Lead violations in New York City have just hit you, and you’re furiously trying to find people on Reddit who have been in your position.
Trying to figure out what certification you need to deal with it can get overwhelming very quickly.
We get it.
And the last thing you want is to make things worse by hiring the wrong contractor or missing a critical legal step.
In this blog, we’re breaking down the different types of EPA lead certification, what they mean, and which one you actually need to for a safe and legal lead violation removal in NYC.
Why Certifications Matter for Lead Violation Removal in NYC?
If you’re planning to repair, renovate, or remove lead paint hazards from a property, doing it without the proper certification is illegal. Plus, New York City is the type of place where these fines can add up faster than a subway delay at rush hour.
Lead is hazardous, especially dangerous for young children and pregnant women. That’s why the EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, and HPD, Department of Housing Preservation and Development require specific certifications.
Types of EPA Lead Certifications
1. Certified Renovator (RRP Rule)
This is the most widely required certification for buildings built before 1978 for general lead-safe renovations. It’s mainly for contractors, painters, plumbers, and landlords who could disturb lead-based paint during improvements or repairs.
This certification requires an 8-hour training course and has a validity of 5 years. So, if you’re hiring someone to repaint or replace a window, this is the certification they need.
2. Lead Abatement Worker Certification
This is for professionals actively involved in permanently removing lead from a property. The training for this requires proper removal techniques, health safety protocols and waste disposal. The training duration for this certification is 32 hours.
3. Lead Abatement Supervisor Certification
A lead abatement supervisor certification is for contractors who oversee projects from start to finish. They lead crew, and are generally just responsible for compliance and quality control. The training duration for this is 40 hours, including a minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience.
4. Lead Inspector or Risk Assessor Certification
Unlike the other certifications, a lead inspector certification focuses on identifying lead hazards and making sure of safe conditions. This includes dust wipe sampling, XRF analysis, identifying potential hazards and even reporting procedures. The training duration for this can vary between 24 to 40 hours.
So, Which One Do You Actually Need?
With so many certifications, which one do you actually need for a lead violation removal? Here’s the quick answer:
- If you’re hiring someone to fix a lead violation without removing the paint entirely, you need a contractor with RRP certification.
- If the violation requires complete removal, you need a team with both Lead Abatement Worker and Supervisor Certifications.
- If you need someone to confirm the job was done right, hire a Lead Inspector or Risk Assessor for clearance testing.
How Do I Verify a Contractor’s Certification?
The best way to go about this is to ask for certification before you hire someone. Most contractors are also listed with EPA so a quick check on their search tool can you save you a bunch of team and headache. If they’re not listed, keep looking.
When you’re met with a lead violation, you really need someone who knows the laws, understands the paperwork and process inside out and can help you avoid fines.
What Happens If You Hire an Uncertified Contractor?
We’re not crying wolf here or being dramatic, but a lead violation is serious. But what’s even more serious is hiring a contractor without proper certification. Here’s what could happen:
- You get fined (thousands of dollars)
- The violation remains unresolved
- You’ve put tenants at risk
- You could be sued
- You land on HPD’s radar for future inspections
Also Read: Can Lead Paint Be Dangerous Even If It’s Not Chipping or Peeling?
Ditch the Second Guessing and Get Certified Help
When it comes to a lead violation removal in NYC, time really is of the essence. Whether you’re managing a rental building, flipping an older property, or just trying to keep your home safe, knowing which EPA certification you need is half the battle.
If you’re unsure, talk to a professional at Manhattan Lead. Till date, we’ve helped countless property owners navigate the inspection, certification, and cleanup process without the stress — and we can help you too!
Give us a call today to talk to our experts and get the help you need for your situation!
