Norfolk, Virginia Lead Certification - EPA Renovator

Environmental Protection Agency

Why Do You Need Lead Certification in Norfolk Virginia?

Exposure to lead can result in damage to vital organs among other health issues. Unfortunately, many homes and commercial buildings built prior to 1978 still contain lead-based paint.

As a contractor, it’s likely that you’ll come in contact with lead-based paint while working on repairs and renovation projects. Here’s what you need to know about obtaining a lead certification in Duluth, Minnesota to work on these projects safely.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a certification program designed to ensure contractors follow the right steps when working with lead-based paints. The purpose of this program is to protect your health and prevent accidental exposure to lead-based paint for the inhabitants of the building you’re working on.

Some states, including Minnesota, operate their own lead abatement programs approved by the EPA. According to the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, you’ll have to obtain a certification at the state level to offer your services in Duluth, Minnesota.

Ready to Get Your Duluth Lead Paint Certification?

Ready to start working as a Duluth lead renovator? Find an Initial Course.

Looking to renew the certification you already earned? Find a Refresher Course.

Duluth RRP Rule Enforcement

As a contractor, you’ll need to obtain a lead certification from the EPA. If you fail to comply with the requirements of this program, you might have to pay up to $37,500 per day per offense. Fines can add up quickly, and failing to apply safety measures when working with lead-based paint can be extremely dangerous.

There are also liability questions to consider. If you accidentally expose customers to lead-based paint while working on renovations without having a valid lead certification license, you could be liable for any potential damages and medical problems that result from the incident.

Enforcers in Duluth

The EPA operates the lead certification program for contractors based in Minnesota. However, the Minnesota Department of Health has a certification program for lead abatement. If you specialize in lead abatement, you’ll need to obtain a lead certification from the Minnesota Department of Health.

No Proof of Lead Certification Means No Building Permit

Before you start working on a construction or remodeling project, you’ll have to go through the city of Duluth, Minnesota, to obtain a building permit. The city will verify that you have a valid contractor license, but without an EPA lead certification, the city will likely deny your request.

Lead Renovators May Not Perform Chip Sampling

The RRP Rule varies depending on the age of the building, but Duluth, Minnesota contractors working on older buildings typically have to test a paint chip for lead. You’ll have to collect a paint chip and use an EPA-approved test kit or send it to an NLLAP laboratory. You must have a valid lead certification from the Environmental Protection Agency for the test to be valid.

Complying With Duluth’s EPA Lead Certification Requirements

Duluth, Minnesota contractors should obtain an individual and business lead certification license.

Steps for Duluth Certification

Individuals:

You can obtain a valid lead certification license by taking an eight-hour class approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
After you complete the course, you’ll receive a certificate with a unique identification number.
You can then use this certificate to show you have the necessary credentials for working with lead-based paint when applying for building permits or submitting paint chip samples to labs.
If your certification course includes a proficiency test, you’ll have to renew your certification after three or five years with a refresher course.

Companies:

Once you have obtained a personal lead certification approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, you’ll have to apply for a firm certification.
Visit the EPA website and search for your company in the directory to see if you had a lead certification in the past.
If you can’t find your business, scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a link you can follow to start certifying a new firm.
This link will take you to the Central Data Exchange platform used by the EPA. You’ll have to create a new account if it’s your first time using the platform.
Fill out your profile and submit an application for a lead certification. You should hear back from the EPA within two weeks.
You’ll have to log into the CDX platform once every three years to renew your lead certification permit.
Note that every employee likely to work with lead-based paint should obtain a certification.