Lead Certification Delaware - EPA Renovator Training

In Delaware, there are strict laws governing who can disturb lead paint and who must be notified before beginning work. Further, anyone – even homeowners – must undergo training and apply for certification before they can begin work.

With the prevalence of lead-based paint in buildings built before 1978, it’s important to seek out information and certification before undergoing lead abatement projects. The law requires contractors who disturb paint in homes, childcare facilities, and schools before 1978 undergo training.

This initiative, run by the Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, helps to prevent lead poisoning in vulnerable communities, but especially in children. It also helps prevent lead exposure in workers while they are removing the lead-based paint.

Who Needs a Lead Certification in Delaware?

Anyone who is disturbing lead paint indoors or outdoors may be required to go through a training program and apply for certification.

If your renovation involves the following, you will need to be certified:

disturbing more than six square feet of painted surfaces indoors
disturbing more than 20 square feet of painted surfaces outdoors
window replacement or demolition in housing, childcare facilities, and schools built before 1978
any Lead Abatement activity

This applies to anyone doing lead abatement work – that is, work specifically for removing or containing lead-based paint. If you’re doing renovations, it’s not required. However, it is recommended because the paint is still being disturbed. You put yourself and others at risk when doing renovations in homes built before 1978.

Training must be accredited by the EPA or an EPA-authorized State or Tribal program. As long as it’s EPA certified, you do not have to undergo training in Delaware. Training is good for two years. After that time, you must undergo further training to be recertified.

Lead Certification for Firms in Delaware

Firms who perform lead abatement activities must be certified as a company before they can begin work. Firm certification does not eliminate the need for individual certification. Both certifications for the firm and the individuals performing the work must be on file to prevent fines.

In Delaware, this application supersedes the requirement to be certified through the EPA. If you are already certified through the EPA, you must apply again to Delaware specifically.

Under Delaware law, 16 Del.C. 107, fines of up to $10,000 a day can be imposed upon individuals and firms who do not comply with the laws regarding lead-based paint abatement. These fines can be applied every day until the work is brought into compliance with the law.

These are on top of any fines the federal government may impose for improper work.

If an individual or firm does not follow the legal requirements, they run the risk of being denied recertification later.

Becoming Lead Certified in Delaware

It’s easy to undergo the training for lead certification to avoid fines. There are many options for attending sessions in your area. Because Delaware doesn’t require you attend training in-state, you can attend any EPA certified training and apply for certification in Delaware. This provides flexibility and allows you to find a training that fits your schedule.

Training is a one-day program, that covers topics of best practices as well as cleanup procedures. At the end, you’re required to pass a test to successfully complete the certification.

Ready to get your Lead Paint Certification?

By completing your lead certification course today, you can ensure that you and your workers are working in a safe environment.

To find out more about where ZotaPro offers initial certification courses, click here.

Need a Refresher Course?

If you’ve already undergone your initial certification but it’s been two or more years, you’ll need to undergo a refresher training. By recertifying every two years, you’ll be up to date with the latest best practices and regulations.

The best part about it is there are online refresher courses available. This allows you to attend your refresher course from the comfort of your own home or office. They’re also faster than the initial certification – only four hours long.

To find out more about where ZotaPro offers in-person lead refresher course, or to learn more about the online options, click here.

Rules and Regulations

On November 10, 2012, the Lead Based Paints Hazards rules went into effect. This dictated training and abatement procedures for the removal of lead-based paint.

It not only dictated the removal, but also the standards for safe work environments for the contractors. It also encouraged firms to adopt more stringent rules, particularly when dealing with schools and other child-occupied places.

The Residential Property Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) laws went into effect January 11, 2014. This dictated who had to be notified before beginning renovation work to remove lead-based paint.

If you were certified with the EPA before Delaware enacted their program on March 14, 2014, you do not have to get a renewal with the Delaware Division of Public Health until your current EPA certification expires.

How to Comply with Lead Certification Requirements for Delaware

The training you undergo will provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need to adhere to all the laws and regulations for lead removal in Delaware.

Undergo EPA-certified training
Receive your certificate of successful completion
Apply for certification with the Delaware Health and Social Services Division of Public Health
1. Application fees for individuals vary between $50 and $100 depending on type
2. Application fees for firms are $100 for each of the two types of certifications
Wait for your application to go through and for your card to arrive
Renew every two years to keep your certification up to date

It’s easier – and cheaper – to follow the laws for lead-based paint certification in Delaware. This keeps you and your workers safe even when working with hazardous materials.