“What are Lead Safe Practices and what is a Certified Renovator and why is it important?”
New EPA regulations come into effect April 22nd, regarding how we test and treat lead in your home. The new regulations have strict guidelines for homeowner safety and education along with training for trades people.
Buzz Tenenbom, AIA, is the registered Certified Renovator in our office and is the one responsible for training staff, both on-site and in the office. Not only is there a staff member in our firm that is up to date on the training, the paperwork required for homes with lead present (pre-1978 construction), is more in depth and really focused on homeowner education.
All licensed contractors are required to follow these new EPA regulations and become certified so it’s important if you’re in a pre-1978 home (when lead paint was legal) that when you choose a contractor, you make sure they’ve been certified. Certification provides the homeowner with a peace of mind that all practices and procedures within their home are taken and the utmost care is given when dealing with this toxic substance.
Unfortunately, if a contractor isn’t licensed, they’re likely not participating in these new EPA regulations. It is always important to use a licensed contractor, this is another reason to add to that list.
Lead just isn’t something that’s a paint additive in older homes, it’s a toxin that can easily be inhaled during the construction process and is especially dangerous to children and pregnant women. It’s important for homeowners to make sure that they’re educated and know that the precautions being taken in their home are the right ones. All Certified Renovators test for lead and use appropriate safe practices, as required by law.