Lead occurs naturally in the earth’s crust, and while it does have some beneficial uses, it can be poisonous for humans and animals. Most of us are in contact with some lead every day. It could be because of leaded fuel, at industrial facilities or there could be lead-based paint in your home. In the past, lead was also used in ceramics, pipes, plumbing materials, solders, batteries, and cosmetics. There is a good chance you will be in contact with even small amounts of lead at some time.
It is particularly dangerous for children, as it can affect their brains and nervous systems more than it affects adults. Children, particularly little ones, are more likely to put a dusty finger in their mouth and if that dust contains lead, it can do them much damage. Pregnant women should also try to steer clear of as much lead as possible. If you own a business, it is highly important to know what to do when you come into contact with lead.
Learning to Handle It Safely
If you are a building contractor, or a property manager, you have certain legal responsibilities regarding the handling of lead. If you are working on any houses built before 1978, it is very likely that lead-based products were used in them. The law says that you must be certified to deal with it. This is not just for your own safety, but also to ensure that your workers and clients are not exposed to lead either. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule says that you must be trained to handle lead safely.
The ZOTA RRP certification can stop you from facing fines of up to $37,500 per day for each day you are working on a building with lead without being properly trained. You need to enroll on a lead renovator certification initial course, and also model refresher training to renew your certification.
Federal and State Rules
The standards for all lead renovator courses is based on federal rules, but at least 14 states have their own additional rules as well. California, for instance, has a Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch to deal with the steps required to reduce the amount of lead Californian children are exposed to. Minnesota and Wisconsin have similar programs, as do several other states.
Everyone realizes the importance of trying to reduce the amount of lead children are exposed to and therefore these programs are in place as a step towards making sure that happens.
Certification Can Help Your Business
Certification can be a way of making your business stand out from others, and win you jobs that you might not otherwise have got. Even if the homes you are working on were built after 1978, it shows you care about your workers and clients enough to complete the required training. In some potential customers eyes, that is a big plus for you.
Have you had any experience with working with lead? Let us know in the comments.
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