EPA RRP Rule: what renovation firms need to know
If your firm works in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities, the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule likely applies. Here’s the short version — and where LeadCheck™ fits.
When the rule applies
In general, RRP applies when a firm is paid to renovate, repair, or paint and will disturb painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes, schools, or child-occupied facilities (above EPA’s minor repair thresholds).
What firms must do
Firms must be EPA-certified, assign a certified renovator, and follow lead-safe work practices — unless testing shows regulated lead-based paint is not present on the components you’ll disturb, or you assume lead is present and work lead-safe.
Using an EPA-recognized test kit
LeadCheck™ is EPA-recognized for the RRP negative response criterion when used as directed by a certified renovator on wood, ferrous metal, drywall, and plaster. Test each component separately. A negative result on a component supports an exemption path for that component; a positive (or assumed positive) means lead-safe practices are required.
What LeadCheck is not recognized for
Not recognized for stucco, non-ferrous metals, or other substrates outside the EPA recognition. Not a substitute for firm certification or certified renovator oversight.
Information Links
EPA’s Lead Information Page
https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead
EPA Recognized Lead Test Kits
https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-test-kits
Spot Test Kits for Detecting Lead in Household Paint: A Laboratory Evaluation
https://www.nist.gov/publications/spot-test-kits-detecting-lead-household-paint-laboratory-evaluation
Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools – April 2010
https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14711/Renovate-Right-Important-Lead-Hazard-Information-for-Families-Child-Care-Providers-and-Schools—April-2010-PDF?bidId=
Official EPA Resources:
Lead-Based Paint Abatement and Evaluation Program: Firm Certification
https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-based-paint-abatement-and-evaluation-program-firm-certification
RRP Program for Training Providers
https://www.epa.gov/lead/rrp-program-training-providers
Not sure if your job is in the scope? Take the quick check.