Contractors, Check This Out!

If you’re a contractor, here’s some important new information you need to know.

The Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety (DOS), with regards to lead paint, has adopted new safety standards that apply to the renovation, repair, and painting (RRP) regulations. These amendments, effective July 9, 2010, apply to work in which more than 6 sq. feet of painted surface per room inside, or more than 20 sq. feet of painted surface outside, or window replacements where lead paint will be disturbed in target housing* or child-occupied facilities**, built before 1978.

Contractors who work in facilities under these criteria must be licensed as “Lead-Safe Renovation Contractors” by the Division of Occupational Safety. A person who has taken a “Lead-Safe Renovator-Supervisor” or “Certified Renovator” course and is in possession of a current certificate of training, must be on site and in control of the work at all times. Workers on site must be trained by the certified supervisor or a licensed training provider.

The work completed must be according to the work practice requirements in 454 CMR 22.00, as well as, testing of materials, work area isolation, exclusion of personnel, covering of objects, work methods, and cleanup. Record keeping and notification requirements are also included.

If the renovation work you are completing is subject to these terms, your business must become licensed, supervisors trained and certified, and workers trained. Failure to comply with these regulations may be subject to penalties.

*Target housing is defined as any residence built before 1978, with the exception of housing for elderly or persons with disabilities (unless a child under the age of 6 resides or is expected to reside), and zero-bedroom dwellings.

**A Child-Occupied Facility is defined as a building or portion of a building (built before 1978) that is visited by the same child of less than 6 yrs of age, for at least three hours a day, at least twice a week, for a combined weekly visit of at least six hours or 60 hours annually. These facilities may be located in target housing, or in public or commercial buildings. Any building that contains a child-occupied facility and has a common area that is routinely used by a child under the age of 6 yrs, is related. The external part of the building that is adjacent to the child-occupied facility is also encompassed by the child-occupied facility.

For detailed regulations, licensing applications, and FAQs check out The Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety.