Featured Regulations

Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule

EPA 745.85

On April 22, 2010, federal law came into effect requiring contractors performing renovation; repair or painting projects on homes, childcare facilities and schools built before 1978 to be certified and trained to follow specific work practices that prevent lead contamination.

Graph of Percentage of Homes Containing Lead-Based Paint by Year

Hazards of Lead Poisoning
 In adults, lead poisoning can cause health and reproductive problems. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable.

In children, lead poisoning damages the nervous system and causes developmental and behavioral problems that can last a lifetime.

Who is affected by this law?

  • Any person paid to do work that disturbs paint in residential housing or child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978
  • Includes residential rental property owners and managers, contractors and special trade contractors such as painters, plumbers, carpenters and electricians

I am a contractor, how do I apply for certification?

  • The EPA manages a federal lead safe work practices program. Some states have their own lead regulation, to find out if your state has an authorized lead program click here and then select your state.
  • For information on how to become a certified lead abatement specialist visit the EPA website

Safety Identification Requirements
Signage Requirements • Firms must post signs clearly defining the work area • Signs warning occupants to remain outside of the work area must be in primary language of the occupants • Signs must be posted before renovation work begins and remain posted until after work is complete • Signs must be placed a minimum of 6 feet from the perimeter of the work area when working indoors and 20 feet when outside There are many requirements beyond safety identification, but here is a summary of the signage needed to comply with this rule.

Inside Jobs

  • Place signs, barricade tapes/cones to keep all non-workers out of the area. This keeps children and pets safe and prevents tracking of debris out of the work area.
  • Interior signs should be in the primary language of the occupant and convey the message “Do not Enter – Authorized Personnel only” and “No Eating, Drinking, or Smoking”

Outside Jobs

  • Keep non-workers out of the work site by marking it off with tapes, signs, cones, etc.
  • Ensure all workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Post a warning sign at all work entrances
  • Sign should say “Warning – Lead work area Poison No Smoking, Drinking or Eating”

What do I need?

  • Signs (For Recommended Products click here)
  • Barricade tapes and chains (For Recommended Products click here)
  • Cones
  • Heavy duty plastic sheeting
  • Tape (masking, duct or painter's)
  • Stapler
  • Utility knife or scissors

How do I dispose of Lead waste?

  • Residential renovation and remodeling is considered “routine residential maintenance” by the EPA. Most waste generated is considered non-hazardous waste and should be taken to a licensed solid waste landfill
  • For commercial, public or nonresidential child-occupied facilities, waste may be considered hazardous and should follow special disposal methods. For more information on disposal visit the EPA website

For more information