EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm Logo Use Guidelines

Guidelines for use of the Certified Firm Logo provided by EPA must be followed to avoid fines.   Reading and understanding the following information can help make sure you are in compliance if you plan to use the firm logo on your vehicles, signage and or any marketing you do.

What is the Lead-Safe Certified Firm Logo?

The Lead-Safe Certified Firm Logo identifies a firm as certified under the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. The colors used to make the two-color logo are Pantone 362C (green) and Pantone 660C (blue). The font is Helvetica.

What are the guidelines for using the Logo?

The Logo must be reproduced so that all of its components are legible and includes your firm's certification number. The Logo must not be altered or distorted in any way.

You MAY --

• Use the Logo to identify your firm as an RRP-certified firm. Firms that are not RRP-certified may not use the Logo.
• Use the Logo in brochures, advertisements, Web sites, proposals, bills, signs, uniforms, vehicles and other materials promoting or identifying your firm.
• Use the Logo on documents or other materials in black and white or color (two-color or four-color versions are available).

You MAY NOT --

• Use the Logo in any manner that would imply EPA endorsement of a company, its products or services.
• Reduce the Logo to a size smaller than one inch wide by 0.687 inches in height.
• Allow a firm that is not RRP-certified (including your subcontractors) to use the Logo.

EPA will monitor the use of all Logos. If necessary, EPA will address failure to comply with these Logo Guidelines. To report a non-compliant use of the Logo, please contact EPA at 1-800-424-LEAD.

EPA will e-mail information regarding your custom Logo to the e-mail address listed on your firm certification application.

For further questions regarding your EPA Lead-Safe Certified firm Logo, please send an email to: EPARRPFirmLogo@battelle.org or send a fax to: (202) 566-0470. In your email/fax please include your EPA Firm Certification number (e.g., NAT-12345-1), Application ID (e.g., 12345), firm name, and firm mailing address.

EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm Logo - Information for Training Providers

Accredited training providers may use the Logo on their site and marketing materials as long as it is used as a tool to guide renovators through the firm certification process (i.e., explain the difference between firm certification and individual training). Training providers may inform students that only certified firms will be provided a customized Logo exclusively for their use to advertise their businesses once their firm has been certified. Training providers may distribute the Logo only to principal instructors affiliated with the accredited provider, and only for the purpose of training as described above. Training providers may NOT distribute the Logo to unaffiliated entities. Upon request, EPA will provide to accredited training provider the Logo for their use. Requests can be made to the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.

Principal instructors that advertise, provide training, and use the Logo must do so under the name of the accredited training provider for whom they work. They may also state that the organization that employs them, if different from the accredited training provider, is assisting with the training.

Information for Press and Marketing Entities

Press and other marketing entities may use the logo on their site and marketing materials provided it does not include a certification number. They may NOT:

• Distribute or provide a downloadable version of the logo
• Indicate association, endorsement or approval from EPA
• Imply lead-safe certification from EPA or any EPA-authorized state.

Upon request, EPA will provide the logo for use.

Note: The information shown above is from the EPA web site.   EPA has already and may again revise these guidelines.  Use this link to find the most recent info at the EPA web site.

A Message From The Lead Paint Police: It’s Not What You Think..

Bet you thought this would be about EPA enforcement! 

Actually this is about helping spread the word to children and parents about avoiding the dangers of lead exposure.  

In the video below Sesame Street characters sing a song that gets that message into the heads of young children.  Apparently, for whatever reason, children love the characters and the song.    This is further evidenced by this quote found with the video on YouTube:

“This is the only thing I remember from 4th grade. Some kid made the teacher replay this song 10 times...”

I suggest renovators could use this video on their website.  Consider creating an area on your site dedicated to the RRP Rule.  Make it a place that offers information, advice and links that would help visitors understand the rule and the realities of lead exposure.  If you do so you can send prospects and customers to your site to help pre-educate them prior to a sales call or before beginning work at their home.  

This video is just one of many on YouTube about lead and the RRP rule.  Get creative.  Use some key word searches to find and then embed videos on your site.

Check out this RRPedia article for additional links you can use on your web site:

Resources About Lead and the EPA RRP Rule for Home Owners and Contractors

I am writing this to explain my feelings about RRP

One Person’s Opinion: This is a guest blog submitted by Joe Levitch of Levco Builders to express his opinion.  Joe is a remodeling contractor and he is also a Licensed Lead Inspector and the owner of Lead Locators, a lead inspection firm in Boise Idaho. He comments and contributes to RRPedia quite often.  If you would like to express your opinion or offer something of value for RRPedia visitors let me know.

I am writing this to explain my feelings about RRP

There is a wide spectrum of folks who have been affected by the RRP rule from carpenters with a pickup and a dog, to multimillion dollar companies. Not all trades have the same challenges. I believe the painters have it the worst of all with their vertical containment issues and the concern of using ladders over plastic covered surfaces. However, since RRP is a blanket rule for all trades, I suggest we all need to be involved in collectively solving each other’s dilemmas.

How we all choose to respond to the EPA’s oversight of the remodeling industry is a personal one.   I will be the first to admit that initially I found it difficult to understand how invisible dust particles can cause serious health hazards.  But with a little research, I got it. I suggest you can understand it too. Take my word for it, or look it up. I’m sure you will come to the same conclusion.

Not everyone wants to have a real business.  I often describe that my business was akin to “A Lemonade Stand” (Not that I don’t like them in fact I have a family rule that it is illegal to pass one up without stopping).  I have evolved it into a real business and have accepted the responsibilities that go along with it.  My big step forward occurred when I joined NARI.

The business part turns me on right now.  However, I understand that there are those who prefer the hands on, the nail gun and the saw.  I happen to prefer the keyboard and the pen.  Having this new RRP rule is a huge challenge to incorporate into any business and I feel many of the same pressures you do.  I believe following the rules and separating my business from others will take me to the next level of success. I also understand there are those who are seeing it from a totally different perspective.

It reminds me of an old story from India about the six blind men that were asked to touch a different part of an elephant and describe what an elephant looks like. The man that touched the leg said it is like a pillar.  The man that touched the tail said an elephant is like a rope; and so on. The truth is that each man is absolutely correct. Only the sighted person can see what the elephant looks like as a whole.

From the perspective of a carpenter the RRP rule is a pain in the butt. From the homeowner’s perspective, it is a way to keep her kids safer, and it jacks up the price for remodeling. From many professional remodelers’ perspectives, the RRP rule is another level of certification and a credential that sets them apart from the competition.  No matter how you look at RRP, it is a new requirement and changes the game we were all used to.

As an industry I would like us to see us move to the fifth step in the Kübler-Ross model made famous in her 1969 book, On Death and Dying.

1. Denial= “ I feel fine, this can’t be happening to me“ (This was done prior to 4-22-2010)
2. Anger =”Why me?” (Lots of this still floating around)
3. Bargaining= “Just let me do it the way we always have… I did a fine job of cleaning.” (Some professional organizations are still lobbying for this.)
4. Depression= “I am so sad, why do I even bother?” (A whole lot of us are dealing with this)
5. Acceptance= “It’s going to be okay, I can do this thing”  (Most larger companies and some of the rest are well on the way to incorporating the RRP rule into their marketing strategies)

There is a sufficient body of scientific evidence that lead dust is created during renovation and while disturbing lead based painted surfaces. There is also a significant body of medical knowledge that lead is bad for people. I am educating my perspective clients as fast as I can. To the extent that they get it, and see a value in what I offer, I will be a clear choice for those who live in Pre 1978 homes.

For those among us that have made it to the fifth level, I would like to open a national discussion about how we are coping with the challenges and succeeding. The East coast has been dealing with these issues for a lot longer that the West. Shawn has been gracious enough to share the stage for a moment and see if the concept gains traction. My goal is to plant the seed.

Be Heard: How Has The RRP Rule Affected Your Business?

Your help is requested

I am writing to you today asking for help.  And, at the same time, I am hoping to help you.

The recent RRP rule requires contractors to follow certain lead-safe work practices to protect homeowners, their families and the workers who perform work where lead paint is or might be present.  The rule also requires training of workers to be sure they know how to do the work, protect themselves and stay in compliance with the rule.   Lead poisoning is a real issue.  Protecting people from the dangers of lead is the right thing to do. Although we may all have our own opinions about the actual rule itself, as an industry and as professionals, we must do what is right.

In my efforts to help our industry work with this rule and the EPA, I have been a strong voice calling for compliance with the current rule as it stands.  I have also been a strong voice in regards to questioning the practicality of the rule as well as the EPA’s apparent lack of interest in enforcement.

Many businesses, ranging from remodelers, subcontractors, manufacturers, distributors, vendors, trainers and even trade associations have contacted me to express their disappointment with EPA’s handling of this rule since it took effect on April 22, 2010.   Although EPA claims to have done extensive outreach to consumers and the regulated community, the results of their efforts have proven to be ineffective.   Enforcement of the rule so far has been almost non-existent, particularly in light of the number of non-compliant businesses still doing the work in ways that are definitely poisoning our children, their families and those workers who perform renovations where lead is present.  The EPA’s June announcement regarding their decision to delay enforcement of the training and firm certification requirements was interpreted by many renovators as a delay of the whole rule, not just the fines for such violations.  As a result, many businesses trying to support renovators in complying with the rule have reported that sales have dropped to the point where they must consider shutting down.   I could go on with my list but I am probably preaching to the choir.

I want to help you and others who are trying to comply with this rule. Here’s how you can help me. First, send me your thoughts regarding how this rule is affecting you, your business, your employees, the economy, our industry and any other areas of importance.   My plan is to assemble the information I receive and then share it. Because of the failure of the EPA to raise public awareness regarding the dangers of lead, policy makers and influencers simply aren’t “getting it.” Therefore, I intend to do my best to publicize the data in a way that attracts the attention of those who have the ability to force our government to stand behind their commitment to protect our citizens from the dangers of lead.

Second, if you have suggestions, contacts and or the means to assist me in distributing this information to those who can help us with this important issue, please let me know.  Anyone is welcome to leave comments here at the end of this blog.  However, I would prefer that you e-mail me your thoughts in letter-like form and that you include your complete contact information as well as your permission to use and distribute what you send me.  I will not redistribute information from anonymous parties.

I thank you in advance for your consideration and your help.  Please feel free to forward this information to others who might be able to help and or need help regarding this serious concern.

Shawn McCadden

Remodeling Industry Specialist

shawnm@charter.net

Many remodelers have asked me about resources they can use to find out more about lead, lead poisoning and the EPA RRP rule.  When I ask them why they are looking for this information two common reasons seem to rise to the top.  First, they are looking to better educate themsleves about lead and lead poisoning so they can be better prepared to discuss the health risks of lead with their clients and prospects.  Second, they are looking for resources to share with their prospects and clients, either as part of their marketing efforts or to add to their web sites.

To help remodelers and others, I have collected the following resources.  If you know of additional resources that would be beneficial, please be sure to share them here by posting them to the comment area below. 

Helpful Videos:

-Remodeler Greg Antonioli of Out of the Woods Construction and Cabinetry, Inc posted his own public service announcement on his company's web site.  Click here to view Greg's PSA.  The video was produced by fellow NARI member Chuck Green of Perpetual Motion Pictures 

-In a blog by Monte Smith, Smith has posted 8 videos he found on YouTube.  In his blog, Smith states he assembled eight videos  that, if viewed, will allow the viewer a broad view of the lead/RRP subject from multiple points of view.  He also strongly encourages anyone and everyone to invest a little over an hour of their time to watch the videos and become familiar with this topic.

-Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma says the RRP Rule is a serious problem and a jobs killer.  He offers more information on his website

Information About Working Lead-Safe

A Guide to working safely with residential lead paint

Field Guide for Painting, Home Maintenance and Renovation Work

How to Safely Change a Lead Contaminated HEPA Vac Bag

OSHA standards for cleaning a respirator apply to EPA RRP work

What do I need to know about Respirators when doing EPA RRP work?

Restricted Practices and Prohibited Practices under the EPA RRP Rule

 Web Site List:

(1) Information on Lead for Everyone:

leadfreekids.org

(2) Information regarding the Lead RRP rule on EPA's website:

http://www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/pubs/renovation.htm

(3) Information about all EPA's lead programs:

http://www.epa.gov/lead/

(4) The Federal Register notice for the rule (April 22, 2008):

http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-TOX/2008/April/Day-22/t8141.htm.

(5) Link to Federal Resister notice for opt-out provision removal on RRP rule (May 06, 2010):

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-10100.pdf

(6) Pollution Prevention and Toxics Frequently Asked Questions with answers (Note the expandable topics list and key word search feature on the right side of the page):

http://toxics.supportportal.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=23019

(7) HUD Lead page:

http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/

(8) EPA Lead-Safe Certification Program Trade Press Downloadable Materials: EPA is placing ads in various publications and venues to get the word out to contractors and those who influence them about the new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requirement that contractors must be lead-safe certified by April 22, 2010. If you are a contractor or someone who interacts regularly with contractors, EPA is seeking help in get the word out about the new rule.   EPA suggests downloading these outreach materials and distributing them by mail, e-mail, your place of business, or by placing them in specialty publications.

http://epa.gov/lead/pubs/lscp-press-materials.htm

(9) There are a variety of Public Service Announcements available for download on the leadfreekids.org web site.  these include announcements for TV, radio, color print, newspaper and web banners.

http://www.leadfreekids.org/materials.html

In a June 3, 2010 Boston Globe articleby long time "Handyman on Call" Peter Hotton, Mr. Hotton graciously admitted he was not aware of the new EPA RRP rule when he had advised a homeowner regarding sanding of the exterior of his pre 1978 home before painting.  Fortunately for Mr. Hotton and his readers, Rick Cutler, production manager/project developer of Out of the Woods Construction & Cabinetry Inc.of Arlington took the time to inform Mr. Hotton about the law.

Hotton reports that in his message, Cutler suggested to Hutton:

 "... if you haven't read up on the new EPA RRP rule about lead and the updated dust containment procedures, please do before you give anymore inaccurate advice."

In his response to Cutler's message, Mr. Hotton wrote the following:

"That the handyman will do, with thanks to Rick Cutler, and I notice the regulations apply not only to renovation contractors and other professionals, but to homeowners as well."

Sorry Peter, I think you have it wrong again, or maybe need to clarify your message regarding the new EPA RRP Lead Paint Rule.  The EPA is clear that homeowners doing their own work are not required to follow the rule, only those who do it for compensation are subject to the rule.  I definitely am of the opinion this is not very wise, but, under the law, homeowners do have the right to create lead dust at their own homes in the course of renovating.  EPA suggests they use lead safe practices, but does not require they do so. Therefore, they can poison themselves, their own children and even their neighbors in the course of doing so. 

Statistics have shown, including EPA's own research, that more children are poisoned by lead due to renovations as a result of their parents doing the work than by professional remodelers. 

I hope this clarification will help homeowners seek to better understand the risks related to lead paint and how they choose to have work done at their homes, whether doing it themselves or hiring the work out. 

I posted a comment to Mr. Hottonon the Boston Globe's web site as well, to share the above information and my opinion about home owners doing their own work.  It is also my opinion that, unfortunately, Mr. Hotton has become just one more unfortunate example of someone who was unaware and then misinformed about the new RRP rule.  I suggest this is not his fault; he can't know everything and to his credit does provide an open forum for his readers to help clarify and verify the information he shares with his readers.  He also openly recognized the misinformation.  For that, kudos and keep setting a great example!

On the other hand, Mr. Hotton is just one more example of someone who was unaware of the new rule and the serious implications of lead poisoning potentially caused by renovations due to the lack of any public and industry awareness performed by the EPA. 

The EPA has created a "Lead-Safe Certified Firm" logo available for use by Certified Firms who perform work under the EPA RRP Rule.  Adding this logo to company materials such as websites, brochures, invoices, e-mail signatures, business cards, truck signage, job signs, etc. may give a contractor or renovation firm an edge over other companies who have not yet become certified (or who are not yet advertising that they are certified).  Using the logo can also help spread the word to homeowners about the EPA RRP requirements and the need to protect their families from the potential dangers of lead paint.

How to obtain the EPA's "Lead-Safe Certified Firm" logo

Certified Firms can download the logo from https://www.rrpfirmlogos.org/.  Your username is the application ID number found on your certification letter from the EPA.  Your password is contained in an email sent to you by the EPA after certification. If you no longer have your password, you can obtain it by sending email to  EPARRPFirmLogo@battelle.org or by calling 1-800-424-LEAD.

Due to the lack of public awareness conducted by the EPA, Sales people will have new challenges to deal with when it comes to selling work that falls under the new EPA RRP Rule.  

Unless consumers are pre-educated about lead hazards, the new RRP rule and the required work practices before a sales call, the sales person will be spending a fair amount of time explaining these things over and over again on every sales call.   This will likely become monotonous for the sales person and will increase the length of time for sales calls.  It also may have the effect of sidetracking the conversation in a way that changes the prospect's focus away from buying something and or even making a decision.  A good example of what salespeople might experience in discussing the new realities of the RRP with their prospects might be observed in this video where Fox News Business interviewers discuss the RRP Rule with Jim Lett of A.B.E. Doors & Windows, a remodeling contractor from Allentown, PA

I see a two part solution to address the RRP sales challenge:

First, the company should assemble and offer RRP related information for prospects to view and contemplate before the sales call.  This info could be sent to them in advance and or could be posted to the company's website.  Short videos addressing each topic posted to your company's web site would be a great way of doing this.  The information should include topics that answer the kind of questions and concerns a consumer would have, and if possible, relative to the kind of work the company performs.   If the company only offers replacement windows, the type and amount of information the consumer would need could be much less and different than if the company offers full service remodeling.  The salesperson should call the prospect prior to the scheduled sales call to confirm the prospect actually reviewed the information.  This could be done under the guise of confirming the appointment.

Second, the salesperson should be well trained on the same topics and be able to discuss and answer questions about these topics with their prospects in a straight forward way without coming across as an alarmist.  As always, even though it might be tough and or tempting to do, keep politics and religion out of the sales process!

Here is a possible list of topics to consider:

• The dangers of lead paint and how lead poisoning can occur
• Importance of hiring a Certified Renovator
• Work practices and their purpose
• Considerations for occupants during renovations
• Options for testing and related considerations