Over the last few months, I have been involved with helping to train contractors in the new Wisconsin and EPA Lead Safe Renovation Law that took effect on April 25. This rule requires that all contractors who do work in pre-1978 housing and child occupied facilities be certified as lead safe renovators. The intent of the rule is to protect children for the dangers of lead-poisoning.

Although the intent of the law was great, the shear number of contractors who need to be trained under the rules is turning out to be a little overwhelming for the number of approved training firms within the US. In a memo dated June 18 from the EPA, they have decided that contractors who have enrolled in Certified Renovator training with an EPA-approved training provider by September 30 will not face any penalties, as long as the training is completed by December 30.

This is great news for the contractor industry, because it gives them time to get the certifications they need, it doesn’t not allow them to ignore the new work practices or education requirements. If you are considering remodeling your home or business, there are now requirements that your contractors must follow if your building is in one of the defined categories including setting up lead paint containment and following specific cleaning procedures. Make sure you know the rules before you have a contractor start work.