Lead Abatement and Removal Education and Training

Pursue the proper education and training required for lead abatement and removal

Until the 1970s, lead was a common component in paint and plumbing fixtures, but now that people know about the hazards of lead, removing lead from projects is the challenge to protect the safety and health of children in particular. Even though the government banned lead paint in 1978, it remains in approximately 24 million housing units, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exposure to lead paint can cause learning disabilities, and at toxic levels, lead can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Lead removal contractors must have proper training to remove lead, understand the precautions they must take to prevent exposure to themselves and occupants of the building. They must learn to use lead abatement equipment and lead removal supplies to safely remove the contamination. Contractors must receive licensing from the state to perform lead abatement and removal.

For information on lead abatement and removal training, consider the following steps.

1. Understand the requirements for lead abatement contractors as required by government regulations.

2. Take advantage of training classes offered by state organizations.

3. Look for lead abatement training courses offered by state universities and other environmental organizations.

 

Learn the training requirements for lead abatement contractors

Lead abatement contractors generally do not need education beyond a high school diploma to perform the work. However, they must undergo 40 hours or more of training from an Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA)-approved source in order to become certified.
Try: The Vet Success website of the U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs describes the skills and training required to become a lead abatement professional. The Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles data and training requirements for lead removal workers.

Contact state organizations for lead abatement training classes

Each state offers its own lead removal training for contractors. All lead abatement training programs must meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.
Try: Pennsylvania Lead Abatement Training is a training program for Pennsylvania state employees. The Virginia Dept. of Professional and Occupational Regulation lists lead-based paint abatement training courses.

Use training resources from specialists at universities and lead removal companies

Lead abatement training classes are easy to find at state universities. Environmental training companies can offer training and consulting services to companies that need lead abatement and removal education and training.
Try: Oregon State University offers lead abatement classes as well as lead abatement refresher training. Meta Worldwide is an environmental training company offering more than a dozen OSHA-approved Lead Paint Courses.

 

• Make sure you keep up with the changes in the lead abatement business. As we become more aware of the effects of lead on the health of children, government regulations will evolve as well as the requirements for training.

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