Nebraska is not authorized to carry out their out RRP programs and there are no official plans in place for this to change. As a result, the Renovation, Repair and Painting rule which was passed nationwide by the EPA in 2010 is enforced directly by the Environmental Protection Agency and therefore everything is done at the federal level for those in Nebraska.
Ready to get your Lead Paint Certification?
The RRP rule dictates how workers should operate in buildings that were constructed before 1978 so that they can work safely around lead. Lead paint was not banned until 1978 and therefore it’s reasonable to assume that buildings constructed before this time contain serious lead hazards which must be considered when working.
Training and certification is often required for contractors, workers, property managers, homeowners and even businesses that are working on sites that contain lead. These training programs must be accredited by the EPA, individuals will need to pass an examination and ensure that they have a valid certificate if they are going to continue to work on lead projects.
While there are many states which operate their own programs for work on buildings that might contain lead, Nebraska has chosen not to. The result is that the operation is controlled and administered by the EPA with little to no say from the local and state level government.
Do I Need Lead Certification in Nebraska?
While not everybody needs to hold a lead certification, if you are planning to work in buildings that were built before 1978 then most likely you need a valid lead certificate. Lead paint is the leading cause of exposure because when it cracks or is demolished it turns into a fine dust that can easily be inhaled, causing serious health problems for those nearby.
Lead is particularly dangerous for young children and the elderly who are the most susceptible to health problems and can experience severe symptoms. To control this risk it’s often necessary for those who work around lead to take a training course to understand the dangers and how to minimize them.
You will need to become certified if you’re a(n):
- Contractor: When working on a site, at least one person on the premise must have a valid certificate. If not, the business is operating in direct opposition to the RRP rule and can be punished severely. While not all contractors will need a lead certification, it’s particularly important if you are working in a small team and it can help you to get hired. Certification involves an 8-hour training course in which you’ll learn about the dangers of lead and how to protect against them, as well as completing an examination and obtaining the certificate.
- Business/Firm: Companies must also ensure that they hold a valid certificate from the EPA. While they do not need to complete the 8-hour training course, the company must apply for a certificate on the EPA website and when granted ensure that it is on the job site at all times.
- Home Owners: If you’re working on an area larger than six square feet inside of your home then you will need to become certified or hire a contractor who holds a valid certificate. For smaller areas you can work legally without it, but it’s still advised that you hire an experienced professional to complete the job.
- Property Manager: If you are renovating, painting or repairing a building which was built before 1978 then the manager will need to become certified or hire an employee who is. This requirement is designed to ensure that the management overseeing such a dangerous project is aware of how their teams should be operating.
- Renovators: Renovators are typically employed directly by a construction or repair company and therefore will often be required to become lead certified, especially if they are a senior renovator. This process requires the renovator to complete an 8-hour training course, pass an exam and obtain a certificate which should be kept at the job at all times.
How to Become Certified in Nebraska
Before you can work you must first complete an EPA accredited training course, obtain proof that you passed the final examination and then apply for your certificate on the EPA website.
Can I Take a Refresher Course?
Each certificate only lasts for 5-years, at which point it will expire and you will be required to complete the training again from the start if you wish to get another certificate. To prevent this from happening you can complete a shorter and cheaper refresher course periodically to get a new certificate.
It’s important to note that you must complete the refresher course, pass the examination and apply for the new certificate before the expiry date of the original certification. Failure to do this will mean that you need to start from the beginning which can be costly and take a long time.
Ready to get your Lead Paint Certification?
RRP Rule Enforcement in Nebraska
Nebraska is not authorized to conduct its own RRP programs and therefore all enforcement is carried out at the federal level by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice. Violating the RRP rule comes with serious consequences, including tens of thousands of dollars in fines, closed businesses and lost jobs.
Steps to Becoming Lead Certified in Nebraska
- Find out how to get certified in Nebraska and how much it will cost you
- Identify a training program that is EPA accredited
- Complete the training and pass the final examination
- Receive proof that you passed the training program
- Apply for your certificate through the EPA website
- Ensure that your certificate is on the job site whenever you are
Helpful Links for Compliance in Nebraska
If you want to learn more about lead, why it’s a problem and how the government is trying to prevent against the health problems that it can cause, check out these links:
Do You Still Have Questions About Lead Certification in Nebraska?
Lead certification shouldn’t take you long and it’s an important step in beginning work. However, it can also be complicated and therefore if you have any further questions you shouldn’t hesitate to get in touch with us so that we can guide you through the process and help you to earn your certification.