Three-fourths of all homes standing in Vermont were constructed before 1978. That means that three-fourths of all homes standing in Vermont are possibly contaminated with lead-based products. (LBP’s)
Lead is a poisonous metal that can cause severe and deadly neurological symptoms in anyone who comes in contact with the toxin. Children are especially vulnerable to leads harmful effects.
The substance has been banned in household and building materials since the late seventies, which means that LBP’s are still prevalent in homes built before 1978.
How to Determine the Need for Lead Certification
Which means if you are home remodeling contractor in Vermont the Environmental Protection Agencies Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule concerns you.
Lead poisoning is a serious matter that Vermont has taken great steps to eliminate from their public health.
The Vermont Lead Law requires landlords/owners of buildings and child care facilities to assist in preventing children from lead exposure if the building in question was constructed before 1978.
Looking to Earn a Certification?
Certification and licensing fees can never be waived and are collected by the Vermont Department of Public Health.
- Lead training, courses and classes = $400.00 per year
- Lead contractors certification = $500.00 per year
- Lead workers certification = $50.00 per year
- Lead abatement supervisor certification = $100.00 per year
- Inspectors I & II certification = $150.00 per year
- Risk assessors certification = $150.00 per year
- Lead project designer’s certification = $150.00 per year
- Lead laboratories certification = $500.00 per year
Ready to get your Lead Paint Certification?
What If I Haven’t Taken A Lead Safety Refresher Course?
Lead-safe certifications in Vermont expire yearly on the date the certification was received. In order to renew lead-safe certifications must submit proof of successfully completed “refresher courses” for each certification up for renewal to the Vermont Department of Public Health.
EPA RRP Rule Enforcement in Vermont
According to the Vermont Regulations for lead control,
“The Commissioner of Health shall certify …persons engaged in lead-based paint activities when such persons have successfully completed an accredited training program and have demonstrated that they have received the required training in hands-on instruction and instruction for the identification and proper handling of historic fabric and materials.”
Complying with Vermont Requirements for EPA Lead Certification
Vermont is very particular about its lead regulation and the public health of it citizens. As such they permit a few infractions during the lead-safe certification process. Failure to comply with all the standards and regulations set established by the Vermont Lead Law and the Vermont Department of Public health will result in a loss of certification and licensure.
Who Needs to Become Certified in Vermont?
Contractors in Vermont who are looking to conduct any work on a building or home constructed before 1978 is required by Vermont law to have successfully earned certification in one or more of eight lead-safe disciplines.
- Lead Contractor (Abatement, Consulting)
- Lead Inspector I or Inspector II
- Lead Sampling Technician
- Risk Assessor
- Designer
- Lead Abatement Supervisor
- Lead Abatement Worker
- Laboratory
The Department of Public Health regulates lead-safe certifications in the state of Vermont.
Lead Abatement Contractors are required to submit written evidence to the Vermont Department of Public Health that employees who conduct lead abatement activities have obtained the proper lead-safe certification.
Lead abatement contractor are also required to ensure that a properly certified employee performs all lead abatement activities and that all lead abatement activities are conducted in
accordance with the requirements of Vermont’s regulations for lead control.
Furthermore, lead abatement contractors are required to provide their employees with their lead-safe certification training documentation once it has been completed and received.
Finally, the lead abatement contractor must ensure that a certified, licensed supervisor remains on-site whenever lead abatement activities are being conducted.
Lead Workers are eligible for a license assuming they at least 18 years of age and
have completed a lead worker training course that has been licensed and approved
by the Department of Public Health
Lead Supervisors are eligible for a license assuming they at least 18 years of age and
Possesses documentation proving at least one year of experience as a Lead
Worker or at two years of experience in a related field. The applicant must also have
successfully completed the supervisor training course approved by the Department of Public Health.
Inspector Technicians (Lead Inspector I or Inspector II) are required to have achieved a minimum education of a G.E.D. and successfully completed a lead sampling technician course accredited by the Vermont Department of Public Health in order to receive their certification.
Lead Risk Assessors are only eligible for certification if they have a minimum of one year of experience in a related field or 25 inspections over a three-month period as a certified lead inspector technician.
Applicants must also successfully complete the Inspector/Risk Assessor training course
and possess either:
- A bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience in a related field
- A certification as an industrial hygienist, an engineer, or architect.
- A G.E.D. and a minimum of two years of experience in a related field.
Lead Project Designers are eligible for certification only if they have successfully completed the project designer training course, are already certified as an industrial hygienist, engineer or architect and possess a minimum of six months of lead abatement experience.
Extra Resources to Understand Compliance Rules In Vermont
Unlike many other states, Vermont offers free Essential Maintenance Practices courses, which offer training in:
- Vermont’s lead paint law
- Federal lead regulations
- The adverse health effects of lead exposure in children and adults
- Lead-safe work practices
- Specialized lead-safe cleaning techniques
More Resources Regarding EPA Lead Certification?
More information on lead certification in Vermont can be found at the Vermont Department of Public Health webpage.