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We are Now Officially EPA Lead Certified!

What is lead-based paint abatement?

Abatement means any measure or set of measures designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards. Abatement includes, but is not limited to:

1. The removal of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust, the permanent enclosure or encapsulation of lead-based paint, the replacement of lead-painted surfaces or fixtures, and the removal or covering of lead contaminated soil; and
2. All preparation, cleanup, disposal, and post-abatement clearance testing activities associated with such measures.
3. Specifically, abatement includes, but is not limited to:
* Projects for which there is a written contract or other documentation, which provides that an individual or firm will be conducting activities in or to a residential dwelling or child-occupied facility that:
o Shall result in the permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards; or
o Are designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards and are described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this definition.
* Projects resulting in the permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards, conducted by firms or individuals certified in accordance with § 745.226, unless such projects are covered by paragraph (4) of this definition;
* Projects resulting in the permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards, conducted by firms or individuals who, through their company name or promotional literature, represent, advertise, or hold themselves out to be in the business of performing lead-based paint activities as identified and defined by this section, unless such projects are covered by paragraph (4) of this definition; or
* Projects resulting in the permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards, that are conducted in response to state or local abatement orders.
4. Abatement does not include renovation, remodeling, landscaping or other activities, when such activities are not designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards, but, instead, are designed to repair, restore, or remodel a given structure or dwelling, even though these activities may incidentally result in a reduction or elimination of lead-based paint hazards. Furthermore, abatement does not include interim controls, operations and maintenance activities, or other measures and activities designed to temporarily, but not permanently, reduce lead-based paint hazards.

What is the purpose of EPA’s lead-based paint activities regulation?

These regulations protect the public from hazards of improperly conducted lead-based paint activities. They contain several elements, including:

* Training and certification requirements to ensure the proficiency of contractors who offer to conduct lead-based paint inspection, risk assessment and abatement services in residences and day care centers
* Accreditation requirements to ensure that training programs provide quality instruction in current and effective work practices
* Work practice standards to ensure that lead-based paint activities are conducted safely, reliably and effectively