Last Friday, the EPA announced they will delay the enforcement of worker training and firm certification requirements for the Lead-Based Paint (LBP) rule. The rule originally went into effect on April 22; however, now Atlanta remodelers have until Oct. 1, 2010, to file for firm certification, until Sept. 30 for workers to register and Dec. 31 for workers to take the required training course. Workers renovating homes will still be required to use lead-safe work practices during this extension.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision to delay enforcement of the new Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule will provide much-needed time to get more remodelers and other contractors trained – and for EPA to get the word out to consumers about the importance of hiring a certified remodeler, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

While remodelers, electricians, heating and air conditioning technicians and other contractors must adhere to lead-safe work practices, including special equipment filters and a ban on open flames, EPA will not take enforcement action against firms that have been unable to obtain certification until Oct. 1 of this year.

Individual contractors must apply to enroll in a training class by Sept. 30 and complete the training by Dec. 31, 2010.

“This rule potentially affects about 79 million homeowners. That’s how many homes were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned,” Jones said. “We need significantly more contractors certified than the 300,000 who have taken the training course, and we also need to make sure that affected homeowners understand the importance of hiring a certified contractor.”

Homeowners can find a certified firm here. Remodelers can search for an EPA-approved training provider or contact the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association to find Certified Renovator training sessions.