Lead Safe Renovation Rules (effective April 22, 2010)
M&M Construction of Fontana, LLC is a state certified Wisconsin Lead-Safe Company and Lead Sate Renovator. Begining April 22, 2010, contractors/renovators without this certification will no longer be able to pull permits.
Contractors, property managers and others who disturb more than six square feet of potential lead- contaminated interior surfaces or 20 square feet of potential lead-contaminated exterior surfaces in homes and child occupied facilities built before 1978 must comply with the new “Wisconsin Renovation Repair and Painting Program Chapter DHS 163.” These new regulations have been set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Asbestos and Lead Section (DHS). As of April 22, 2010 companies need to be certified as a “Wisconsin Lead-Safe Company” and have at least one employee certified as a “Lead-Safe Renovator.” Any company doing work in these buildings must be certified, follow specific work practices and keep detailed records.
Wisconsin is the first state in the nation to have its renovation regulation in place
and to self-certify its program with the U.S. EPA.
Who Does The Rule Apply To?
The rule addresses remodeling and renovation projects in all pre-1978 single family homes, duplexes, apartments, condominiums and child occupied facilities such as day cares, preschools, churches, commercial buildings, office buildings etc. The rule addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six square feet of potential lead-contaminated interior surfaces or 20 square feet of potential lead-contaminated exterior surfaces in pre-1978 housing and child occupied facilities. This could include remodeling, repair, maintenance, rehab, weatherization, painting, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, window replacement, floor refinishing, carpentry etc. Anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs potential lead-contaminated surfaces is subject to this rule.
This may include:
•general contractors
•painters
•plumbers
•carpenters
•electricians
•refinishers
•facility repair and
•maintenance personnel
Contractor Responsibilities
Before work starts the company has to distribute to the home or building owner the EPA booklet “
Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools.” A confirmation of receipt of the lead pamphlet (pg. 14) must be signed by the owner, operator or occupant.
Once work starts on a pre-1978 renovation, the
Lead Safe Renovator has a number of responsibilities. Before the work starts this person will post warning signs outside the work area and supervise setting up containment to prevent spreading dust. The rule lists specific containment procedures for both interior and exterior projects.
It forbids certain work practices including:
•open flame or torch burning
•use of a heat gun that exceeds 1100°F
•use of a paint stripper containing methylene chloride
•high pressure water blasting or hydroblasting unless conducted in a fully contained work area with HEPA-filtered exhaust control and water collection
•dry sweeping in the work area
•high-speed sanding and grinding unless the tool is equipped with a HEPA exhaust control and use of an improperly operating HEPA vacuum.
Once the work is completed, the regulation specifies cleaning and waste disposal procedures must be supervised by a Lead Safe Renovator.
Excemptions
It is important to note that these work practices may be waived under these conditions:
•The home or child occupied facility was built after 1978.
•The repairs are minor, with interior work disturbing less than six square feet or exteriors disturbing less than 20 square feet being exempt.
•If the house or components test lead free by a Certified Risk Assessor, Lead Inspector or Lead Safe Renovator.
•The owner-occupied opt-out acknowledgement clause is not an exemption option in the state of Wisconsin (chapter DHS 163).
For more information about the state of Wisconsin's Lead Safe Renovation Rules please visit:
Wisconsin Builders Association
Wisconsin Department of Health Services