Certain contractors who work on older houses are required to obtain lead abatement paint certifications. Lead abatement is the procedure of removing lead-based paint from homes and buildings in California. A certification training course is required to perform or inspect this type of work.
Certification programs
Lead abatement is the removal of lead hazards and a replacement with new lead-free material. Abating the lead includes repainting the surface with lead-free paint. After the abatement, there is an inspection to make sure that the legal requirements have been met. The purpose of the rules is to ensure that the removal process is safe and prevents the release of toxic dust into the air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) operates a Lead-Based Paint Abatement Program that provides regulations on how to perform abatements, risk assessments and inspections.
State and federal environmental laws
The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 was passed to reduce the exposure of lead-based paint hazards in residential homes. The environmental law requires the disclosing of information about lead-based paint for property that was built before 1978.
The EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requires certifications for workers who inspect, renovate or repair pre-1978 homes that contain lead-based paint. The law requires the disposal of lead-based paint debris as hazardous waste. Violating state or federal codes results in fines or imprisonment.
Lead-based paint certification is required by workers who inspect, renovate and repair older homes in California. There are state and federal environmental laws set by the EPA that define the regulations on how to perform lead abatement. The rules are laws and result in fines for individuals and companies that refuse to follow them.