Even in sunny Hawaii, if you’re doing renovations or lead abatement work, you need to be certified before you begin. This helps prevent accidental exposure or creating undue risk to those who will use the building once the renovations are completed.
In Hawaii, many of the laws and regulations regarding lead abatement work are the same for asbestos. These laws help prevent accidental exposure to lead for both workers and future occupants of the buildings.
This is especially important for any facilities frequented by children, as they are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning.
Who Needs a Hawaii Lead Certification?
Pretty much anyone who is doing renovation or lead abatement work needs to have a current EPA certification on file. By undergoing training, you’re making yourself aware of the risks as well as how to minimize chances of exposure.
The following people need certification before doing work:
- Independent contractors – anyone who’s been hired on to do work on a building before 1978 needs to be lead certified
- Firms – companies must be certified and registered with the state, in addition to their workers undergoing individual training
- Homeowners and property managers – even if you’re doing the work yourself, if the building was built before 1978 you need to be certified to work safely around lead-based paint
Homeowners and property managers will want to do their due diligence before hiring any contractor to do lead abatement work. The certification verifies that they are capable of handling lead hazards safely.
While lead hazards are most common in buildings built before 1978 because of the prevalence of lead-based paint, you need valid certification on file any time you’re doing work around lead hazards. This may include more modern buildings as well.
By having a certification on file, you’re able to work with confidence. You also show any potential clients that you have the training necessary to perform the work safely – not only for your sake but for their sake too.
Becoming Lead Certified in Hawaii
Thankfully, it’s easy to become lead certified in Hawaii. You can attend any EPA certified training program in the US. It’s a day-long, eight-hour course. This allows you to perform lead abatement safely.
Once you have successfully completed the training, it’s a simple form mailed in to the state government with applicable fees. For abatement workers – not supervisors or above – it’s $150 for the initial certification. The certification is good for three years.
Click here to find out more about EPA certification courses near you.
Ready to get your Lead Paint Certification?
Need a Refresher Course?
Refresher courses are even quicker than the initial training. A four-hour course is required to renew your certification every three years. This keeps you up to date with the latest laws and best practices to help keep you and your clients safe from accidental lead poisoning during a renovation.
You’ll want to keep your certification up to date if you plan on doing more renovation work on buildings that may have lead hazards in them. The abatement worker re-certification also costs $150 in Hawaii.
It’s become easier than ever now that there are online courses available. To find out more about online options and in-person trainings, click here.
Lead Certification for Firms in Hawaii
Firms that want to offer lead abatement services in Hawaii must be certified with the state to begin work. This does not remove the requirements of individual certifications. Anyone doing lead abatement work must be certified, in addition to the firm holding a valid certification.
There is currently a $400 certification fee. The certificate must be renewed every three years. This is in addition to the EPA certification required for lead renovation and abatement.
By certifying your firm, you give your clients the reassurance that you’ll be able to handle their renovation with care and do the best you can to decrease the risk of lead exposure.
Firms not in compliance may face fines of up to $37,500 per day, per violation, until their work is brought into compliance.
Rules and Regulations Governing Lead in Hawaii
Hawaii follows the EPA guidelines that regulate lead-based paint removal and abatement as outlined in Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 745.
There are a few supplemental laws regulating lead certification. The Hawaii Revised Statues Chapter 321-11(27) and Chapter 342P cover lead accreditation program and asbestos and lead, respectively. Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 41 also covers lead-based paint activities.
These laws dictate certification and renewal, as well as training accreditation. These laws hold contractors and firms to high standards, giving consumers confidence in anyone holding a current certification.
Part of these regulations are rules for notifying residents about work that go above and beyond the EPA regulations. The cost depends on how much lead-based paint, dust lead hazard, or soil lead hazard is being removed or disturbed, or what lead abatement procedures are being performed.
- less than 50 square or cubic feet – $25
- greater than or equal to 50 square or cubic feet, but less than 500 square or cubic feet – $50
- greater than or equal to 500 square or cubic feet, but less than 5,000 square or cubic feet – $150
- greater than or equal to 5,000 square or cubic feet – $300
In certain circumstances, notification isn’t required. Verify what requires notification here before beginning work.
How to Become Lead Certified in Hawaii
Becoming lead certified in Hawaii can be done in four easy steps.
- Successfully complete an EPA-certified training on lead
- Submit an application to the state of Hawaii
- Receive your certificate of completion from the state
- Renew your certification every three years with a refresher course
For firms, it’s even simpler. Be sure to fill out your renewal form every three years and submit it to the state and the EPA to keep an updated certification on file.
It’s quick and easy and gives you the peace of mind that you’re doing everything you can to help prevent lead exposure.
Additional Resources for Lead Abatement
Environmental Protection Agency Certification for Firms
Lead – Forms and Links (Hawaii)