| New Lead Rule |
|
|
|
EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Final Rule (40 CFR 745) went into effect on April 22, 2010. This rule requires that all renovations performed in target housing and child occupied facilities be performed by Certified Firms using Certified Renovators.
Target housing is defined as a home or residential unit build prior to 1978. A child occupied facility is defined as a building, or portion of a building, constructed prior to 1978, visited by the same child, 6 years of age or under, on at least 2 different days within any week, provided that each day's visit lasts at least 3 hours, the combined weekly visit lasts at least 6 hours, and the combined annual visits last at least 60 hours.
Fines for not complying with this new Rule can reach $37,500.00. For more information regarding the new RRP Rule, go to www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.
CRE is a Certified Firm and has a Certified Renovator; therefore, we would be qualified to oversee your renovation projects where this is required, and perform on-site training to the personnel performing the renovation, or we could assist you in ensuring that you use Contractors that are Certified, and that they are complying with all requirements included in this new Rule.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Asbestos Regulations in Regards to Renovation and/or Demolition
|
|
|
|
SC-DHEC requires asbestos that surveys be performed by SC-DHEC Licensed Inspectors prior to any renovation or demoition, REGARDLESS OF THE DATE OF CONSTRUCTION. Asbestos project occuring at a private residential structure of four units or fewer may be emempt from the requirements of this regulation.
All asbestos must be removed by a licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor prior to renovation or demolition. If the quantity of asbestos (certain types) to be abated exceeds 1,500 linear feet or 3,000 square feet, then a Project Design must be written by a SC-DHEC Licensed Project Designer. There are also air monitoring requirement that apply to asbestos abatement projects, depending on the type of material and amount to be abated. CRE has licensed Inspectors, Project Designers, and Air Monitors to assist you in this process.
|
| |
|
Toxic Drywall
While the investigation is still evolving, there are several factors which may indicate the presence of contaminated drywall imported from China. Many homeowners have reported the following symptoms which they suspect may be related to the presence of contaminated drywall:
- Rotten Egg" or Sulfur smell in their homes
- Corrosion of Heating, Ventilation & Cooling (HVAC) coils and related components
- Corrosion of Electrical wires and/or plumbing pipes
- Corrosion of Metal items inside the homes (Light fixtures, metal frames, etc.)
- Shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, eye irritations, coughing and respiratory difficulties.
It is suspected that the drywall installed in many homes was imported from China between 2001 and 2007. It is believed that the drywall was manufactured using waste products from coal plants and that it contains iron disulfide. Many experts believe that the drywall is emitting harmful gases including Hyrdogen sulfide, Carbonyl sulfide,s ulfur dioxide and Carbon disulfide which are harmful to the buildings and to its occupants.
CRE has a Certified Toxic Drywall Inspector on stafff that can help determine if this is an issue in your building.
|
|
|
|
|
