UA’s Safe State Provides Training for Contractors Renovating Lead-Based Paint Structures

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Safe State, a division of The University of Alabama, has been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency to provide certification to home renovation contractors working in homes containing lead-based paint.

A new Federal law, the Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule, or RRP, now requires contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child-care facilities and schools built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

“Lead in painted surfaces can easily be released into the home or child-care facility during any remodeling work, and it can cause young children to be exposed to lead poisoning,” said Jason Brasfield, manager of Safe State’s Environmental Accreditation Services.

The intent of the RRP rule is to establish guidelines and train contractors on safe ways to work in areas that may contain lead-based paint.

“The training to become a Certified Renovator is intended to teach these contractors the hazards associated with lead-based paint and the procedures to perform their normal work in ways that minimize the potential for creating, or adding to, those hazards,” said Brasfield.

For more information about RPP, and renovator certification and training, contact Safe State Environmental Programs at 800-421-7141 or renovatealabama@ua.edu.