Lead Abatement

I

IndyExterior

New member
I got a call from a local painter wanting to know if we are EPA lead certified. He told me anyone washing a house built prior to 1978 occupied by a child 6 or under had to be certified and have all the water recovered period. No matter if it was for paint prep or not. Even if it had vinyl or aluminum siding applied. Or a certification that no lead based paint was on the house.

The way I read the law was that it only applies to renovation, repair and painting prep. It also specifically refers to the term "disturbs".Since we only use soft wash methods and almost never clean homes that old I don't believe it applies to just cleaning purposes. Only if you are attempting to remove paint. Most of our homes have vinyl siding.

"EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices."

What say you guys?
 
I have heard off this from others, The disturb part I would think a cleaning is no problem
Since its lead paint from 1978 or before, I would think it has 2, 3 or more coats of non lead paint already over it. I dont see how you could disturb the lead if it has a few coats or more of a latex or oil on it

Restoration, ripping it apart I can see protection. Man you know how much lead paint falls from bridges and overpasses every day that are old and rusty

I'm glad 90% of what we do is vinyl and 99% of our work is newer than 1978
 
I think it's really all about giving the govt agencies something else to do. More fees, fines etc. Our tax dollars at work.
 
I am certified. If you are going to wash a house no matter what it is sided with, vinyl, wood, etc. You need to wrap each and every plant in plastic. You need to place plastic on the ground 10 feet out from each side of the building and reclaim all the water and properly dispose of it and the plastic. It is not about paint chips. It is all about containing the lead dust. Botton line is it sucks!
If I get asked to wash a pre 1978 house I add $1500.00 to my house wash price. I tell them up front before I do the estimate and I have not had any takers yet and that suits me just fine!!!
The best part is the home owner can wash it himself and not have to be compliant.
 
Where exactly did you find that info? I've dug through the EPA site and can't find anything that verifies this. Not doubting you I'd just like to see it in writing from the govt.
 
Rick,
I took the 8 hour lead certification corseand it was all laid out in the class. I'm not sure where it is writen on the EPA website. If you want to call me feel free. It would be a lot easier to answer any questions you might have.
Attila
774-721-0012
 
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