Final Lead Training & Certification Requirements Rule - NMHC - National Multi Housing Council

Date: August 26, 1996

Final EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 745 and 24 CFR Part 35) which address requirements for certification and training of professionals involved in lead paint risk assessment, inspection, abatement or related work in public or private housing and child-occupied facilities such as day care centers, preschool and kindergarten classrooms. This regulation will ensure that: (1) contractors engaged in activities involving lead-based paint are trained and certified; (2) training programs are accredited; and (3) standards are set for performing lead-based paint activities.

While the federal disclosure regulations which apply to all pre-1978 construction do not require that property owners conduct inspections or risk assessments, EPA expects "that as more families become aware of the importance of proper management of lead-based paint in their housing, the demand for qualified evaluation professionals will increase." If property owners seek to opt out of the federal disclosure and notification rules because their properties are lead-free, they must retain a state-certified inspector to determine that no lead-based paint is present.

Many states are considering legislation to establish a certification program. But, if after two years a state or tribal area does not receive EPA approval for its program, the EPA "model state program" to provide minimum national standards will take effect. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and EPA are authorized to issue grants to states for developing certification programs.