Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. It requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider. Learn how to become an EPA certified firm and where to take a training course near you.

1. Contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:
   1. Contain the work area.
   2. Minimize dust.
   3. Clean up thoroughly.
      
      
2. Read EPA's Regulations on Residential Property Renovation at 40 CFR 745, Subpart E.
   
   
3. Read about lead-hazard information for renovation, repair and painting activities in the EPA lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) (10 pp, 7.0MB) | en español (PDF) (11 pp, 2.1MB)
   
   
4. Read about how to comply with EPA's rule in the EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (PDF) (32 pp, 5.5MB).
   
   
5. Find additional EPA publications and brochures on lead-safe renovation, repair and painting and on lead poisoning prevention.

The rule requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint provide to owners and occupants of child care facilities and to parents and guardians of children under age six that attend child care facilities built prior to 1978 the lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) (10 pp, 7.0MB). | en español (PDF) (11 pp, 2.1MB)

The rule affects paid renovators who work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:

1. Renovation contractors
2. Maintenance workers in multi-family housing
3. Painters and other specialty trades.

Under the rule, child-occupied facilities are defined as residential, public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis. The requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities. The rule generally does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities where less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where less then 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior, but this does not include window replacement, demolition, or prohibited practices.

Much of the information from this page was cited from the EPA’s RRP page January 2012. Click here for EPA’s the full site and information.