EPA RRP key terms

EPA regulation under TSCA requiring lead-safe practices and certification for paid work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. It aims to prevent lead exposure from renovation activities.

Residential dwellings constructed before January 1, 1978. This cutoff is used because lead-based paint was commonly used before being restricted, so RRP requirements apply unless an exemption is met.

A building or portion of a building constructed before 1978, regularly visited by children under age 6, such as childcare centers, preschools, or kindergarten classrooms. It does not include residential dwellings.

An exception allowing immediate renovation without prior certification or lead-safe practices when a sudden, unexpected event (e.g., flood, hurricane, structural collapse) poses an immediate threat to public health or safety. Documentation is required afterward.

An exclusion from RRP for activities that disturb six square feet or less of interior painted surface per room, or twenty square feet or less of exterior painted surface, provided the work is not done by a certified firm using prohibited practices.

The small quantity of paint disturbance that falls below the RRP threshold: six square feet per room interior or twenty square feet exterior. Work within this limit is not subject to the full RRP requirements.

Paint or other surface coating containing lead at levels equal to or exceeding 1.0 milligram per square centimeter, or 0.5 percent by weight. Its presence triggers RRP requirements in pre-1978 housing.

A business entity that has applied to EPA or an authorized state program, paid fees, and been certified to perform renovations under the RRP Rule. It must use certified renovators and follow lead-safe practices.

An individual who has completed an EPA-accredited renovator training course and holds a valid certification. They are responsible for on-site compliance with lead-safe work practices and for directing workers.

The process by which a renovation company obtains certification from EPA or an authorized state program. It involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and meeting recordkeeping and work practice requirements.

An EPA-accredited course (typically 8 hours) that trains individuals in lead-safe work practices, regulations, and health effects. Completion is required to become a certified renovator.

The process of maintaining certification by completing refresher training and paying fees before the certification expires. For renovators, refresher training is required every five years; firms must renew every five years.

An employee who performs renovation tasks but has not completed renovator training. They must be supervised by a certified renovator and follow lead-safe work practices.

A set of procedures designed to minimize the spread of lead dust and paint chips during renovation. They include containment, prohibited practices, cleaning, and post-work verification.

The use of plastic sheeting and barriers to isolate the work area and prevent lead dust from migrating to other parts of the home. It includes covering floors, sealing vents, and closing doors.

Activities that are not allowed during RRP work because they create excessive lead dust or hazards. Examples include open-flame burning, high-temperature power sanding, and dry scraping of large areas.

A post-renovation step in which the certified renovator visually inspects and uses wet cleaning and a disposable cleaning cloth to confirm that lead dust has been removed from the work area.

The required training that a certified renovator must provide to non-certified workers before they perform renovation activities. It covers lead-safe work practices and the specific tasks the workers will perform.

Any activity that disrupts painted surfaces, such as sanding, scraping, cutting, or demolition. If the paint is lead-based and in a pre-1978 home, RRP requirements are triggered.

An EPA-recognized field test kit used to determine whether paint contains lead. It must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and can only be used by certified renovators or inspectors.

A portable analytical instrument that measures lead in paint by exposing surfaces to X-rays. It provides a direct reading and is used by certified inspectors and risk assessors to determine lead presence.

A method of collecting paint samples for laboratory analysis to determine lead content. It is used when test kits are not recognized or when confirmation is needed.

A conclusion that lead-based paint is not present, based on an inspection by a certified inspector or risk assessor using recognized test methods. It can exempt a property from RRP requirements.

The individual responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of a property. Under RRP, they must ensure that renovations are performed by certified firms and that tenants receive required information.

The owner of a rental property. They are responsible for complying with RRP requirements when renovating pre-1978 housing, including hiring certified firms and providing tenant notifications.

The person responsible for the daily operation of a child-occupied facility. They must ensure that any renovation work complies with RRP and that children are protected from lead hazards.

A licensed professional who facilitates property sales or rentals. Under RRP, they must inform buyers or tenants about lead-based paint hazards and the need for certified renovators when renovations are planned.

The requirement to inform occupants about planned renovation activities and the potential for lead hazards. It includes providing the EPA pamphlet and a notice of the work schedule.

A separate regulation (40 CFR 745) requiring sellers and landlords to disclose known lead-based paint hazards to buyers or tenants before a sale or lease. It applies to pre-1978 housing.

Activities designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards, such as removal, enclosure, or encapsulation. It is distinct from RRP and requires certified abatement contractors.

A surface-by-surface investigation to determine the presence of lead-based paint. It is performed by a certified inspector and results in a report identifying lead-painted surfaces.

An on-site investigation to identify lead hazards and assess the risk of lead exposure. It includes dust sampling, paint testing, and soil sampling, and results in a hazard control plan.

A state program that has been approved by EPA to administer and enforce the RRP Rule within its jurisdiction. In these states, firms and renovators must comply with state requirements, which may be more stringent.

A lead-based paint program administered by a federally recognized Indian tribe that has been authorized by EPA to enforce RRP requirements on tribal lands. Requirements may differ from the federal rule.

The collection of dust samples from floors, windowsills, and other surfaces to measure lead loading. It is used in risk assessments and to verify the effectiveness of cleaning after renovation.