FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information Contact: Hallie Gentry, (503) 684-1880
Email: hallieg@hbapdx.org

Local HBA to offer nationally mandated lead based paint course

Portland, Ore. - In order to help facilitate the thousands of contractors who need to become compliant with the EPA’s new Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule by April 22, 2010, the Professional Remodelers Organization of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland will offer the mandated course twice monthly starting in January 2010.

The EPA’s Lead RRP rule requires certification of contractors and maintenance staff performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint (LBP) in pre-1978 homes, child occupied facilities, elementary schools, and common areas of public and commercial buildings. This includes (but is not limited to) residential rental property owners/managers, general contractors, remodelers, painters, plumbers, carpenters, and electricians.

The one-day training course offered by the HBA Professional Remodelers Organization is available Jan. 13 and 29, Feb. 19, and March 10 and 19 and presents procedures for minimizing lead dust generation and soil contamination during maintenance/renovation/remodeling activities as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If these procedures are correctly implemented, the risk of lead exposure to employees, children, residents and families of employees can be minimized.

The initial training session is eight hours in duration and includes hands-on exercises. Upon successful completion of this course, class attendees will receive a Certificate of Completion stating they are trained in lead safe work practices and meet the EPA’s requirements.

Class sizes are limited to 20, so it’s important to sign up early to ensure compliance prior to the April 22 deadline. The cost for the course is $169 for HBA members and $199 for non-members. 

To sign up for the course, call 503-684-1880 or visit www.hbapro.org. For more information about the new rule, visit www.epa.gov/lead

About the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland is the leading voice for the residential building industry, representing more than 1,250 builders, remodelers and industry professionals. Since 1942, HBA has worked on behalf of the industry to promote diverse, affordable housing options to area residents.

About the Professional Remodelers Organization

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland’s Professional Remodelers Organization consists of the area’s top remodelers, subcontractors and suppliers who work together to promote quality and professionalism in the home remodeling industry. In the past 10 years, the council has grown to over 200 members and is currently the third largest in the United States. For more information about the PRO, contact Hallie Gentry at 503-684-1880.

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