Do you know about the Environmental Protection Agency Renovate, Repair and Painting rule? You should if you are considering remodeling your home, especially when installing replacement windows.
From the EPA:
Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.
To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
∙ Contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:
1 Contain the work area.
2 Minimize dust.
3 Clean up thoroughly.
In the below video, Gene Allen of Environmental Education Associates discusses the 2010 Renovate, Repair and Paint law for contractors. New York Sash owner Scot Hayes talks about contractor compliance with the law and shows examples of lead safe practices on a window installation.
