Training and Certification for Lead-based Paint Activities

General Information
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines lead-based paint activities as inspection, risk assessment, or abatement of lead in target housing. Target housing is residential housing built prior to 1978. Also covered are pre-1978 child-occupied facilities, such as day care centers, pre-schools, and kindergarten classrooms.

Firm Certification
EPA certifies private firms, public housing agencies, local and state government agencies, and non-profit organizations that perform or offer to perform lead-based paint services.

Individual Certification
EPA also certifies individuals of these organizations in the following lead-based paint disciplines:

Inspector: Conducts surface-by-surface investigations to determine the presence of lead-based paint in buildings before, during and after lead-based paint work. Performs inspections, clearance testing after abatement, samples paint, dust and soil, prepares reports explaining results of investigations.
• Lead Paint Visual Inspection - Confirms maintenance standards for lead hazard reduction in rental housing; samples dust for testing.
• Lead Paint Surveys - Detects and measures lead in paint or dust.
Risk Assessor: Performs all the duties of an Inspector, and in addition, evaluates the types and severity of lead-based paint hazards before, during and after lead-based paint work. Performs inspections, lead hazard screens, risk assessments, clearance testing after abatement, samples paint, dust and soil, interprets sample testing results, explains options for reducing lead-based paint hazards.
Abatement Project Designer: Oversees and evaluates lead-based paint abatement work to ensure that contract plans and specifications are followed. Prepares abatement project designs, occupant protection plans, and abatement reports.
Abatement Supervisor: Implements and supervises lead-based paint abatement work practices. Notifies EPA of the start of abatement projects. Prepares occupant protection plans and abatement reports.
Abatement Worker: Performs lead-based paint abatement work under the direction of a certified Abatement Supervisor. Adheres to work practice standards.