As we originally posted on April 30, EPA has issued notice that its recent lead paint regulations may be changing. Specifically, EPA published a proposed rule on May 6 providing for clarifications and changes in clearance testing. For commercial contractors thinking they were spared from worrying about lead paint regulation, EPA also issued an advance notice of proposed rule making on May 6 discussing extension of lead paint regulations into commercial and public buildings.
Those interested in commenting on the regulations should step up and do so rapidly. In the case of the extension into commercial buildings, there is no specific rule proposed at this point so this process will likely take some time. Nevertheless, the best chance to participate in shaping this discussion is to engage from the start. Our friend Sean Lintow at SLS Construction continues to provide detailed commentary and has developed an extensive set of comments that may be of interest to contractors following the discussion,