Get the lead out

HICKORY

Contractors who renovate old houses have to get the lead out. Lead paint that is.

Federal and state mandates require anyone who does renovation on houses built before 1978 must be certified in lead paint detection and removal.

But there's a catch. The federal Environmental Protection Agency has established regulations, but they're not in effect until April 22.

The North Carolina law is in effect now, but there are no permanent regulations.

The Hickory-Catawba Valley Home Builders Association wants its 287 members to know about the law and offers certification classes.

The regulations apply to any company or individual who provides or advertises renovation.

Not everyone in a company needs to take the class, but work must be supervised — on site — by someone who is certified.

Non-compliance can result in fines of up to $37,500 per violation, per day.

The law applies to remodelers, carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians, maintenance personnel and anyone disturbing more than six square feet of interior or 20 square feet of exterior.

Chip Hardin, the association's executive officer, says North Carolina was not ready to implement its requirements.

"Our members are being responsible and taking the course," Hardin said, "but there are conflicts in trying to obey the law."

He said EPA regulations will satisfy the state until the legislature adopts permanent rules.

EPA certification costs $300. North Carolina will also charge a fee.

When ratified, North Carolina's rules will supercede the federal law.

Earlier this week, more than a dozen local contractors took the lead paint class at the HBA.

It was taught by Mick Yoder and Miguel Roldan from South Carolina's Greenville Technical Institute, one of a handful of colleges recognized by the EPA.

Yoder and Roldan said North Carolina is "ahead of the curve" on the lead paint removal law.

"North Carolina has temporary regulations now," Roldan said, that closely mirror the EPA's. He said anyone can look up "nc lead" on the Internet for information about the state program.

"We have done about 40 classes so far in North Carolina," Yoder said. "That's about 400 people."

In some cases, homeowners know there is lead paint, Roldan said, or purchase of an older house came with a lead disclosure statement.

The contractor is responsible for determining if lead paint is in the home, however.

Rooms must be sealed off so paint chips or dust won't get into other areas. Contractors must wear protective clothing.

If work is done outdoors, the renovator must not allow paint debris to fall on shrubs, grass and adjacent property.

"You work with the homeowner," Roldan said. "The homeowner must agree with getting rid of the lead paint. It's up to you to decide how to contain the dust. You are the responsible party. You must educate the homeowner."

The class gives contractors hands-on instruction on how to erect barriers and put up signs when during lead paint removal.

Homeowners don't have to agree to lead removal, but contractors have no choice.

"Our members must understand their liability and know how to protect themselves and the homeowner," Hardin said.

"They have to know when to go ahead and when to walk away."

For more information about HBA classes, go to www.hickoryhba.com. Classes are planned for March 3 and April 7. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $295 for HBA members and $350 for non-members.

Contractor supports the new regulations

HICKORY

Gene Glaze is an experienced contractor and renovator. He likes the lead paint removal law.

"There is no excuse for not taking precautions with lead paint," he said.

Glaze owns Glaze Construction Co. He's starting his 10th year in business.

"There is a need for the law. Lead poisoning is irreversible. Lead levels in the bloodstream can be lowered, but you can never get rid of all of it."

Glaze has better insight on the effects of lead than many people. He was a pharmacist for nine years.

"You'd be surprised how little lead it takes to affect the body," he said.

Glaze has completed the lead paint removal course offered by the Hickory & Catawba County Home Builders Association.

"It's a good course," he said of the workshop that certifies contractors meet EPA, and soon, North Carolina standards for lead detection and removal.

"The idea is not to let lead accumulate. Clean up after yourself. Most lead dust is heavier than air. If you keep the area wet and protected with plastic, you can contain the dust."

Glaze said working outdoors on a windy day hampers containment, so contractors may have to suspend activity.

"Regulations on lead abatement have been needed for a long time," he said. "The law benefits contractors and homeowners.

"It's a good thing."