Come to think of it, it seems like we're creeping nearer and nearer to the bureaucratic dystopia envisioned in that movie.
Posted on 12/23/2008 8:47:25 AM PST by o_zarkman44
Most homeowners and remodeling contractors are probably unaware that the US Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) has new requirements for any remodeling contractor working in a pre-1978 structure. The link provided will send you to a copy of the new EPA brochure currently mandated by law, to be handed out by remodeling contractors to prospective clients including schools, daycare, rental property owners, and homeowners.
A copy of the EPA Brochure is required BY LAW effective Dec22, 2008 (Yesterday) to be provided by the prospective contractor all prospective remodeling clients.
(excerpt)You have the ultimate responsibility for the safety of your family, tenants, or children in your care. This means properly preparing for the renovation and keeping persons out of the work area (see p. 8). It also means ensuring the contractor uses lead-safe work practices. Beginning April 2010, federal law will require that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Until contractors are required to be certified, make sure your contractor can explain clearly the details of the job and how the contractor will minimize lead hazards during the work. n Ask if the contractor is trained to perform lead-safe work practices and to see a copy of their training certificate. n Ask them what lead-safe methods they will use to set up and perform the job in your home, child care facility or school. n Ask if the contractor is aware of the lead renovation rules. For example, contractors are required to provide you with a copy of this pamphlet before beginning work. A sample pre-renovation disclosure form is provided at the back of this pamphlet. Contractors may use this form to make documentation of compliance easier. n Ask for references from at least three recent jobs involving homes built before 1978, and speak to each personally.
WE have too much government.
Good contractors will no longer exist, and fly-by-night guys who don’t follow the rules will be the only ones around.
Like the song says...'You ain't seen nuthin' yet'.
“Good contractors will no longer exist, and fly-by-night guys who don’t follow the rules will be the only ones around.”
I guess that is the emerging stages of the underground economy. More than likely people who apply for remodeling loans will have to provide documentation of the contractors EPA license to get funding for bigger projects.
Cash is king.
How, by pricing renovations out of the reach of most homeowners?
I don’t like the totalitarian nature of it, and being implemented all at once. It will really screw things up this way. Education and phasing in should be done for a period so homeowners know about the program, and the potential dangers, and contractors can get people trained over time without taking a huge hit in one shot.
There will still be the cheapo’s that don’t do it right, and there will always be homeowners who go the cheap route and harm their kid, too. Somewhere in the middle would be the way to go - doing it right without all the certification crap.
UGH! Ugly no matter how you look at it.
Do it yourself! Fun, fun! Oh, but wiat until the town building inspector drives by!
The place was a disaster with lead paint, mold everywhere. The Owner wanted to cut corners and use as much of the old HVAC as possible.
Would love for the structure to be condemned as a “sick building” with me as the Contractor on record just so the Owner could save a few thousand.
No thanks.
Come to think of it, it seems like we're creeping nearer and nearer to the bureaucratic dystopia envisioned in that movie.
Right. Got it.
It is quickly becoming apparent that our government is way too expensive. The only folks showing signs of lead poisening are those in the plethora of useless government agencies like the EPA. These people are beyond stupid. If someone has a lead issue in their home, then it is their problem and they should deal with it if they see fit.
High schools must really be cranking out geniuses now that students grow up in a largely lead free environment.
Very much along the lines of “Click-it or Tick-it” that a lot of states have adopted for passenger vehicles.
Yup. And when the first seat-belt law was passed in this state, we were PROMISED it would NEVER be a reason for being pulled over.
Yeah sure, just another gummint lie.
This is not a big deal man...
You may get an occasional home or business these days that these new rules may apply. I have been in business for 15 years and I can count on one hand how many homes and businesses I have run across lead based paints.
Besides, if I ran into it today, my demo crews and speed would have it all out and gone before the EPA dorks even get out of bed in the morning...
If you own one of these homes or buildings, prepare to lose you shirt for the cause of a "safe" environment.
This is so silly. Does anyone at the government take notice of all the TV commercials that run for Lowe’s & Home Depot? Many projects are do-it-yourselfers. How will the Law apply then?
While it might be laudable to take steps to prevent lead contamination, the Feds are also mandating that we introduce mercury into our (in some cases) mercury-free homes through the introduction of compact-flourescent light bulbs.
I wish the Feds would stop doing me favors. I can’t afford it.
Do you have the informational brochure to hand out to the potential client? If not you have broken the law regardless of how speedy your crews may be, even if lead is not present.
As a contractor, it is YOUR DUTY by law as of yesterday.
You think it’s not a big deal. Do you know what the penalty for not complying with the federal law is? Enough to put most of us out of business.
I live in an area where probably 80% of all structures were constructed prior to 1978. Of those, probably 70% were constructed before 1950.
Most commercial buildings on main street were pre 1900.
So there is virtually no way a legitimate contractor, playing by all the rules, can legally work here without adding a 25% surcharge on labor for EPA disposal compliance certifications.
Federal funding for historic restorations will be contingent on proper permitting and compliance. So will bank loans made with the Federal guarantees. Flipping houses? Forget it. Won’t be able to get mortgages without proper documentation and testing.
You may think you are immune. Just wait till the next rules go into place in Feb requiring testing of any substance, product, or material that MAY come in contact with children.
Every piece of lumber, trim, tile, grout, mortar, brick, play toy, etc will have to have the manufacturers testing certification for every LOT number saying the item is lead free. That info courtesy of a wood workers magazine. I bet nobody in government told your business that either..........
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.