Lead-Safe Renovation Practices for Pre-1978 Homes
Renovating a pre-1978 home? Federal law requires EPA lead-safe work practices. Here's what that means, why it matters, and how to stay compliant during RRP work.
If your home was built before 1978, the EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule applies to any work that disturbs painted surfaces. Contractors must be EPA-certified renovators, use lead-safe work practices, and follow specific containment and cleanup procedures to prevent lead dust from spreading.
Lead-safe work isn't just about removing paint. It's about controlling dust: sealing off the work area, using plastic sheeting, minimizing the use of power tools that generate fine dust, and performing specialized cleanup with HEPA vacuums and wet wiping. Poorly performed renovation is one of the most common causes of childhood lead exposure.
Certified renovators must also provide the EPA's lead hazard information pamphlet to owners and occupants before work begins, and keep records of the work for compliance. Skipping these steps isn't just a health risk — it carries federal fines. Before work begins, lead paint testing can identify which components contain lead so the project can be planned appropriately.
Because we hold the EPA RRP certification alongside our abatement certifications, we can perform renovation, repair, and painting in pre-1978 homes the right way — and carry the project from lead abatement through a finished, move-in-ready result without re-contaminating the space.
Planning a Renovation in a Pre-1978 Home?
Not sure whether lead is present? Start with lead paint testing and XRF inspection before disturbing painted surfaces. Our renovation and painting services follow EPA lead-safe work practices, and we also provide lead abatement when hazards require correction.
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