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Congratulations to
Jillane Burton!
Our 2010 2nd Quarter
Winner.
Safety First: New Law for Contractors
President’s Corner
Remodeling your home is an exciting undertaking for homeowners. Teaming up with a design/build or remodeling contractor to create something new in your home is energizing as you envision the finished product. Without putting a damper on the fun, just remember – always consider safety first. Choose a company you know will adhere to practices that will ensure safety for you, your family and your home.
On April 22, 2010, new federal lead laws went into effect across the country. This new law impacts virtually any remodeling and renovation work in homes or child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978, with some exceptions. As of this date, any company working in a pre-1978 property is required to be registered as a Certified Lead-Safe Company. As part of this certification, at least one employee from each company is required to receive eight hours of training from an EPA-accredited provider and pass a written test to become a Lead-Safe Renovator. Lead-Safe Renovators are responsible for overseeing that that all work practices, cleaning, and cleaning verification is handled properly. Consequences for not complying with this law are severe, and can include penalties of up to $37,500 per day.
You may have heard that this law has been suspended or is “on hold”. While the EPA has announced that they are delaying enforcement of the lead renovation rule’s certification requirements, this does not apply to Wisconsin remodelers. In Wisconsin, enforcement of the lead paint regulation is done by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, not the EPA. The Wisconsin DHS has announced that they will NOT be granting a formal written delay to the lead paint certification requirements.
The law was instated for good reason. Lead exposure in young children can cause reduced IQ and attention span, impaired growth, reading and learning disabilities, hearing loss, and a range of other health and behavioral effects. Most exposures occur in homes or daycares built before 1978 where lead-based paint has deteriorated because of deferred maintenance or where lead hazards have been created through painting or renovation done without using lead-safe work practices.
At Carmel Builders, we take the health and safety of our clients very seriously. Both Louis Weiher and David Curtis are Certified Lead-Safe Renovators, and Carmel Builders is a certified Lead-Safe Company. Louis and David developed a Lead-Safe Practices for Carmel Builders, and recently trained our sales and field professionals at our bi-monthly production safety meeting (pictured).
