Review from the Summit: Lead Safe Work Practices

Continuing on with the summary from the Home Improvement Economic Summit in Indianapolis, Paul Toub reviewed the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and its impact on the remodeling industry.

As Marketing Director of Anthony Home Improvements, Inc. and Housecrafters (installers for 58 of The Home Depot stores), his understanding of TSCA and Lead Safe Work Practices is unmatched within the industry. As a result he was an integral force behind the foundation of Kachina Contractor Solutions, which assists remodelers in conforming to these ever changing laws.

Some of the highlights from his presentation included:

• The April 2008 amendment to the Act and the impact that it has had on the industry
• A sample of an old Lead Safe Work Practices pamphlet versus the new one highlighting the differences of what is required
• Examples of penalties which have occurred over the last year to companies that did not conform to these standards (violations ranging up to $37,500 per day)
• The types of work that are covered under the act
  
• The possible exclusions under the act (which should not be relied upon)
• A revision to the act which will occur in April of 2010, making the guidelines much more stringent for remodelers. The only exclusions will be for newer construction homes and lead-free certified job-sites. While at the moment there is a provision in place for owners to "opt-out", The Sierra Club is pressuring the EPA to eliminate this option.
• The EPA-certification process and how to become a certified renovator
  

The primary take away from this segment was that there is a huge degree of uncertainty in regards to how these laws will be interpreted in 2010 so you should do everything in your power to err on the side of caution.

Keep in mind that you can contact us at (703) 591-2490 with any questions - - and if you have not already ordered it, we are offering the recording from our first summit on our website.