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On April 22, 2008, EPA issued the new Renovation, Repair and Remodeling rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning.

• Beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978, must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
• After April 22, 2010, property owners who perform these projects in pre-1978 rental housing or space rented by child-care facilities must be certified and must follow the lead-safe work practices required by EPA's Renovation, Repair and Remodeling rule.

In Washington, the Department of Commerce will administer the new Lead Renovation, Repair and Remodeling rule, with a possible implementation date of January 2011. Please note that they will not have formal delegation of the rule until 2011. Until then, visit EPA's lead program website for certification information.

The Washington Department of Commerce currently administers the Lead Abatement program for the state.  Click here to link to the Department of Commerce’s lead page.  The Washington State Department of Ecology’s web site  provides state Lead Regulations and Guidance for rules administered by the Department of Ecology, the Department of Health, and the Department of Labor and Industries and WISHA.