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AUGUSTA — There are a limited number of scholarships available for a lead-safe certification courses for Augusta and Gardiner landlords and property managers, who are required to become certified in lead-safe work practices if they paint or do renovations and repairs on pre-1978 buildings.
An EPA rule to protect children from lead exposure mandates the requirement. The good news is that those who invest in lead-safe training and certification can make it possible for others to do work as long as someone who is EPA lead-safe certified is on site. The certification also helps avoid costs from potential problems caused by renovation or repair work that disrupts lead paint.
The lead-safe training scholarships of $200, offered by Healthy Communities of the Capital Area, are vailable to landlords and property managers with properties built before 1978 in Augusta and Gardiner. An upcoming course in Augusta is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15, with additional courses with different dates and locations available as well.
The Lead Renovations, Repair and Painting training is a one-day course that includes information on the health effects of lead; lead-safe work practices; notification distribution to building occupants; and recordkeeping requirements. It also covers state and federal regulations that apply to renovation, repairs, and painting in pre-1978 buildings.
Those who have completed training may apply online for EPA certification, and can then renovate, repair and paint in pre-1978 housing. The upfront cost is $225 to $300 for the training and $300 for EPA lead-safe certification. Scholarship recipients will receive $200 reimbursement once training and certification are completed. EPA lead-safe certification is good for five years.
Those who get training will be making a smart investment in thier business with the added help of a scholarship to lower costs, Healthy Communities of the Capital Area officials said. For more information, contact Christine Canty Brooks, Lead Poisoning Prevention, Healthy Communities of the Capital Area, at 207-588-5342 or c.cantybrooks@hccame.org.
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area provides programs that focus on improving community health and quality of life by reducing exposure to tobacco and lead, promoting healthy eating and activity, preventing drug misuse, and engaging youth in health initiatives. Funding for this initiative comes from the Maine Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund.
For a schedule of courses, visit the training calendar at www.maine.gov/dep.
