U.S. EPA and InterNACHI are developing training videos for contractors and inspectors

InterNACHI and NACHI.TV cameras were filming during a Lead-Safe Certified training class for contractors and inspectors in Denver, Colorado. InterNACHI has been asked to develop online training courses and webinars to educate homeowners about the importance of hiring Lead-Safe Certified contractors.

The U.S. EPA issued a federal requirement in 2010 stating that anyone performing renovation, repair and painting (or RRP) projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, childcare facilities and schools be Lead-Safe Certified (a federal certification).

The partnership between the EPA and InterNACHI starts with the relationship between InterNACHI inspectors and their homeowner-clients who are planning renovations to their older properties. They can all take some easy measures to ensure that the contractors they hire are Lead-Safe Certified.

First, the homeowner hires the contractor, then schedules and pays for an InterNACHI inspector to oversee the contractor’s work practices. The inspector’s role is to observe, document and report back to the EPA any compliance issues observed at the renovation work site. The EPA has developed an inspection checklist specifically for this task (see below).

How Can InterNACHI Inspectors Participate?

  1. Get trained. Take InterNACHI’s http://www.nachi.org/lead-safe-practices-online-course.htm.
  2. Educate your clients. About 10,000 times every day, InterNACHI-certified inspectors all over the U.S. sit at the breakfast table with new home buyers who are eager to start renovation projects. Inspectors can educate home buyers, home sellers, and their real estate agents about the new federal law that protects not only small children and other residents, but also the contractors who perform the work, as well as our environment.
  3. Contact the EPA directly and let them know that you, as an InterNACHI inspector, are willing to be called upon to help educate the American homeowner-consumer about lead-safe practices. Contact EPA Enforcement and Compliance Office. ](http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/BD7C495F33DA42AC8525786400606112)

InterNACHI strives to continually improve its education and training resources for its members. This latest partnership with the EPA is an exciting opportunity to learn more and to help close up the gaps between the property owner, the renovation contractor and the home inspector to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and healthy home.

EPA Lead-Safety Inspection Sample Checklist (PDF)

For more information about being Lead-Safe Certified, visit http://www.nachi.org/monitor-lead-safety.htm.

Curious on anyone that actually does this! Can someone share with me your thoughts and insight? Very interested.
Thanks