BRATTLEBORO — Lead Safe Homes, in collaboration with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, is offering both state and federal lead paint safety courses for landlords, contractors, childcare providers, and others interested in using lead-safe renovation techniques.
Thanks to a grant from Vermont Green, contractors and landlords seeking federal certification may be eligible to attend the class free of charge. There is no charge for the Vermont certification class.
A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) course will be offered from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Brattleboro. This certification is required for all contractors or landlords disturbing more than six square feet of paint in properties built before 1978.
The cost for federal certification is $150/person. Grant funding for the cost of the RRP class is available through Vermont Green. Contact Guy Payne at Southern Vermont Community Action at 802-722-4575, ext. 154, for details.
The Vermont Essential Maintenance Practices (EMP) courses will be offered free of charge from 5-9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, at the Brew Berry Conference Center at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Vermont law requires that all landlords, property managers, contractors and daycare facility owners follow EMPs to maintain painted surfaces in properties built before 1978.
During both courses, participants will learn about the requirements of state and federal regulations governing lead, the health effects of lead in children and adults, lead-safe work practices, and how to protect themselves from liability. Most contractors and landlords will need to take both courses to be in compliance with the law.
Pre-registration is strongly suggested at all locations and is required for the federal RRP classes. Contact Michelle Pong at 802-463-9927 or email michelle@parksplacevt.org with any questions or to register. Lead Safe Homes is a non-profit program of Parks Place Community Center.