The EPA is providing online training for staff working at communities built prior to 1978.
Firms and workers who engage in activities that may disturb lead-coated surfaces on pre-1978 residential properties are required to be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The deadline for worker recertification is July 1. As a result, multifamily industry owners and managers need to be aware that workers must take a 4-hour refresher course to maintain their certification.
The refresher course includes a mandatory hands-on technical portion; however, EPA has proposed changing the rule to remove this hands-on portion of the training and to enable workers to receive their recertification refresher training online.
Fourteen states currently administer their own certification programs under the authority of EPA. So firms and workers who operate across several states will need to receive certification in each jurisdiction.
NAA/NMHC requested at least a six-month extension of the July 1 deadline for worker recertification in order for the EPA to approve online training courses. In the meantime, EPA offers the following important information on certification.
Firm Certification
Recertification. 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 as long as you select "recertification" on your application and your new 5-year certification won't begin until your current certification expires. Visit www2.epa.gov/lead/epa-lead-safe-certification-program for information about applying for recertification.
Firms. Did you know that firms can apply for certification or recertification online? The process is simple, and the firm will receive its certification quicker than if they submit a paper application.
Renovator Certification
Recertification. 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. If none are available, then contact trainers near you about upcoming course offerings.
Renovation certification extension. The certification of renovators who took the training prior to 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 won't be penalized for doing so.