ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING INC., was incorporated in 1996, for the purpose of providing lead-based paint inspection services to a developing market in the residential sector which evolved through the implementation of section 1018 of Title X. This federal legislation required disclosure of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before the sale or lease of most housing built prior to 1978.
Since that time, new legislation and regulations both at state and federal levels, as well as a renewal of OSHA regulations has heightened the awareness of lead issues especially in the housing and construction industries.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued new regulations to protect young children from lead-based paint hazards in housing that is financially assisted by the federal government or being sold by the federal government. The hazard reduction requirements in this regulation are based on scientific research and the practical experience of cities, states and others who have been controlling lead-based paint hazards in low-income housing through HUD assistance.
In an amendment to the regulation from the Commissioner of Education, effective October 7, 1999, the New York State Education Department states the following:
Any construction or maintenance operations which disturb lead-based paint will require mitigation of those areas pursuant to the protocols detailed in the HUD Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing. All areas scheduled for construction as well as areas of flaking and peeling paint shall be tested for the presence of lead-based paint.
Beginning on April 22, 2010, the Lead: Renovation, Repair & Painting Program rule will affect paid renovators who work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:
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Renovation contractors
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Maintenance workers in multi-family housing
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Painters and other specialty trades
Under the rule, child-occupied facilities are defined as residential, public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis. The requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities. The rule does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities where less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where less then 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.
Recognizing recurrent growth and demand for expanded services, etc developed a comprehensive approach to the industry. Through continual staff development and training, research, experience and commitment, etc has advanced into a leader of the industry, expanding to provide a variety of lead related services in an effort to satisfy the needs of it’s clients by providing cost effective approaches which utilize both proven and innovative solutions to ensure regulatory compliance.
etc utilizes state-of-the-art equipment, employs only EPA Certified personnel and maintains industry standard insurance coverage. Our personnel are experienced in commercial, institutional, industrial and residential situations, with the capacity to provide a variety of lead related services to meet your specific requirements.