Federal and State Regulations for Remodeling or Renovating a Home with Lead-Based Paint

If not conducted properly, certain types of renovations can release lead from paint and dust into the air. Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards to workers and to occupants if not taken care of properly.

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The federal Lead-Based Paint Pre-Renovation Education Rule (Lead PRE), also known as Section 406(b) of the Toxic Substances Control Act, is a rule requiring persons performing renovation for compensation on pre-1978 houses or apartments to distribute a lead hazard information pamphlet prior to commencing the renovation. Under the rule, renovation is considered to be most repair, remodeling, and maintenance activities that disturb a painted surface, performed for compensation. This can include, but is not limited to, painting, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or window replacement.

The requirements generally apply if you perform any type of renovation work for compensation that disturbs paint on pre-1978 housing, including:

• residential rental property owner or managers
• apartment maintenance staff
• general contractors
• plumbers
• electricians
• painters
• carpenters
• Federal law requires that contractors provide lead information to owners and occupants before performing renovations that disturb paint on pre-1978 housing:
• Lead-based Paint Pre-Renovation Education Rule (Lead PRE)
• Contractors have to distribute a pamphlet titled “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home”, before starting work.
• More information on the Lead Based Pre-Renovation Education Rule, download the LEAD PRE handbook athttp://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/interiorfinal2.pdf

For more information on the Lead-Based Paint Pre-Renovation Education Rule, go to: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/regulation.htm or http://www.health.ri.gov/lead/environmental/prerenovation.php

A licensed Lead-Safe Remodeler/Renovator is required for interior renovation
when:

• All other regulated facilities that are not required to utilize a Lead Hazard Reduction Contractor must use a Lead-Safe Remodeler/Renovator for Lead Hazard Control activities.

In Rhode Island, contractors and individuals who disturb interior lead based paint must be trained in lead safe work practices and licensed by the Department of Health as either a Lead Hazard Reduction Contractor or Lead-Safe Remodeler/Renovator (this includes window replacements)

To check on a contractor and see if they have the proper license, go to:

Lead Hazard Reduction Contractors
http://www.health.ri.gov/lead/lists/leadlicense.php?type=lhr

Lead Safe Renovator Remodeler
http://www.health.ri.gov/lead/lists/leadlicense.php?type=lrm

For information on Removal of Lead-Based Paint from Exterior Surfaces,
including the RI Exterior Lead Paint Removal Certification Program, the
Certified Contractors List, regulations, and informational resources, go to:
http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/assist/extlead/index.htm

For information on the Lead Hazard Mitigation Act:
http://www.hrc.ri.gov/