EPA files first lead work rule violation case

A Rockland, Maine, renovator is facing penalties for allegedly violating lead safe work practice requirements under the Environmental Protection Agency's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, according to a May 17 Window & Door report. The agency reports it is the first time such a case has been filed since the regulations, designed to protect children from exposure to lead-based paint during painting and other renovation activities, went into effect in April 2010.

According to information gathered by inspectors from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and EPA, two workers employed by Colin Wentworth of Rockland failed to contain dust and debris generated by lead paint removal activities during a repainting project in October 2010. Although Mr. Wentworth had completed the eight-hour course required by the RRP rule, he did not provide the required training or supervision to his employees to ensure that they followed the required work practices prior to their use of high-speed dust-generating power tools to remove lead paint from the building, the EPA states. Wentworth also failed to take steps to obtain the mandatory lead-safe certification for his firm, it is noted.

According to the Bangor Daily News, Wentworth faces fines of at least $150,000 in fines from the federal agency.

Read more...