How Will The New EPA Rule On Lead Paint Effect Your Staging Business?

In April 22, 2010 the EPA's new rule on lead paint practices went into effect. For some reason I had not heard about this until about a month ago, while in Sherwin Williams, I overheard some of the painters talking about it. I immediately signed up for the Certification class but was told there was a waiting list and it could be a couple of months before I can get in a class. As we all know, 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. Although we don't usually do any cutting or demolition, we do on occasion, remove wallpaper (which sometimes requires patching and sanding) and we do a lot of painting and switching out light fixtures. We are a full service staging company and that is part of the services that we offer. Under the new EPA rule, beginning in April 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. You can read the requires on the EPA's web site @ http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm#requirements You can also download the EPA Brochure - (PDF) Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program

What Is the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP)?

• The Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program is a federal regulatory program affecting contractors, property managers, and others who disturb painted surfaces.

• It applies to residential houses, apartments, and child-occupied facilities such as schools and day-care centers built before 1978.

• It includes pre-renovation education requirements as well as training, certification, and work practice requirements.

• Renovation is broadly defined as any activity that disturbs painted surfaces and includes most repair, remodeling, and maintenance activities, including window replacement.
  
  
• There could be a huge fine if you violate this rule. (Up to $32,000 per day).

So how is this new rule going to effect my staging business?

• Effective immediately - any staging consults that we do on homes built prior to 1978 will now include the EPA Pamplet http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf. I will also have the home owner sign a document that says they have recieved a copy of the pamplet.
  
  
• Any staging consults that recommend painting or maintenance work will also include the following link where the homeowner can search for approved renovation or painting companies http://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/searchrrp_firm.htm
  
  
• We will no longer offer any type of painting, light fixture replacement, or wallpaper removal on any homes built prior to 1978. We will refer this work out. At some point I may decide to become certified, but at this time, I am not willing to invest the time and money required to offer this service.

I would love to hear how other Stagers will be addressing this new rule in their business practices.

Wanda Richards

Shows Great Home Staging and Web Solutions
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We are a full service staging and virtual tour company serving Southwest and Central Virginia since 2008.
Proud nominee for RESA'S Rookie Stager of the Year in 2009.