In Arizona, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers Lead Certification programs to educate on regulations and safe work practices when dealing with lead hazards. The Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (RRP), established in 2010 by the EPA, requires anyone working with lead-based hazards to be trained and certified.
Lead-safe renovators are trained and certified in Arizona by an EPA-approved program. The RRP rule regulates projects that could contain lead exposure due to lead-based paint, often used in homes and businesses before 1978.
The EPA administers these lead-based paint programs only in states not authorized by the EPA to run their programs. Other states may have a state-run program for lead-based materials that is EPA-authorized. Arizona, however, is regulated directly by the EPA.
To comply with the EPA and earn your certification in Arizona, follow the regulations below. Not doing so could bring about dangerous consequences.
Do I Need Lead Certification?
Typically, RRP projects are completed out of aesthetic reasons, at the request of the property owner, or as part of an interim control to reduce lead hazards. Because homes and buildings built before 1978 can have lead-based paint, these projects can create new lead hazards if you’re not careful. As such, all individual renovators and firms must be trained and certified.
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You need to become certified if you’re a(n):
- Contractor: Complete lead certification and read a handbook before dealing with potentially hazardous materials.
- Firm/Company: Companies that encounter lead needs to submit an application and fee on the EPA’s website. Each employee of the firm must complete training.
- Home Owner: Federal law requires that you contact a lead-certified professional before renovating more than six square feet of painted surfaces on homes built before 1978, who will provide additional information before starting any work. Always ask to see your contractor’s certification and check online to see if your contractor is certified.
- Property Manager: Managers and all staff need training, especially in setting up and tearing down job sites.
- Renovator: Certified renovators must take the training and be able to supervise any projects with lead hazards later. If you are both an independent contractor and renovator, you need to be certified by the EPA.
If you are working on a home or building built before 1978, you need certification. Exceptions do apply. You don’t need certification if:
- You only work on properties constructed after 1978; the rule doesn’t apply to you.
- You’re working on a painted surface with less than 20 square feet long, lead-safe work practices are not required.
How to Become Certified in Arizona
In Arizona, you must apply for certification or recertification to work around lead materials. You can apply online at the EPA’s website, update your personal information, or request a copy or your completed certificate.
Search for Accredited Courses in Arizona here.
Can I Take a Refresher Course?
Before your certification expires, you will need to become recertified if you want to continue conducting lead-based paint activities. However, this field is ever-changing.
If you’ve already become certified in a state, you can take a refresher course to brush up your skills. Completing a refresher class or two will help you remain up to date on any changes in policy and make sure your work environment is safe.
Who Enforces the Arizona RRP Rule?
The EPA’s RRP rule went into effect on April 22, 2010. While many states have adopted the EPA’s rules, not all states have their programs. For the states that don’t, the EPA administers the program. Arizona, as one of these states, regulates any and all work completed on a site where any lead was used in the past.
If these requirements are violated, the EPA’s enforcement program will work with the Department of Justice and the state of Arizona to act at both the federal and state level against you. You could lose your job or business if working with lead hazards without the proper care and certification.
Other states may have EPA-authorized programs that work within the confines of the EPA’s guidelines, so it’s important to check the state’s requirements if you conduct any work outside your home state.
How to Comply with EPA Lead Certification Requirements
The RRP rule requires you to work for a certified firm to work with lead-based materials, making sure you adhere to safe work practices. The work requirements and added paperwork can be a burden for businesses, but it keeps everyone safe from the harm lead can cause.
The EPA determines the accredited courses you must take to gain your certification in Arizona. To read the latest changes to the rule, check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
Steps to Becoming Lead Certified in Arizona
- Explore the EPA’s website and download the application. Fill it out and send it in with the fee.
- Complete a training program that’s EPA-certified in lead-based paint inspection, assessment, or abatement in Arizona.
- Pass examination.
- Apply for certification to be an evaluation firm or abatement online at the EPA’s website and pay the fee. You may need to send in a copy of your AZ issued ID.
- Apply for individual certification to work with lead-based materials online, including average workers, project managers or supervisors, inspectors, contractors, project designers, and more. The initial certification (and recertification) fee is usually $410.
- Receive your certification that says a certified renovator trained you and keep the document on hand at all work sites. After you receive your certification, the EPA will list your company name on their website as a certified firm.
- Stay up to date on recertification requirements, usually every five years.
If you work in more than one state, you may also need both the EPA federal certification plus any state or city requirements.
Helpful Links for those Certified in Arizona
Explore these links to find out more about lead pollution and regulations in Arizona, then check out just how much an EPA settlement in Arizona could cost you if you choose not to follow the Lead Laws:
Environmental Protection Agency – Lead Program
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality – Lead Pollution
Environmental Protection Agency – Lead Regulations
Have Unanswered Questions about Your AZ Lead Certification?
The best bet when you’re not sure whether or not you’re required to complete a lead certification program in the state of Arizona, feel free to reach out with questions. We’re happy to help!