On April 22, 2010 new EPA rules took effect governing mandatory training and procedures for businesses performing any building activity that involves disturbing more than 6 ft² of wall surface in homes, and more than 20 ft² outside the home built before 1978.  Those surfaces may contain lead paint.

This change in regulations effects builders, remodelers, window/door replacement, energy efficiency upgrades, HVAC replacement, major electrical work, etc.  The prime contractor will be the business responsible for compliance, although you could comply through a certified subcontractor.

If your business is involved in these activities, there are two things you need to do to avoid EPA fines. If you don't register and get training and still take on this kind of job, your business could be subject to first-time fines of up to $32,000!

Register with the EPA:
Click on: www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/firmapp.pdf for the government form that you need to fill out and submit, along with a check for $300, to EPA.  This registers you with the EPA for 5 years from date of issue.

Training for Employees:
Under these new requirements, any job meeting the conditions specified will require that you have a trained employee on that job at the start of the day to ensure that the EPA lead containment and mitigation requirements are in place, at the end of the day to ensure that proper closing procedures are followed, and available by cell phone throughout the day.  For some of you that may mean you'll need multiple employees trained.

HBACV is hosting the EPA training classes in the Lynchburg area. The training will last one full day.  Class sizes are limited to 20 people. You may register by call our office, or clicking here.   Please note: you will be billed for the number of spaces you reserve, whether or not you end up filling all your spaces. Please advise if there is a need for a class in Spanish; if there is sufficient interest, one will be organized.