Copyright: Eunika Sopotnicka
Firms and workers who engage in activities that may disturb lead-coated surfaces on pre-1978 residential property are required to be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The deadline for worker re-certification is July 1. As a result, multifamily industry owners and managers need to be aware that workers must take a 4-hour refresher course in order 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 re-certification 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.
NMHC/NAA requested at least a six month extension of the July 1 deadline for worker re-certification in order for the EPA to approve online training courses. In the meantime, EPA offers the following important information on certification:
Firm certification
Re-certification. 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, just be sure to select “re-certification” on your application and your new 5-year certification won’t begin until your current certification expires. Click here for information about applying for re-certification.
Firms can apply online. Did you know that firms can apply for certification or re-certification online? The process is simple, and the firm will receive its certification more quickly than if they submit a paper application. Follow this link to apply online.
Renovator certification
Re-certification. 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, and if none are available then contact trainers near you about upcoming course offerings.
Renovator certification extension. The certification of renovators who took the training before 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.
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