WATERTOWN, NY – The Jefferson County Public Health Service is hosting a free Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) training course on Thursday December 7, 2023 from 8am – 4pm at Jefferson County Public Health Service located at 531 Meade St. in Watertown. The RRP training is being offered in partnership with Flatley Read, Inc.
Federal law requires workers performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disrupts lead-based paint in homes, childcare facilities, and schools built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination and exposure. Common renovation, repair and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint include sanding, cutting, replacing windows and doors, and more. These acts can create lead hazards in the home which can be harmful to adults and children.
Lead is damaging when it enters the body. Children younger than 6 years old are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning as it can affect their growth, development, behavior, and ability to learn. It is also harmful to pregnant people and their developing babies as it can cause low birth weight, pre-term birth, miscarriage and affect the development of a baby’s brain, kidneys and nervous system. Home repairs that create even a small amount of lead dust are enough to poison a child or pregnant person and put a family at risk. These classes discuss how to safely renovate older homes and ensure lead safe renovation practices.
The course is open to residents of Jefferson County who are: homeowners, residential rental property managers/owners, landlords, general contractors, maintenance personnel, and trade contractors including: HVAC, painters, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, window replacers, and roofers.
Registration is required and limited to 12 spaces. To register, contact the Jefferson County Public Health Service by calling (315) 786.3730.
Funding for the training is provided by the Jefferson County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program—a program of the New York State Department of Health.