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EPA & OSHA REACT TO RECENT HURRICANES

WITH TEMPORARY CHANGES TO AID IN RECOVERY

EPA Waives Lead Paint Requirements
for Certain Renovations

As recovery and rebuilding efforts begin in Texas and NAHB is working with EPA
Florida following devastating hurricanes, many may to provide greater clarity
wonder if EPA’s Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting to our members working in
Rule still applies to these post-disaster renovations. pre-1978 homes that were
Normally, renovations in homes built prior to 1978 damaged by hurricanes
must be supervised and/or performed by a certified Harvey and Irma.
renovator using lead-safe work practices. For more information on
However, when the work is considered an emergency disaster recovery, please
renovation, which is defined as one that results from a visit the NAHB Natural Disaster Resources Toolkit. For
sudden, unexpected event, certain certification and additional details about EPA enforcement of the RRP
lead-safe work practices are waived. But other provisions Rule, contact Amy Chai.
remain in place, including post-renovation cleaning and NAHB SEPTEMBER 2017
recordkeeping requirements.
The EPA has provided additional information on the
emergency renovation provision on its website, and

OSHA Worksite Inspections Temporarily Halted
in Irma, Harvey - Affected Areas

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration NAHB members can access our Natural Disaster
(OSHA) has announced that scheduled worksite Resources Toolkit with information for home builders and
inspections for areas affected by Hurricane Irma will be remodelers during disaster recovery and cleanup efforts,
postponed to avoid disrupting recovery efforts in those including information on staying safe on the job site.
areas. NAHB SEPTEMBER 2017
OSHA took similar action after Hurricane Harvey,
and following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane
Sandy in 2012.
The suspensions will not apply to OSHA inspections
prompted by accidents or deaths.
The Department of Labor, in cooperation with state
and local partners, is setting aside funding and will be
making grants to assess workforce needs in the U.S.
Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Florida, and other states
in response to Hurricane Irma. The department also
provided such assistance following Hurricane Harvey as
announced Aug. 31.

14 OCTOBER 2017 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION