Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 101 results

• When do persons applying for certification as inspectors, risk assessors, or supervisors apply to EPA, before or after taking the 3rd party exam?

  Answer: Persons applying for certification as inspectors, risk assessors, and/or supervisors must apply to EPA before taking the 3rd party certification exam. For more information about applying for certification as a lead-based paint abatement professional please refer to EPA’s Lead-based Paint Professionals page . Question Number: 23002-33448 Find a printable…

  • Last published: November 5, 2024

• When individuals apply for certification in the Federal program under 40 C.F.R. 745.226(a)(1)(i), how long will the certification last?

  Answer : For individuals who have taken courses which included a course test and a hands-on skills assessment, the full certification period for individuals applying under 745.226(a)(1)(i) will run for three years from the date of issuance of certification by EPA. For individuals who have taken courses which included a…

  • Last published: November 5, 2024

• Where can I get more information or copies of the lead-based paint abatement application forms and instructions?

  Answer: Information regarding certification under EPA’s lead-based paint abatement program is available at https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-based-paint-abatement-and-evaluation-program-overview . Question Number: 23002-32438 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

  • Last published: October 31, 2024

• The definition of “soil sample” at 40 CFR §745.63 relies on certain American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards. Did EPA intend to prevent the use of EPA and HUD standards for soil samples?

  Answer: No. In establishing work practice standards for lead-based paint activities, EPA did not intend to prevent the use of EPA/HUD standards. As a general matter, the requirements are not prescriptive but instead state that certain activities be conducted using appropriate documented methodologies. For example, §745.227(c)(3) requires that dust samples…

  • Last published: November 5, 2024

• What is the definition of “overburdened community” that is relevant for EPA Actions and Promising Practices?

  EPA Actions and Promising Practices apply the description of overburdened communities articulated in EPA’s Plan EJ 2014. The term is used to describe the minority, low‐income, tribal and indigenous populations or communities in the United States that potentially experience disproportionate environmental harms and risks due to exposures or cumulative impacts…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• How will an EPA regional office determine whether a permitted activity impacts a potential overburdened community? What screening tool or process will EPA regional offices use to screen permit applications?

  The Agency has developed a nationally consistent screening tool to help identify communities that are potentially overburdened. This tool, known as EJSCREEN, is one of several tools being developed under Plan EJ 2014. EPA anticipates that its regional offices will use EJSCREEN and other readily available information, including known community…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• Some of the Promising Practices are mentioned in EPA regulations, guidance and recommendations that EPA has issued in the past. So why is EPA issuing the Promising Practices?

  EPA is issuing Promising Practices to encourage permit applicants to strategically plan and conduct enhanced outreach to overburdened communities in the permitting process. As some commenters noted, EPA has recommended some of the outreach strategies included in Promising Practices previously. Nevertheless, EPA believes that it is important to issue Promising…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• When must I take refresher training?

  You must take refresher training before you apply for recertification to EPA. You should begin looking for available courses well before your current certification expires, because refresher courses may not be available in your area on a frequent basis. However, EPA recommends that you take your refresher training no earlier…

  • Last published: October 31, 2024

• Can a training provider that is accredited only in an authorized State teach a course in an out-of-state location that would lead to certification in the authorized State?

  Answer: Because the training provider is not Federally-accredited and is not offering a course that would lead to EPA certification, the Federal lead-based paint program regulations do not apply. However, EPA recommends that the training provider discuss applicable State program requirements with the authorized State. Question Number: 23002-33460 Find a…

  • Last published: November 4, 2024

• Can a training provider that is accredited only in a Federal program state teach a course at a location in an authorized State that would lead to certification in the Federal program?

  Answer : The Federal program does not restrict the location where Federal program training courses can be provided. In other words, a federally-accredited training provider may provide training in any state, and the resultant certification would enable a person to work in all federal program states. However, the Federally-accredited training…

  • Last published: November 4, 2024

• Do EPA’s current rules require inspectors, risk assessors, dust sampling technicians, or any individual who performs lead-based paint and/or lead dust sampling to document any visible lead-based paint deterioration on components and estimate the surface area of deteriorating paint during a lead evaluation?

  Answer: It depends on the type of evaluation being done. The work practice standards at 40 CFR 745.227 provide instructions for addressing deteriorated lead-based paint during lead hazard screens, risk assessments, and post-abatement activities. Inspections only examine the presence of lead-based paint and do not consider deterioration. Instructions for dust…

  • Last published: January 13, 2025