EPA LEAD CERTIFICATION NEW YORK
Anyone in New York who conducts renovations, repairs, or painting (RRP) that will disturb painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities must be trained and certified as an EPA Lead Renovator. In order to avoid fines of up to $37,500 per day, the Lead Renovator must also work for a company that is registered with the EPA as a Lead-Safe Certified Firm - this includes Sole Proprietors!
The EPA enforces Lead RRP work in New York under its federal Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule, so there are no additional NYS requirements to comply with this law. Once you’re in compliance you can also perform RRP work in nearby EPA-run states including New Jersey, Connecticut , and Pennsylvania without any additional training or paperwork! However you should always be aware of applicable OSHA and local law requirements as well, especially if you work in NYC (read more below).
The new EPA RRP requirements apply to you if your project disturbs:
- 6 square feet of interior lead paint surface AND/OR
- 20 square feet of exterior lead paint surface
How do I become a Lead Renovator in New York?
We've simplified this complicated process into 4 easy steps to make sure you're protected:
- Get signed up for a 1-day EPA Lead Renovator class in New York with our easy online registration.
- Submit an application to the EPA to get your company registered - this is required separately from the training class, so don’t forget this step! EPA will email you your Firm Certificate in 2-3 weeks.
- Attend the 1 day of training and pass a 25 question test in class. Your training provider will issue you your Lead Renovator Certificate.
- Keep both certificates on file & set a reminder to renew in 5 years!
What kinds of projects in New York require this certification?
The RRP Rule applies if:
- The property is built before 1978 and is classified as housing or a child-occupied facility (daycares, schools, etc)
- And you will be disturbing:
- 6 square feet or more of an interior painted surface AND/OR
- 20 square feet or more of an exterior painted surface
- Or will be replacing windows
New York contractors, painters, electricians, landlords, plumbers, property managers and more should be familiar with the RRP Rule and get certified in advance as it may apply to your next job. Better to be safe than sorry!
What if I just need Refresher training?
You’re in luck - we also offer Lead Renovator Refresher training, with locations throughout New York and an Online Refresher course, which can be completed from the comfort of your own home! This class is only for those individuals who have already completed the 8-hour course previously, and can only be taken if your training certificate is NOT expired yet. The refresher course is required within 5 years of your initial training course.
Expand your business!
While you may only perform renovations on newer homes right now, New York is a state known for its old homes, so it is very possible you will run into a pre-1978 home or child occupied facility in the near future. Make sure you are prepared and legally able to bid on all renovation projects!
Industry-leading trainers located throughout New York.
If you see a Lead RRP trainer on this website, you can guarantee they are EPA Accredited, and their courses certify renovators to perform lead-safe work throughout the state. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions Page for full details on the EPA's lead renovator rules or contact customer support on this page.
Additional Lead Paint Laws in New York City
NYC’s Primary Prevention of Lead Poisoning in Housing Law (Local Law 1 of 2004) applies to New York City apartments in buildings built before 1960 (or between 1960 and 1978 if the owners knows that the building has lead paint) with 3 or more apartments and a child under the age of 6 lives in the apartment.
Safe work practices must be used to remove lead paint, including:
- Never dry scrape or dry sand lead paint
- Post warning signs around the work area
- Tell tenants to stay out of the work area
- Clean the work area with wet mops and HEPA vacuums every day and after the work is done
- Remove all items that can be moved from the work area
- Cover furniture that cannot be moved
- Seal floors, doors, and other openings with plastic and waterproof tape
- Hire a professional to check lead dust levels after the clean-up is completed
Lead Certification Training
EPA Lead Certification is required for any renovation that disturbs more than 6 square feet of interior or 20 square feet of exterior lead paint in residential or child-occupied facilities built before 1978. Failure to comply puts you at risk to be fined by the EPA & Local Government.