ipl Newsletter for RRP Contractors January 15, 2015 In This Issue "Look for the Logo" campaign Proposed Rule Change Enforcement Firm certification Renovator Certification Amending your application Frequent question database (FQ database) Useful Info & Instructions Renovation Reaulations Use EPA's "Look for the Logo" campaign to promote your business! As you know, EPA's Renovation Rule requires firms working in older homes and child care facilities to be certified, train their employees, and follow lead-safe work practices. To ensure that your potential customers hire a Lead-Safe Certified firm, help spread the word by using EPA's new outreach materials to remind everyone to "Look for the Logo"! For more information or to download the materials for free, click here. "Look for Loqo" Materials Help us encourage your potential customers to "Look for the Logo". Feel free to place the widget on your webpage and highlight the print ad in an upcoming customer newsletter or email. Certification Information Find a Trainer or Course in Your Area RRP Firm Materials Loao Use Guidelines Proposed Rule Change on Refresher Training On January 14, 2015, EPA proposed minor revisions to the RRP Program to improve the day-to-day function of the program by streamlining refresher training and clarifying Lead in the News Need Assistance? Freauent Ouestions Database ------- language for training providers. The public has 30 days to submit comments on the rule. You can find information about the rule and a link to the Federal Register notice on EPA's Lead Program website. EPA is proposing to eliminate the requirement that the renovator refresher training course have a hands-on component under the RRP program. Eliminating the hands-on requirement would give renovators easier access to trainings, saving them time and money and possibly resulting in a higher number of renovators taking the refresher course. EPA is also clarifying what constitutes a violation for training providers. In addition to these revisions, the Agency is requesting comment on extending the renovator recertification deadline until this rule can be finalized so more renovators can take advantage of the streamlined requirements for refresher training. Enforcement On December 19, 2014 EPA announced 62 enforcement actions that require renovation contractors and training providers to protect people from harmful exposure to lead dust and debris, as required by EPA's Lead-based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) standards. Read the press release. Be sure to stay current with certification and training requirements and to work lead-safe! ------- Firm certification Re-certification. Firm certifications expire after five years. This means that firm certifications have already begun to expire - please check your expiration date. Firms are encouraged to apply early, at least 90 days before their expiration, to ensure their application is processed before they expire. You won't be penalized for applying early, just be sure to select "re-certification" on your application and your new 5-year certification won't begin until your current certification expires. Click here for information about applying for re-certification. Firms can apply online. Did you know that firms can apply for certification or re- certification online? The process is simple, and the firm will receive its certification more quickly than if they submit a paper application. Follow this link to apply online. Renovator certification Re-certification. Typically, renovator certifications expire five years after the date of course completion printed on their training certificate. If a renovator doesn't take the 4- hour refresher course before the expiration of their current certification, they'll need to retake the 8-hour initial course to be certified again. Renovators must submit a copy of their current certification to the trainer to be eligible to take the refresher course. Renovators can use the EPA training search tool to find trainers and classes in their area. ------- When looking for training, first look for a course that is convenient, and if none are available then contact trainers near you about upcoming course offerings. Renovator certification extension. The certification of renovators who took the training before April 22, 2010 was extended by EPA until July 1, 2015. The extension ensures that renovators who received training before the effective date of the regulation weren't penalized for doing so. Amending your application A firm must amend their certification within 90 days of the date a change occurs to information included in their most recent application. If the firm fails to amend their certification within that period, the firm may not perform renovations or dust sampling until their certification is amended. You can amend vour certification online. If you're using the system for the first time, you'll be required to complete a brief registration process prior to amending your certification application. You can also submit your amendment by mail. Download the application and follow the instructions to apply bv mail. Frequent question database (FQ database) ------- EPA maintains an online database of Frequent Questions regarding the Agency's Lead Program. It is regularly updated to ensure that you have access to the very latest information. When questions come up we recommend you first go to the FQ Database, then if you cannot find the answer you're looking for call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). Here's an example from the FQ database. Does the RRP rule require people working on a renovation to wear respirators, disposable suits or other personal protective equipment (PPE)? The answer is "no", surprised? Take a look at FQ 23002-15698 for more details! ------- |