Given concerns raised by those in the regulated community regarding getting the required training and worker certification, the EPA will offer additional time for contractors, renovation firms, and workers to get the necessary training and certifications to comply with the EPA RRP Rule as follows:

• Until October 1, 2010, EPA will not take enforcement action for violations of the RRP Rule’s certification requirements.
• For violations of the renovation worker certification requirement, EPA will not enforce against anyone if they have applied for a class, or are enrolled in by not later than September 30, 2010, a certified renovator class.  All training must be completed by December 31, 2010.

At Sentinel, we are proud to offer lead-specific cleaners and wipes for the cleaning of lead dust and feel strongly that lead-specific cleaners give contractors the best chance of passing visual inspections.  Additionally,  we feel that the purpose of the RRP rule is to rid homes and buildings of lead dust and make them safer for occupancy regardless of how or when violations are enforced or when certification is achieved.

Visit our Lead Products page to learn more about our lead-specific cleaners and wipes.

The EPA is playing hardball with it’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule and has removed the opt-out provision now making any house built before 1978 subject to the rule.  The EPA is also writing an additional rule requiring more complex dust-wipe or clearance testing.  If approved, these new testing standards would become effective in July, 2011.  With these changes, the EPA estimates that over 38 million homes in the US that still contain lead paint would be impacted by the rule and that any work being performed in/on these homes that disturbs lead paint would fall within the definitions outlined in the rule.  Visit www.epa.gov/lead to learn more about the requirements or contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

With regards to enforcement, reports are also beginning to surface about contractors being fined for not adhering to the requirements outlined in this rule giving credence to the EPA’s committment to enforce this rule nationwide and upping the ante for contractors who are working outside the lines or who are just not aware of the rule.  Like it or not, the RRP Rule seems to be here to stay and with new provisions in the works, will only get more teeth over the next 12-18 months.

At Sentinel, we strongly believe that our lead-specific cleaning products, give contractors the best chance at achieving clearance on their lead jobs.  Our 805 Envirowash and ET Envirotowels meet HUD Guidelines as well as the New York and Maryland phosphate rules.  Non-Phosphate versions of each of these products are also available, allowing our products to be used for any lead clean-up job in any state.  Our products also meet the EPA definitions and work-place standards outlined in the RRP Rule. 

Contractors:  Build the cost of our Envirotowel products into your bid and leave the unused Envirotowels with the customer when the job is complete.  Suggest that the customer continue using the product for regular cleaning until it is used up.  Provide a high level of service along with the peace of mind that they can continue to clean with a lead-specific cleaner after the work is complete.  Additionally, the microfiber mop and 810 All-Surface Floor Cleaner found in our floor kits work great for cleaning finished wood, vinyl, stone, and other hard-surface flooring as part of a regular cleaning program.

Visit: http://www.senpro.com/products/lead/ to learn more about our lead clean-up products.

With the introduction of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP), we hope you consider Sentinel for your lead abatement needs. Our products meet USEPA Title 40, Part 745 definitions and satisfy the work practice standards for residential property renovations. Contact us to learn more.