In Idaho, all lead certification programs are administered directly by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rather than through a state organization. These programs are designed to educate workers on the regulations surrounding lead and safe work practices that they need to follow when working alongside these hazards.
The Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (RRP), which was passed in 2010 by the EPA, requires workers across the country to be trained and certified if they are going to work with lead. This training teaches contractors, firms, homeowners, property managers and renovators how they can safely work on sites that have lead paint, piping or other lead hazards.
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These individuals are trained and certified as lead-safe in Idaho by an EPA-approved training program which certifies them to work in both personal and commercial projects where there is lead exposure.
Currently, there are many states which have their state-run programs for lead-based materials, each of which is EPA-authorized. However, many others, including Idaho, are governed directly by the EPA which controls and administers the training and testing. To comply with the RRP rule you must earn your certificate by obeying the following regulations below.
Do I Need Lead Certification in Idaho?
Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) projects often involve lead hazards because of the lead paint and piping which was incredibly common in homes built before 1978. When these walls or piping are removed much of that lead will break into microscopic particles which are easily inhaled by not just those working in the area but those passing by.
To control this risk, it’s vital that strict protocols are followed to prevent workers and civilians from harm. As such, all renovators and firms are required by the EPA and the State of Idaho to be trained and certified to be allowed to work in these environments.
You will need to become certified if you’re a(n):
- Contractor: Must complete a lead certification and read the lead guidance handbook before working on sites which may contain lead hazards. Certified contractors must also ensure that they are working for a certified company.
- Company: Must apply on the EPA website and pay the respective fee. All company information must be kept up-to-date, and all company employees and contractors must have completed training and have an in-date certificate.
- Home Owner: Federal law requires that homeowners must contact a certified professional before they renovate more than six square feet of painted surfaces on homes which were built before 1978. These professionals will provide further information and advice to reduce the potential risk to the homeowner and others. Always ensure that they are certified by checking online.
- Property Manager: All property managers and staff need training, particularly in the setting up and tearing down of properties on job sites.
- Renovator: Must complete the appropriate training and become certified before they can supervise projects with lead hazards. If you are an independent contractor and renovator, you must be certified by the EPA.
How to Become Certified in Idaho
In the State of Idaho, you must complete training and apply for certification before you can work around the lead. To apply for this certificate, you should go to the EPA website where you will fill in the form, update your personal information and pay any relevant fees.
Can I Take a Refresher Course?
Refresher courses exist, and they can save you time and money. If you wish to continue working on lead hazard sites, you must ensure that you have a new certification. Should it expire before you renew it, you will no longer be allowed to work on these job sites.
Currently, training certificates last for five years and completing the refresher course will extend it for another five years. However, you must complete the refresher course before the initial certificate expires.
If you let your initial certificate expire, the EPA will require you to re-take the 8-hour initial training course which will cost you significantly in both time and money. Therefore, it’s wise to complete your refresher course three months before the expiration of your initial certificate to prevent any issues from arising.
RRP Rule Enforcement in Idaho
The RRP rule has been enforced as of April 22, 2010, and while a majority of states have adopted their rules and created their programs, some are operated directly by the EPA. Idaho is one of the states in which the lead abatement program is operated directly by the EPA.
As a result, any violations of the guidelines are not only pursued by the State of Idaho, but also by the EPA in conjunction with the Department of Justice at both state and federal levels. These violations could result in the loss of your job or business if you are found to have been operating on lead-based buildings without the proper certification.
How to Comply with EPA Lead Certification Requirements
The EPA’s RRP rule requires you to hold a personal certification and to work on behalf of a certified company to work with lead-based materials. Through the training and certification process, you will learn why lead is dangerous and what safe work practices you must follow to minimize the danger to yourself and others.
The EPA decides which accredited courses are required in Idaho, to read the latest updates to the RRP rule, read the most up-to-date information on the EPA website.
Steps to Becoming Lead Certified in Idaho
- Learn about the process and what is required to become lead certified in the State of Idaho.
- Complete the required training from a program that is accredited by the EPA in lead-based paint inspection, assessment or abatement in the State of Idaho.
- Pass the training and examinations.
- Apply for your Lead Renovator Certificate and pay any relevant fees.
- Ensure that you have the document on hand at all work sites and are up-to-date on changes in requirements.
If you are operating a company, you will also need to apply for a certificate for the firm although no additional training will be required.
Helpful Links for Compliance in Idaho
EPA certification can be complicated. If you’d like to learn more about the process, the problems that lead pollution can cause and the relevant laws in Idaho, explore the following resources:
Lead Based Paint Professionals
Apply for Business Lead Certification
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality – Lead
Still, Have Questions About Lead Certification in Idaho?
If you’re still unsure about the process and want to ensure that you’re getting the right certificate from an accredited program, feel free to reach out to us with your questions and we’ll do our best to help.