EPA Lead Rules Changes Impact Our Industry
Posted on January 28, 2010 By Sandra Modlin (Edit) 1 Comment
I just read a great article by Katy Devlin, in Window and Door Magazine, regarding the potential impacts of the EPA changes in Lead Rules and the replacement industry.
The second phase goes into effect April 22, 2010 and mandates that contractors who complete work on pre-1978 properties be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Contractors who are caught in violation of the rules could receive a penalty of up to $37,500.00 per day per violation.
Highlights of the article include:
- In addition to these changes, the EPA issued a “ruled proposal” to expand requirements to require 3rd party inspections which would add $500-$700 to verify the space was cleaned properly. The EPA will issue a decision on the propoal by April 2010 before the new rules go into effect.
- Small jobs would be most affected-where one or two windows are installed-the homeowners may not be willing to pay the extra and concern they will either forgo the project altogether or use an unlicensed contractor to save the money.
- Some contractors may avoid homes that are pre-1978 leaving a potential market niche out there with decreased competition.
Both our local HBA and NARI are currently offering courses in lead-based practices.
To view the entire article please visit: EPA and the Replacement Industry
The EPA has a good reference called “Using Barriers to Contain Dust and other Pollutants” Here is the link from their site. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-barriers.html. Barriers should be used to contain the spread of dust and other pollutants from the work area to other parts of the home. A simple barrier consists of 6 mil poly sheeting taped over doors and other openings in the room. Poly sheeting should also be taped over any supply and return registers for the home’s heating, cooling, or ventilation system that are in the room to avoid spreading the pollutants or contaminating the ducts. Having blocked off registers, you should be sure to provide ventilation for the area. An exhaust fan, with provision for make-up air, complements this strategy well. For more information, see the discussion of ventilation containment strategies that create a pressure barrier to prevent the spread of pollutants. ZipWall’s new ZipPole system is a great system for only $169, half the price of the original ZipWall Barrier System. Click here to learn more: http://www.zipwall.com/lp/lpZipPole.html