EPA RRP Rule Overview

What is RRP?

The Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule was developed by the EPA and went into effect on April 22, 2010. The rule targets work in residential properties and facilities that children often visit like schools and daycare centers. The main focus is to prevent the spread of lead dust contamination caused by renovation and maintenance activities. RRP targets lead renovation activity and not lead abatement. The EPA has separate requirements for individuals and companies that conduct lead abatement work.

Am I affected by the EPA RRP Rule?

If you conduct renovation or maintenance activity in Pre-1978 residential properties and facilities children under the age of six often visit, then you are required to take a Lead Paint Training course and get certified before doing any work. ZOTA professional Training is an EPA approved training provider. Lead Certification is valid for 5 years from the date of training in most states. You are also required to attend a Lead Paint Training Refresher Course prior to your initial lead certification expiration to maintain current certification. You are able to complete RRP Certification Online to renew your certification. RRP Spanish Courses are also available. If you fail to attend a course before your certificate expiration, then you will have to retake the initial RRP course over again.

Do you need Lead Paint Certification? Click here for a complete listing of available courses.

Already certified? Click here for a complete listing of Lead RRP Training Refresher Courses.

What is Lead Abatement?

Lead Renovation and Abatement are different activities covered by different rules. The EPA RRP Lead Rule covers work that is Lead Renovation only and does NOT cover lead abatement work activity. The main difference between Lead Abatement and Lead Renovation is:

Lead Renovation: Work activity with the purpose to maintain, repair or otherwise improve a property covered by the RRP Lead Rule. Lead Renovation is typically done by construction and renovation professionals including:

  • Contractors and Remodelers
  • Painters
  • Window, Siding and Roofing Contractors
  • Property Managers
  • Electricians, Plumbers and HVAC Mechanics
  • Carpentry and Finishing Contractors

Lead Abatement: Work activity with the purpose to REDUCE OR ELIMINATE A LEAD HAZARD. Lead abatement is typically the result of a child having an elevated blood lead level or a property having a lead violation due to deteriorated lead paint conditions. Lead abatement work requires professionals that have specific lead abatement training including:

What do I have to do?

If the rule applies to you, then you must have at least one Individual with Lead Paint Certification (sometimes referred to as an RRP License) that you will assign to each project, and you must also certify your company (firm) with the EPA. There are two types of certification that the rule requires:

Individual Certification: At least one Lead Paint Certified Renovator must be assigned to projects. Steps to certify an individual:

  1. Attend an 8-hour Lead Paint Training Course.
  2. Successfully complete all requirements of the course.
  3. Receive your RRP Lead Certificate with your name, address and photo on it.

Note: Lead RRP Spanish Courses and Lead RRP Certification Online are also available.

Company (Firm) Certification: You must certify your company with the EPA and become a Lead Safe Certified Firm. Steps to certify a firm:

  1. Submit an online firm application via the EPA Lead Safe Certification Program Page.     Note: The firm application can be completed prior to individual certification.
  2. The EPA will review your application and will typically process in 30 days.
  3. Receive your EPA Lead Safe Certified Firm Certificate with your company name on it.

Can I get in trouble if I don’t follow the rule?

The Environmental Protection Agency takes the rule very seriously. Individuals and companies that violate the rule are subject to fines of up to $37,500. If violations are found to be intentional, then additional fines of up to $37,500 and/or imprisonment can be added.

See for yourself. The EPA issues thousands in citations for RRP Rule violations.

Don’t risk costly fines or penalties. Register for a Lead Paint Training course and get certified to be in compliance with the EPA RRP Rule.

Still have questions about the EPA RRP Rule?

Call ZOTA Professional Training at 763-444-5323 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.