The LSU AgCenter is offering classes for home renovators to become Lead Certified Renovators.

An Environmental Protection Agency Renovation, Repair and Painting rule now in effect requires all firms that perform work that disturbs lead-based paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 to be EPA certified and use lead-safe work practices, according to Claudette Reichel, LSU AgCenter housing specialist.

“EPA has extended the firm certification deadline to Oct. 1, and individuals have until Dec. 31 to become Lead Certified Renovators, but they must register for an approved training class by Sept. 30,” Reichel said.

After Dec. 31, all paid contractors, maintenance workers, painters and others performing projects not in compliance with the EPA rule are subject to substantial penalties.

To help contractors comply with the lead-paint rule and protect children and workers from the dangers of lead-paint dust, the LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse Resource Center and the National Center for Healthy Housing, a national EPA-accredited provider, have teamed to provide training classes around the state, she said.

“More than 500 contractors have completed the course, and additional classes are scheduled to enable more contractors to meet the new compliance deadline and learn lead-safe work practices,” Reichel said.

Lead Certified Renovator classes will be conducted for members of the Home Builders Assoc. of Greater New Orleans on Oct. 12, and open classes will be taught at LaHouse Resource Center in Baton Rouge on Nov. 16. A class will be offered at a later date in Alexandria.

For more information, fees, and to register for a class, visit www.lsuagcenter.com/LaHouse and select the Lead Certified Renovator Training article. Class size is limited to 12-18 per session, so advance registration and payment are necessary to reserve a space.

Johnny Morgan