting contractors test for and record the presence of lead, then set up protections commensurate with their positive or negative test results. Signage and protective measures are designed to safeguard both employee and client during work - such as sanding and scraping - that may disturb lead painted surfaces. Upon completion of the surface preparation we do prior to applying fresh paint or stain, we thoroughly clean the work area to specified RRP standards. We are required to document both the cleaning process and results. After cleaning is properly done and documented, our crew may resort to standard levels of dust and paint protection.
Catchlight Painting's foremen have been officially trained and certified in EPA RRP protocols and standards. Catchlight, Inc. is fully EPA RRP certified and compliant. Please don’t hesitate to call or email us if you have any questions.
Click the EPA Renovate Right Brochure link on the left to read the EPA Renovate Right guidelines; click the EPA Pre-Renovation form if your project requires proof that you have received this information. Signed forms must be returned to the Catchlight office before work may begin.
And if you love reading about this kind of thing, follow the links below:
| Mass DOS brochure: 5 reasons why you need to hire a lead-safe contractor | |
| Mass.Gov: Division of Safety | |
| HUD: Healthy Homes |