Lead Regulation EPA

[jloomis]

Being a General Contractor in Calif. I realize I need to be certified for lead in renovations to any homes built prior to 1978. I am going through the steps to procure this lead requirement.

First of all, I have to take a class which cost me 280.00 Then I have to pay the EPA 300.00 to fill out a form......I fill it out online, and then send it in to the EPA with 300.00 I also have to take 2 days to go to Sacramento, stay in a motel, and on Mon. take this lead class for 8 hours.

I realize the concerns with lead in construction. I have for many years...... After all it was in gasoline......think about how much has been spread with that alone. It occurs in brass fixtures...........

I feel that this is a bit out of hand with the fee's and the class etc. A on-line class.......Video......... A book with pictures and materials and tools listed.... Many things could have been done.

Imagine the cost run-up for this new ruling to older homes and that mostly low income people might own.

These are a few of my concerns..... john

[John Grabowski]

*I am an electrical contractor in NJ. I've talked to a few other electricians and contractors about this. Most of them are not going for the certification because they don't plan on doing work in older homes. Lately I work in an old house maybe once a year and usually do not exceed the six square feet exemption. I was not going to go to the certification class due to the expense. However one contractor told me about a program that NJ has with Rutgers University to administer the classes. They only charge $50.00 for two days of federal and state training and they are not too far from my house. So I am going for it even though I may not need it and the certification may come in handy some day. I add it to the cost of doing business which I know in California is a lot higher than NJ.

One thing that I am not clear on is how the inspection process will be administered. I have not heard of any building inspectors having to be certified.

[jloomis]

Hello,

I would think the inspection process may start right at the permit process. i.e. age of house and scope of work. I do not cherish the thought of working on older homes and I do. I have worked on 1895's and such.....anyway, they all are compromised with either lead and or asbestos in some ways.....some not....some more than others.... Many have shirked their shoulders, and said.......just go for it....tear it out..... I always tend to go on the safe side....Identify risk and talk to the owner about it. I lose jobs this way too....... I prefer new work, -dont we all......... so I am going for the class and hoping to stay abreast of the new regs..... john