The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (40 CFR part 745, subpart E) is federal, so it appears on builder exams in every state. These are the points exams test.
Which jobs it covers
Paid work that disturbs painted surfaces in housing built before 1978. The firm needs EPA lead-safe firm certification and assigns a certified renovator to each job (40 CFR 745.82; 745.81(a)(2); 745.89).
Minor repair and maintenance
Work that disturbs 6 square feet or less per room inside, or 20 square feet or less outside, falls under the minor repair and maintenance exception, as long as no prohibited practice is used (40 CFR 745.83).
The pamphlet
- Give the owner the EPA lead pamphlet no more than 60 days before work begins (40 CFR 745.84(a)).
- The owner's written acknowledgment can be a separate sheet or part of the contract. It includes the owner's name, the unit address, a signature and the date, in the language of the contract (40 CFR 745.84(d)).
Work practices and records
- Open-flame burning is prohibited, and a heat gun must stay below 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 CFR 745.85(a)(3)).
- Keep the job's records for 3 years (40 CFR 745.86(a)).
Practice residential builder exam questions for your state, with explanations and timed mock exams.