Lead-safe work practice standards and certification may be required of contractors involved in remodeling and renovating buildings constructed before 1978.

EPA has published a new rule that will require the use of lead-safe work practice standards and certification by contractors involved in the remodeling and renovation of buildings constructed before 1978.

The mandate takes effect April 2010, however, beginning in December 2009, the rule will require contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint to provide the “Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools” pamphlet 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 Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors association opposes the rule, and has encouraged OSHA to undertake a formal review of lead in construction regulation in an effort to make it less burdensome on small businesses. The Washington Post recently ran a column about the rule titled “Remodelers to Face ‘White Glove’ Test on Lead.”