Local Home Inspector Responds to Federal Lead Paint Law

(I-Newswire) July 8, 2010 - On June 18, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last week that it had delayed enforcement of the certification requirement in its new Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule until October 1. Contractors now have until September 30, 2010, to enroll in training and December 31 to complete it.

The EPA's new Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule, which took effect in April 2010, requires contractors who work on homes built before 1978 to be certified by a government-approved trainer and follow lead-related safety precautions, such as containing work areas to trap dust and debris.

Bob Sisson, owner of Inspections by Bob, LLC, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, frequently encounters suspected lead paint during his home inspections. He uses EPA accepted swabs, which react to the presence of lead paint. When he was notified of the upcoming regulation, he enrolled in a certification class so that he would know exactly what qualifications would be required.

“Many of my clients will need to hire a contractor at some point in the future,” Sisson said. “Since my job is to educate them about all the aspects of their home, it was important for me be fully informed about current laws and regulations, so I can pass this information on to them about what to expect from their contractors” Sisson is not a contractor, and does not perform any home repairs or improvements. However, he said that this was an
opportunity to learn more about the issues his clients can face as homeowners. In recent years, he has attended classes on topics such as geothermal energy systems, oil tank testing and deck safety. “My main focus is on educating my clients,” Sisson said, “So I’m always looking for learning opportunities to give me more information I can pass on to them, and to help me recognize more potential issues in their homes.”

Lead paint poisoning affects over one million children today. Adverse health effects include learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and speech delays. If not done in a lead-safe manner, renovations and repair activities that disturb lead-based paint can expose children, as well as adults, to harmful levels of lead dust.To become a certified renovator, individuals are required to take eight hours of training, of which two hours must be hands-on, to become certified. The certification is good for five years.

Sisson has been inspecting homes in central Maryland since 2003, and is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). His website is www.inspectionsbybob.com.

About inspectionsbybob:
Bob is an Independently pledged Home inspector licended by the State of Maryland and a Certified Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Bob is ready to perform your new home inspection in Fredrick, Boyds.

Company Contact Information
inspectionsbybob
sherllock.jones
13121 Darnestown Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20878
20878
Phone : (301) 208-8289