SF South Bay Contractors Now Have Convenient Location to Get EPA-Required Lead-Based Paint Certification

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The DIY Academy has become the only training firm in the South Bay to be accredited by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Renovate, Repair and Paint Training Provider. This accreditation allows the DIY Academy to teach contractors about the dangers of lead-based paint, and the lead-safe work practices regulated by the EPA.

“We work with homeowners every day who are doing renovation work on their pre-1978 houses. They run the risk of harming themselves and their families. Although the EPA doesn’t require homeowners to become trained, we think it’s just as important that they learn how to deal with lead paint safely.”

In 2008 the EPA issued a rule requiring all contractors to use lead-safe work practices to prevent lead poisoning. The ruling took effect on April 22, 2010. By October 1, 2010, all contractors must be enrolled in or have successfully completed a Renovate, Repair, and Paint (RRP) training class to qualify their work on residences and child-occupied facilities. The EPA has mandated stiff fines for contractors who do not attain the proper certification.

“This marks the first time that a local company can offer the training our area on an on-going basis.” Vasek says, “Contractors shouldn’t have to travel 50 miles to receive this important training. Nor should they have to wait until a firm from outside our area schedules a class.”

Lead, which is a neurotoxin, was used as an additive in paint until it was outlawed in 1977. According to the EPA, the lead-based paint on the walls in pre-1978 houses can pose a risk, even if it has been covered over by subsequent layers of non-leaded paint. The U.S. Census estimates that approximately 80% of the houses in Santa Clara county were built prior to 1978.

“Minute quantities of lead can adversely affect young children’s brains and nervous systems resulting in diminished IQ, learning disabilities and behavior problems. While children under six years of age are most at risk, lead can also affect adults. Exposure can lead to hypertension and high blood pressure and pregnant women run the risk of transferring the danger to their fetuses,” notes Vasek.

The RRP training, developed by the EPA, is an 8-hour class aimed at contractors, landlords, handymen, maintenance workers, and others who do work that could disturb lead-based paint. They are required to take the class, which includes hands-on training on lead-safe work practices. The course also covers testing for and disposal of lead-contaminated debris, as well as the extensive recordkeeping and client notification activities required by the EPA.

Jeff Vasek and Steve Gross, the co-founders of the DIY Academy, are certified Principal Course Instructors for the class. In addition, Vasek is the certified Training Manager for the program. Gary Sarian of AmeriCana Decorating in Santa Cruz and Susan Calderon, licensed architect of Saratoga, also teach the class for the DIY Academy.

The DIY Academy offers a consumer version of the lead-safe work practices for do-it-yourselfers. Says Steve Gross, “We work with homeowners every day who are doing renovation work on their pre-1978 houses. They run the risk of harming themselves and their families. Although the EPA doesn’t require homeowners to become trained, we think it’s just as important that they learn how to deal with lead paint safely.”

Contractors and homeowners can find training classes on the DIY Academy website—www.diyacademy.com.

DIY Academy: San Jose, CA- based DIY Academy is the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier home improvement learning center. DIY Academy’s goal is quite simple: to provide homeowners with the capability to accomplish home improvement projects, enabling them to save big bucks in the process. Visit www.diyacademy.com