--- title: "Guest Blog: Weighing In On The RRP Opt Out" description: When it comes to the RRP Opt Out we can do better than our politicians, but we must think before we act. image: https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16114698-jpg/images/peter_lawton-wr.jpg --- [![Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1539748069.jpg)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/) # Welcome to RRPedia Your Interactive Resource for EPA RRP Information ## ![RRPedia logo](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-1549005086-jpg/images/RRPedia_Logosmall_-wr-1.jpg)Looking for accurate information about the EPA RRP rule? RRPedia has been created by Shawn McCadden to help remodelers and others affected by the New EPA Renovation Repair and Painting Rule.  ## Please read *[RRPedia Use and Contribution Information](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/using-and-contributing-to-rrpedia-/) *before using or contributing to RRPedia.   --- # You Can Browse For RRP Topics By Using The Tags List To The Right ## [Guest Blog: Weighing In On The RRP Opt Out](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/75714/Guest-Blog-Weighing-In-On-The-RRP-Opt-Out) Posted by [Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/author/shawn-mccadden) on Thu, Mar 08, 2012 @ 05:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## **Guest Blog: Weighing In On The RRP Opt Out** ### ![Peter Lawton](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16114698-jpg/images/peter_lawton-wr.jpg?width=156&height=176&name=peter_lawton-wr.jpg) ### **Guest Blogger:** Peter Lawton had his first lead safe training in 1997 while operating his design/build remodeling firm designPLUS in the greater Boston area. Today he is the founder and senior principle trainer for LeadSMART Training Solutions which trains contractors in areas of lead remodeling and OSHA safety standards. His classes are held throughout New England as well as occasionally on the west coast as well.  Peter can be reached at [peter@leadsmarttraining.com](mailto:peter@leadsmarttraining.com) or visit his training schedule at [www.leadsmarttraining.com](http://www.leadsmarttraining.com/) .   ### **Opt Out..... Weighing In ** ![Opinions about RRP opt out](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15758049-jpg/images/front_both_sides-wr.jpg?width=265&height=164&name=front_both_sides-wr.jpg)Both sides of this issue have valid points to consider. Before we make rash decisions have we looked at the entire picture? We can do better than our politicians, but we must think before we act. Isn't it a bit odd that months before an election some politician comes out of the woodwork and puts forth this bill? Where was this senator a year ago? How much research and thought went into addressing the bigger picture? Are we being used again as pawns by tapping our emotions and not our intelligence for votes? Do you really feel this is all that stands between you and having enough work?   ### Here are a few questions/comments I believe this bill ignores: > - ![Lead in Construction](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15757570-jpg/images/fit_testing_a_respirator-wr.jpg)Whether the Opt Out comes back or not, what about the employees of the firms who intend on using this option? Did anyone ask those who are actually doing the work how they feel about their health risks? Will they have a voice without retaliation? > - Is OSHA going to come up with a "you must protect your workers’ health UNLESS the customer gave you permission to work unprotected" clause? My bet is OSHA will stand firm on 1926.62 (Lead in Construction). In fact, if you have employees, EPA is irrelevant with whatever they decide to do. > - How about extending the OPT OUT to state that the homeowner releases his or her civil right to sue the contractor should anything go wrong? > - For those of you who think this is all BS, how about signing a waiver that says my tax dollars won’t be used to pay for related health care for you, your family, your workers or your clients who might get sick due to the work you perform? > - If any of you perform HUD work, do you really feel they will buckle from their standards? Anything that can improve our economy is worth looking at. I am not sure this is the answer everyone has been looking for – can’t we come up with a better solution than Bill #S 2148? ![Working lead safe](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16139063-jpg/images/will_work_for_health-wr.jpg?width=197&height=160&name=will_work_for_health-wr.jpg)I believe this law can create marketing and positioning opportunities to those who see it this way and in the process, keeps everyone safe  – and for those who see it differently, it’s obviously a never ending source of complaints which has divided our industry at a time when we need each others’ back more than ever. Stay Healthy, Peter Lawton, President, LeadSMART Training Solutions   Topics: [Effects of the RRP Rule](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/effects-of-the-rrp-rule), [Opt Out Related](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/opt-out-related), [Guest Blogs](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/guest-blogs), [Opinions from Renovators](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/opinions-from-renovators), [Health Effects of Lead](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/health-effects-of-lead), [Work Practices](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/work-practices), [Personal Protection](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/personal-protection) [![cs-ye-234x16](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1553381212.gif)](http://www.copyscape.com/duplicate-content/) ### Subscribe to RRPedia by Email and get notified about new postings as soon as they happen! ### Are You Documenting Yor Crew's Compliance With The RRP Rule?  [![download free RRP checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e) ### Still Using a Yellow Pad for Your Estimating? 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[Worker Training (15)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/worker-training) ### I just wanted to say thank you for your efforts to keep us informed.  *"Thank you again for the hundreth time for keeping a vigil on this business nightmare. Your site is one of the best resources we have to stay on level ground"*  **Christian Peter**   *"I am quite impressed with all the confusion out there at Shawn McCadden’s clear and concise voice that continues to help contractors and those involved in this industry truly understand the rule. His efforts should be applauded."*  **Christopher Wagner, LBPFiles**   *"RRPedia is an accurate and contractor friendly interpretation of the very complex and confusing EPA RRP rule"* * * *"Thanks for taking the time to write the blog.  It's about the only place one can go to get some serious info on this dreadful subject"*   *"I would like to begin by thanking Shawn for all of his postings and education that he has been sharing with the remodeling industry. He has personally been extremely helpful in guiding me through various interpretations of the RRP rule, his advice and knowledge are priceless."* **Michael A. Mahoney*** * ### Suggest or Contribute a RRPedia Topic ### Want a Simple Summary of the EPA RRP? #### Shawn McCadden has created an EPA RRP Summary for Remodelers. *"Hi Shawn, **Nice RRP write up on the website.   I've already forwarded a link to it to a number of local builder types."*   #### [Click here to go to the summary.](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/epa-rrp-summary-for-remodelers-by-shawn-mccadden/)  You can also download it if you want your own copy. ### Add this widget to your Web page, blog, or social networking site. A widget is a CDC.gov application that displays the featured content directly on your web page. Click the buttons to see the next tip to prevent lead poisoning.