Are You Following Lead-Safe Work Practices?

As a business owner, are you certain that your employees are following lead-safe work practices? Do you have the processes in place to comply with regulations that reduce the hazards of lead-based paint exposure during renovations? 

Four Missouri home renovation companies recently found out the hard way that failing to comply can be costly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) penalized the businesses for lead-based paint violations, resulting in more than $27,000 in penalties.

The fines may not sound insurmountable for large corporations, but for small businesses, they can pose significant financial challenges. These penalties can also attach a stigma to your business, damaging your reputation and eroding customer trust.

Below, we’ll dive into what led to these violations, as well as how you can avoid the same fate and ensure your employees are following lead-safe work practices.

Non-Compliance Can Lead To Fines

Just ask four Missouri home renovation companies what can happen when they are found to be not in compliance. The four agencies - BBW Homes LLC in St. Louis, DSH Legacy LLC in Hayti, Kim Roberts Properties LLC in St. Louis, and Nygard Construction LLC in Bernie - agreed to collectively pay more than $27,000 in penalties to the EPA. 

The penalties resolve alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that included failing to reduce the hazards of lead-based paint exposure during renovations.

According to the EPA, the companies performed renovations in buildings prior to 1978 and did  not obtain a renovated certification from the agency first. Other violations included not retaining and producing required records, as well as failing to follow lead-safe work practices during the renovations.

Businesses and individuals involved in home renovations or employing subcontractors for work on homes built before 1978 must adhere to the EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Program regulations. These rules mandate employee training in safe work practices, EPA certification before starting renovation projects, adherence to lead-safe procedures, proper record-keeping, and informing homeowners about potential lead exposure risks during renovations.

Why Lead Paint Is Dangerous

Hazardous lead paint poses significant health risks, especially in homes and buildings constructed before its ban in 1978. When lead-based paint deteriorates, it can chip, peel or create dust that is easily inhaled or ingested. 

Even small amounts of lead exposure can accumulate in the body over time, leading to severe health issues. Children under the age of 6 are particularly vulnerable because their developing bodies absorb lead more easily than adults, and they often put objects or hands coated with lead dust into their mouths. 

Pregnant women are also at high risk since lead exposure can harm the developing fetus, potentially causing premature birth, low birth weight or developmental delays, according to the EPA.

Health problems linked to lead exposure are both serious and long-lasting. In children, lead poisoning can result in reduced IQ, learning disabilities, behavioral issues and impaired growth. Adults exposed to lead may suffer from high blood pressure, kidney damage and reproductive problems. 

The danger increases during home renovations or repairs in older properties, where lead paint can be disturbed, releasing harmful particles into the air. Understanding these risks highlights the importance of safely managing lead paint in older buildings, whether through proper containment, removal or encapsulation techniques.

6 Lead-Safe Work Practices 

Renovating homes built before 1978 requires more than just a plan for updates—it demands careful attention to lead safety. Lead-based paint, common in older properties, poses serious health risks when disturbed. 

To protect your team, clients and the surrounding environment, it’s crucial to follow lead-safe work practices that comply with the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program. Here are six essential tips to ensure your projects meet these standards while maintaining a safe worksite.

1. Train employees in lead-safe practices.
   All employees involved in renovations must be trained in lead-safe practices, as required by the EPA. Proper training includes methods for minimizing dust, safely containing work areas, and cleaning effectively to reduce lead exposure risks. Ensuring your team is well-educated in these techniques protects both workers and occupants.
2. Obtain EPA certification.
   Before beginning any renovation on a pre-1978 home, companies and individuals must obtain EPA certification. This certification demonstrates compliance with federal regulations and verifies that your business is qualified to handle lead paint hazards safely.
3. Use proper containment methods.
   Limit the spread of lead dust and debris by sealing off work areas with heavy-duty plastic sheeting and tape. Cover floors, vents and furniture to prevent contamination in non-renovation zones. Proper containment helps safeguard both the home’s residents and the environment.
4. Follow lead safety practices during work.
   Use specialized tools and techniques designed to minimize lead dust, such as wet sanding or HEPA-filtered vacuums. Avoid high-dust methods like dry sanding or using heat guns at high temperatures. These precautions reduce the risk of inhaling or spreading hazardous particles.
5. Maintain records and notify homeowners.
   Keep detailed records of compliance with RRP regulations, including training, certifications and safety measures taken during the project. Provide homeowners with the EPA’s “Renovate Right” pamphlet to inform them of the potential hazards and your lead-safe procedures. Transparent communication builds trust and fulfills regulatory requirements.
6. Ensure proper disposal with a certified waste disposal company.
   Lead-contaminated materials, such as paint chips, dust and protective coverings, must be disposed of safely and in accordance with federal and local guidelines. Partnering with a certified waste disposal company ensures proper handling and reduces the risk of environmental contamination. These experts can help streamline your disposal process, ensuring you remain compliant and avoid penalties.

By integrating these lead-safe practices into your renovation projects, you not only meet regulatory standards but also protect the health and safety of everyone involved. Proper disposal, in particular, is a critical final step that underscores your commitment to responsible renovations. Working with certified professionals for waste management ensures your projects are both safe and sustainable, offering peace of mind to your clients and your team.