Contractors must comply with new lead rule on home renovation projects
By JONDI GUMZ
Posted: 04/27/2010 01:30:21 AM PDT
SANTA CRUZ -- Local contractors are scrambling to comply with a new federal rule that took effect Thursday aimed at protecting children from exposure to toxic lead paint.
The Environmental Protection Agency rule requires painters, construction companies and handymen to get training in safe practices for renovation projects at homes, schools and child-care facilities built before 1978, which is when lead-based paint was banned.
About 74 percent of homes in Santa Cruz County are affected, based on census data.
Until information about health hazards came to light, lead was a standard ingredient in paint. It made paint last longer, produced brighter colors and kept mold down.
"We have to assume in an older home that there is lead," said Wiktor Kluzniak of Cen-Con, one of five firms in the county in the EPA database of certified lead-safe renovators.
Kluzniak, who employs 14 people, attended training in San Jose after he found nothing offered in Santa Cruz. At the class, he heard about companies fined for being out of compliance. The penalty is up to $37,500 per violation, per day.
"You can't plead ignorance," Kluzniak said.
About a dozen California companies are approved to offer training classes; all are outside Santa Cruz County.
The Santa Cruz Builders Exchange arranged for training Friday, taught by Environmental Safety Training Professions of Rancho Cordova. About 20 contractors attended and a second class is planned
By JONDI GUMZ
Posted: 04/27/2010 01:30:21 AM PDT
SANTA CRUZ -- Local contractors are scrambling to comply with a new federal rule that took effect Thursday aimed at protecting children from exposure to toxic lead paint.
The Environmental Protection Agency rule requires painters, construction companies and handymen to get training in safe practices for renovation projects at homes, schools and child-care facilities built before 1978, which is when lead-based paint was banned.
About 74 percent of homes in Santa Cruz County are affected, based on census data.
Until information about health hazards came to light, lead was a standard ingredient in paint. It made paint last longer, produced brighter colors and kept mold down.
"We have to assume in an older home that there is lead," said Wiktor Kluzniak of Cen-Con, one of five firms in the county in the EPA database of certified lead-safe renovators.
Kluzniak, who employs 14 people, attended training in San Jose after he found nothing offered in Santa Cruz. At the class, he heard about companies fined for being out of compliance. The penalty is up to $37,500 per violation, per day.
"You can't plead ignorance," Kluzniak said.
About a dozen California companies are approved to offer training classes; all are outside Santa Cruz County.
The Santa Cruz Builders Exchange arranged for training Friday, taught by Environmental Safety Training Professions of Rancho Cordova. About 20 contractors attended and a second class is planned
Santa Cruz County's Health Services Agency has an active Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program providing information and testing, which is the only way lead poisoning can be diagnosed.
Last year, local pediatricians tested 3,252 children and found 33 with blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter, enough to cause permanent brain damage. Another 167 children had levels between five and 10, which researchers say is associated with loss of IQ.
Homeowners who hire a contractor must receive a brochure explaining the lead requirement and authorize repairs. It's possible for the homeowner to opt out if no children under 6 or pregnant women live there.
Michael Downey of Cypress Construction Services in Santa Cruz spent $3,300 on training in Fresno for two foremen and equipment such as vacuums with special filters to protect workers from exposure to lead dust.
He's waiting for his certification to be posted on the EPA Web site.
Kluzniak, who has a crew using the new protective measures for a job on the Santa Cruz Westside, has spent about the same amount on training and materials.
"I feel lucky I found out about it," Kluzniak said.
He's not charging a higher rate now but he expects that in the long run, the requirement for extra materials and tasks that take extra time like taped-down plastic sheeting will mean higher prices.
EPA spokesman Dale Kemery said regulations call for certifications to be posted within 90 days but some are posted in 30 days "as long as the materials are complete."The agency has undertaken an "extensive" outreach to contractors since mid-2008, he said. The campaign included mass e-mail and mailings to more than 1,000 trade organizations, unions and property management associations, trade show exhibits and information on the Web for officials who approve building permits.
Last year, local pediatricians tested 3,252 children and found 33 with blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter, enough to cause permanent brain damage. Another 167 children had levels between five and 10, which researchers say is associated with loss of IQ.
Homeowners who hire a contractor must receive a brochure explaining the lead requirement and authorize repairs. It's possible for the homeowner to opt out if no children under 6 or pregnant women live there.
Michael Downey of Cypress Construction Services in Santa Cruz spent $3,300 on training in Fresno for two foremen and equipment such as vacuums with special filters to protect workers from exposure to lead dust.
He's waiting for his certification to be posted on the EPA Web site.
Kluzniak, who has a crew using the new protective measures for a job on the Santa Cruz Westside, has spent about the same amount on training and materials.
"I feel lucky I found out about it," Kluzniak said.
He's not charging a higher rate now but he expects that in the long run, the requirement for extra materials and tasks that take extra time like taped-down plastic sheeting will mean higher prices.
EPA spokesman Dale Kemery said regulations call for certifications to be posted within 90 days but some are posted in 30 days "as long as the materials are complete."The agency has undertaken an "extensive" outreach to contractors since mid-2008, he said. The campaign included mass e-mail and mailings to more than 1,000 trade organizations, unions and property management associations, trade show exhibits and information on the Web for officials who approve building permits.
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