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Clearance levels are values that indicate the maximum amount of lead permitted in dust on a surface following completion of an abatement activity.

Common area means a portion of a building that is generally accessible to all occupants. Such an area may include, but is not limited to, hallways, stairways, laundry and recreational rooms, playgrounds, community centers, garages, and boundary fences.

Component or building component means specific design or structural elements or fixtures of a building, residential dwelling, or child-occupied facility that are distinguished from each other by form, function, and location. These include, but are not limited to, interior components such as: ceilings, crown molding, walls, chair rails, doors, door trim, floors, fireplaces, radiators and other heating units, shelves, shelf supports, stair treads, stair risers, stair stringers, newel posts, railing caps, balustrades, windows and trim (including sashes, window heads, jambs, sills or stools and troughs), built in cabinets, columns, beams, bathroom vanities, counter tops, and air conditioners; and exterior components such as: painted roofing, chimneys, flashing, gutters and downspouts, ceilings, soffits, fascias, rake boards, cornerboards, bulkheads, doors and door trim, fences, floors, joists, lattice work, railings and railing caps, siding, handrails, stair risers and treads, stair stringers, columns, balustrades, window sills or stools and troughs, casings, sashes and wells, and air conditioners.

Containment means a process to protect workers and the environment by controlling exposures to the lead-contaminated dust and debris created during an abatement.

Course agenda means an outline of the key topics to be covered during a training course, including the time allotted to teach each topic.

Course test means an evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the training which shall test the trainees' knowledge and retention of the topics covered during the course.

Course test blue print means written documentation identifying the proportion of course test questions devoted to each major topic in the course curriculum.

Deteriorated paint means paint that is cracking, flaking, chipping, peeling, or otherwise separating from the substrate of a building component.

Discipline means one of the specific types or categories of lead-based paint activities identified in this subpart for which individuals may receive training from accredited programs and become certified by EPA. For example, “abatement worker” is a discipline.

Distinct painting history means the application history, as indicated by its visual appearance or a record of application, over time, of paint or other surface coatings to a component or room.

Documented methodologies are methods or protocols used to sample for the presence of lead in paint, dust, and soil.

Elevated blood lead level (EBL) means an excessive absorption of lead that is a confirmed concentration of lead in whole blood of 20 µg/dl (micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood) for a single venous test or of 15–19 µg/dl in two consecutive tests taken 3 to 4 months apart.

Encapsulant means a substance that forms a barrier between lead-based paint and the environment using a liquid-applied coating (with or without reinforcement materials) or an adhesively bonded covering material.

Encapsulation means the application of an encapsulant.

Enclosure means the use of rigid, durable construction materials that are mechanically fastened to the substrate in order to act as a barrier between lead-based paint and the environment.

Guest instructor means an individual designated by the training program manager or principal instructor to provide instruction specific to the lecture, hands-on activities, or work practice components of a course.

Hands-on skills assessment means an evaluation which tests the trainees' ability to satisfactorily perform the work practices and procedures identified in §745.225(d), as well as any other skill taught in a training course.

Hazardous waste means any waste as defined in 40 CFR 261.3.

Inspection means a surface-by-surface investigation to determine the presence of lead-based paint and the provision of a report explaining the results of the investigation.

Interim certification means the status of an individual who has successfully completed the appropriate training course in a discipline from an accredited training program, as defined by this section, but has not yet received formal certification in that discipline from EPA pursuant to §745.226. Interim certifications expire 6 months after the completion of the training course, and is equivalent to a certificate for the 6-month period.

Interim controls means a set of measures designed to temporarily reduce human exposure or likely exposure to lead-based paint hazards, including specialized cleaning, repairs, maintenance, painting, temporary containment, ongoing monitoring of lead-based paint hazards or potential hazards, and the establishment and operation of management and resident education programs.

Lead-based paint means paint or other surface coatings that contain lead equal to or in excess of 1.0 milligrams per square centimeter or more than 0.5 percent by weight.

Lead-based paint activities means, in the case of target housing and child-occupied facilities, inspection, risk assessment, and abatement, as defined in this subpart.

Lead-based paint activities courses means initial and refresher training courses (worker, supervisor, inspector, risk assessor, project designer) provided by accredited training programs.

Lead-based paint hazard means any condition that causes exposure to lead from lead-contaminated dust, lead-contaminated soil, or lead-contaminated paint that is deteriorated or present in accessible surfaces, friction surfaces, or impact surfaces that would result in adverse human health effects as identified by the Administrator pursuant to TSCA section 403.

Lead-hazard screen is a limited risk assessment activity that involves limited paint and dust sampling as described in §745.227(c).

Living area means any area of a residential dwelling used by one or more children age 6 and under, including, but not limited to, living rooms, kitchen areas, dens, play rooms, and children's bedrooms.

Local government means a county, city, town, borough, parish, district, association, or other public body (including an agency comprised of two or more of the foregoing entities) created under State law.

Multi-family dwelling means a structure that contains more than one separate residential dwelling unit, which is used or occupied, or intended to be used or occupied, in whole or in part, as the home or residence of one or more persons.

Nonprofit means an entity which has demonstrated to any branch of the Federal Government or to a State, municipal, tribal or territorial government, that no part of its net earnings inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

Paint in poor condition means more than 10 square feet of deteriorated paint on exterior components with large surface areas; or more than 2 square feet of deteriorated paint on interior components with large surface areas (e.g., walls, ceilings, floors, doors); or more than 10 percent of the total surface area of the component is deteriorated on interior or exterior components with small surface areas (window sills, baseboards, soffits, trim).

Permanently covered soil means soil which has been separated from human contact by the placement of a barrier consisting of solid, relatively impermeable materials, such as pavement or concrete. Grass, mulch, and other landscaping materials are not considered permanent covering.

Person means any natural or judicial person including any individual, corporation, partnership, or association; any Indian Tribe, State, or political subdivision thereof; any interstate body; and any department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal government.

Principal instructor means the individual who has the primary responsibility for organizing and teaching a particular course.

Recognized laboratory means an environmental laboratory recognized by EPA pursuant to TSCA section 405(b) as being capable of performing an analysis for lead compounds in paint, soil, and dust.

Reduction means measures designed to reduce or eliminate human exposure to lead-based paint hazards through methods including interim controls and abatement.

Residential dwelling means (1) a detached single family dwelling unit, including attached structures such as porches and stoops; or (2) a single family dwelling unit in a structure that contains more than one separate residential dwelling unit, which is used or occupied, or intended to be used or occupied, in whole or in part, as the home or residence of one or more persons.

Risk assessment means (1) an on-site investigation to determine the existence, nature, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards, and (2) the provision of a report by the individual or the firm conducting the risk assessment, explaining the results of the investigation and options for reducing lead-based paint hazards.

Start date means the first day of any lead-based paint activities training course or lead-based paint abatement activity.

Start date provided to EPA means the start date included in the original notification or the most recent start date provided to EPA in an updated notification.

State means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Canal Zone, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States.

Target housing means any housing constructed prior to 1978, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities (unless any one or more children age 6 years or under resides or is expected to reside in such housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities) or any 0-bedroom dwelling.

Training curriculum means an established set of course topics for instruction in an accredited training program for a particular discipline designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills.

Training hour means at least 50 minutes of actual learning, including, but not limited to, time devoted to lecture, learning activities, small group activities, demonstrations, evaluations, and/or hands-on experience.

Training manager means the individual responsible for administering a training program and monitoring the performance of principal instructors and guest instructors.

Training provider means any organization or entity accredited under §745.225 to offer lead-based paint activities courses.

Visual inspection for clearance testing means the visual examination of a residential dwelling or a child-occupied facility following an abatement to determine whether or not the abatement has been successfully completed.

Visual inspection for risk assessment means the visual examination of a residential dwelling or a child-occupied facility to determine the existence of deteriorated lead-based paint or other potential sources of lead-based paint hazards.

[61 FR 45813, Aug. 29, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 31097, June 9, 1999; 66 FR 1239, Jan. 5, 2001; 69 FR 18495, Apr. 8, 2004]

§ 745.225 Accreditation of training programs: target housing and child-occupied facilities.
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(a) Scope. (1) A training program may seek accreditation to offer lead-based paint activities courses in any of the following disciplines: inspector, risk assessor, supervisor, project designer, and abatement worker. A training program may also seek accreditation to offer refresher courses for each of the above listed disciplines.

(2) Training programs may first apply to EPA for accreditation of their lead-based paint activities courses or refresher courses pursuant to this section on or after August 31, 1998.

(3) A training program shall not provide, offer, or claim to provide EPA-accredited lead-based paint activities courses without applying for and receiving accreditation from EPA as required under paragraph (b) of this section on or after March 1, 1999.

(b) Application process. The following are procedures a training program shall follow to receive EPA accreditation to offer lead-based paint activities courses:

(1) A training program seeking accreditation shall submit a written application to EPA containing the following information:

(i) The training program's name, address, and telephone number.

(ii) A list of courses for which it is applying for accreditation.

(iii) A statement signed by the training program manager certifying that the training program meets the requirements established in paragraph (c) of this section. If a training program uses EPA-recommended model training materials, or training materials approved by a State or Indian Tribe that has been authorized by EPA under subpart Q of this part, the training program manager shall include a statement certifying that, as well.

(iv) If a training program does not use EPA-recommended model training materials or training materials approved by an authorized State or Indian Tribe, its application for accreditation shall also include:

(A) A copy of the student and instructor manuals, or other materials to be used for each course.

(B) A copy of the course agenda for each course.

(v) All training programs shall include in their application for accreditation the following:

(A) A description of the facilities and equipment to be used for lecture and hands-on training.

(B) A copy of the course test blueprint for each course.

(C) A description of the activities and procedures that will be used for conducting the assessment of hands-on skills for each course.

(D) A copy of the quality control plan as described in paragraph (c)(9) of this section.

(2) If a training program meets the requirements in paragraph (c) of this section, then EPA shall approve the application for accreditation no more than 180 days after receiving a complete application from the training program. In the case of approval, a certificate of accreditation shall be sent to the applicant. In the case of disapproval, a letter describing the reasons for disapproval shall be sent to the applicant. Prior to disapproval, EPA may, at its discretion, work with the applicant to address inadequacies in the application for accreditation. EPA may also request additional materials retained by the training program under paragraph (i) of this section. If a training program's application is disapproved, the program may reapply for accreditation at any time.

(3) A training program may apply for accreditation to offer courses or refresher courses in as many disciplines as it chooses. A training program may seek accreditation for additional courses at any time as long as the program can demonstrate that it meets the requirements of this section.

(4) A training program applying for accreditation must submit the appropriate fees in accordance with §745.238.

(c) Requirements for the accreditation of training programs. For a training program to obtain accreditation from EPA to offer lead-based paint activities courses, the program shall meet the following requirements:

(1) The training program shall employ a training manager who has:

(i) At least 2 years of experience, education, or training in teaching workers or adults; or

(ii) A bachelor's or graduate degree in building construction technology, engineering, industrial hygiene, safety, public health, education, business administration or program management or a related field; or

(iii) Two years of experience in managing a training program specializing in environmental hazards; and

(iv) Demonstrated experience, education, or training in the construction industry including: lead or asbestos abatement, painting, carpentry, renovation, remodeling, occupational safety and health, or industrial hygiene.

(2) The training manager shall designate a qualified principal instructor for each course who has:

(i) Demonstrated experience, education, or training in teaching workers or adults; and

(ii) Successfully completed at least 16 hours of any EPA-accredited or EPA-authorized State or Tribal-accredited lead-specific training; and

(iii) Demonstrated experience, education, or training in lead or asbestos abatement, painting, carpentry, renovation, remodeling, occupational safety and health, or industrial hygiene.

(3) The principal instructor shall be responsible for the organization of the course and oversight of the teaching of all course material. The training manager may designate guest instructors as needed to provide instruction specific to the lecture, hands-on activities, or work practice components of a course.

(4) The following documents shall be recognized by EPA as evidence that training managers and principal instructors have the education, work experience, training requirements or demonstrated experience, specifically listed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section. This documentation need not be submitted with the accreditation application, but, if not submitted, shall be retained by the training program as required by the recordkeeping requirements contained in paragraph (i) of this section. Those documents include the following:

(i) Official academic transcripts or diploma as evidence of meeting the education requirements.

(ii) Resumes, letters of reference, or documentation of work experience, as evidence of meeting the work experience requirements.

(iii) Certificates from train-the-trainer courses and lead-specific training courses, as evidence of meeting the training requirements.

(5) The training program shall ensure the availability of, and provide adequate facilities for, the delivery of the lecture, course test, hands-on training, and assessment activities. This includes providing training equipment that reflects current work practices and maintaining or updating the equipment and facilities as needed.

(6) To become accredited in the following disciplines, the training program shall provide training courses that meet the following training hour requirements:

(i) The inspector course shall last a minimum of 24 training hours, with a minimum of 8 hours devoted to hands-on training activities. The minimum curriculum requirements for the inspector course are contained in paragraph (d)(1) of this section.

(ii) The risk assessor course shall last a minimum of 16 training hours, with a minimum of 4 hours devoted to hands-on training activities. The minimum curriculum requirements for the risk assessor course are contained in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(iii) The supervisor course shall last a minimum of 32 training hours, with a minimum of 8 hours devoted to hands-on activities. The minimum curriculum requirements for the supervisor course are contained in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.

(iv) The project designer course shall last a minimum of 8 training hours. The minimum curriculum requirements for the project designer course are contained in paragraph (d)(4) of this section.

(v) The abatement worker course shall last a minimum of 16 training hours, with a minimum of 8 hours devoted to hands-on training activities. The minimum curriculum requirements for the abatement worker course are contained in paragraph (d)(5) of this section.

(7) For each course offered, the training program shall conduct either a course test at the completion of the course, and if applicable, a hands-on skills assessment, or in the alternative, a proficiency test for that discipline. Each individual must successfully complete the hands-on skills assessment and receive a passing score on the course test to pass any course, or successfully complete a proficiency test.

(i) The training manager is responsible for maintaining the validity and integrity of the hands-on skills assessment or profiency test to ensure that it accurately evaluates the trainees' performance of the work practices and procedures associated with the course topics contained in paragraph (d) of this section.

(ii) The training manager is responsible for maintaining the validity and integrity of the course test to ensure that it accurately evaluates the trainees' knowledge and retention of the course topics.

(iii) The course test shall be developed in accordance with the test blueprint submitted with the training accreditation application.

(8) The training program shall issue unique course completion certificates to each individual who passes the training course. The course completion certificate shall include:

(i) The name, a unique identification number, and address of the individual.

(ii) The name of the particular course that the individual completed.

(iii) Dates of course completion/test passage.

(iv) Expiration date of interim certification, which shall be 6 months from the date of course completion.

(v) The name, address, and telephone number of the training program.

(9) The training manager shall develop and implement a quality control plan. The plan shall be used to maintain and improve the quality of the training program over time. This plan shall contain at least the following elements:

(i) Procedures for periodic revision of training materials and the course test to reflect innovations in the field.

(ii) Procedures for the training manager's annual review of principal instructor competency.

(10) The training program shall offer courses which teach the work practice standards for conducting lead-based paint activities contained in §745.227, and other standards developed by EPA pursuant to Title IV of TSCA. These standards shall be taught in the appropriate courses to provide trainees with the knowledge needed to perform the lead-based paint activities they are responsible for conducting.

(11) The training manager shall be responsible for ensuring that the training program complies at all times with all of the requirements in this section.

(12) The training manager shall allow EPA to audit the training program to verify the contents of the application for accreditation as described in paragraph (b) of this section.

(13) The training manager must provide notification of lead-based paint activities courses offered.

(i) The training manager must provide EPA with notification of all lead-based paint activities courses offered. The original notification must be received by EPA at least 7 business days prior to the start date of any lead-based paint activities course.

(ii) The training manager must provide EPA updated notification when lead-based paint activities courses will begin on a date other than the start date specified in the original notification, as follows:

(A) For lead-based paint activities courses beginning prior to the start date provided to EPA, an updated notification must be received by EPA at least 7 business days before the new start date.

(B) For lead-based paint activities courses beginning after the start date provided to EPA, an updated notification must be received by EPA at least 2 business days before the start date provided to EPA.

(iii) The training manager must update EPA of any change in location of lead-based paint activities courses at least 7 business days prior to the start date provided to EPA.

(iv) The training manager must update EPA regarding any course cancellations, or any other change to the original notification. Updated notifications must be received by EPA at least 2 business days prior to the start date provided to EPA.

(v) Each notification, including updates, must include the following:

(A) Notification type (original, update, cancellation).

(B) Training program name, EPA accreditation number, address, and telephone number.

(C) Course discipline, type (initial/ refresher), and the language in which instruction will be given.

(D) Date(s) and time(s) of training.

(E) Training location(s) telephone number, and address.

(F) Principal instructor's name.

(G) Training manager's name and signature.

(vi) Notification must be accomplished using any of the following methods: Written notification, or electronically using the Agency's Central Data Exchange (CDX). Written notification of lead-based paint activities course schedules can be accomplished by using either the sample form titled “Lead-Based Paint Activities Training Course Schedule” or a similar form containing the information required in paragraph (c)(13)(v) of this section. All written notifications must be delivered by U.S. Postal Service, fax, commercial delivery service, or hand delivery (persons submitting notification by U.S. Postal Service are reminded that they should allow 3 additional business days for delivery in order to ensure that EPA receives the notification by the required date). Instructions and sample forms can be obtained from the NLIC at 1–800–424–LEAD(5323), or on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/lead.

(vii) Lead-based paint activities courses must not begin on a date, or at a location other than that specified in the original notification unless an updated notification identifying a new start date or location is submitted, in which case the course must begin on the new start date and/or location specified in the updated notification.

(viii) No training program shall provide lead-based paint activities courses without first notifying EPA of such activities in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph.

(14) The training manager must provide notification following completion of lead-based paint activities courses.

(i) The training manager must provide EPA notification after the completion of any lead-based paint activities course. This notice must be received by EPA no later than 10 business days following course completion.

(ii) The notification must include the following:

(A) Training program name, EPA accreditation number, address, and telephone number.

(B) Course discipline and type (initial/refresher).

(C) Date(s) of training.

(D) The following information for each student who took the course:

(1) Name.

(2) Address.

(3) Date of birth.

(4) Course completion certificate number.

(5) Course test score.

(E) Training manager's name and signature.

(iii) Notification must be accomplished using any of the following methods: Written notification, or electronically using the Agency's Central Data Exchange (CDX). Written notification following lead-based paint activities training courses can be accomplished by using either the sample form titled “Lead-Based Paint Activities Training Course Follow-up” or a similar form containing the information required in paragraph (c)(14)(ii) of this section. All written notifications must be delivered by U.S. Postal Service, fax, commercial delivery service, or hand delivery (persons submitting notification by U.S. Postal Service are reminded that they should allow 3 additional business days for delivery in order to ensure that EPA receives the notification by the required date). Instructions and sample forms can be obtained from the NLIC at 1–800–424–LEAD(5323), or on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/lead.

(d) Minimum training curriculum requirements. To become accredited to offer lead-based paint courses instruction in the specific disciplines listed below, training programs must ensure that their courses of study include, at a minimum, the following course topics. Requirements ending in an asterisk (*) indicate areas that require hands-on activities as an integral component of the course.

(1) Inspector. (i) Role and responsibilities of an inspector.

(ii) Background information on lead and its adverse health effects.

(iii) Background information on Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance that pertains to lead-based paint and lead-based paint activities.

(iv) Lead-based paint inspection methods, including selection of rooms and components for sampling or testing.*

(v) Paint, dust, and soil sampling methodologies.*

(vi) Clearance standards and testing, including random sampling.*

(vii) Preparation of the final inspection report.*

(viii) Recordkeeping.

(2) Risk assessor. (i) Role and responsibilities of a risk assessor.

(ii) Collection of background information to perform a risk assessment.

(iii) Sources of environmental lead contamination such as paint, surface dust and soil, water, air, packaging, and food.

(iv) Visual inspection for the purposes of identifying potential sources of lead-based paint hazards.*

(v) Lead hazard screen protocol.

(vi) Sampling for other sources of lead exposure.*

(vii) Interpretation of lead-based paint and other lead sampling results, including all applicable State or Federal guidance or regulations pertaining to lead-based paint hazards.*

(viii) Development of hazard control options, the role of interim controls, and operations and maintenance activities to reduce lead-based paint hazards.

(ix) Preparation of a final risk assessment report.

(3) Supervisor. (i) Role and responsibilities of a supervisor.

(ii) Background information on lead and its adverse health effects.

(iii) Background information on Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance that pertain to lead-based paint abatement.

(iv) Liability and insurance issues relating to lead-based paint abatement.

(v) Risk assessment and inspection report interpretation.*

(vi) Development and implementation of an occupant protection plan and abatement report.

(vii) Lead-based paint hazard recognition and control.*

(viii) Lead-based paint abatement and lead-based paint hazard reduction methods, including restricted practices.*

(ix) Interior dust abatement/cleanup or lead-based paint hazard control and reduction methods.*

(x) Soil and exterior dust abatement or lead-based paint hazard control and reduction methods.*

(xi) Clearance standards and testing.

(xii) Cleanup and waste disposal.

(xiii) Recordkeeping.

(4) Project designer. (i) Role and responsibilities of a project designer.

(ii) Development and implementation of an occupant protection plan for large scale abatement projects.

(iii) Lead-based paint abatement and lead-based paint hazard reduction methods, including restricted practices for large-scale abatement projects.

(iv) Interior dust abatement/cleanup or lead hazard control and reduction methods for large-scale abatement projects.

(v) Clearance standards and testing for large scale abatement projects.

(vi) Integration of lead-based paint abatement methods with modernization and rehabilitation projects for large scale abatement projects.

(5) Abatement worker. (i) Role and responsibilities of an abatement worker.

(ii) Background information on lead and its adverse health effects.

(iii) Background information on Federal, State and local regulations and guidance that pertain to lead-based paint abatement.

(iv) Lead-based paint hazard recognition and control.*

(v) Lead-based paint abatement and lead-based paint hazard reduction methods, including restricted practices.*

(vi) Interior dust abatement methods/cleanup or lead-based paint hazard reduction.*

(vii) Soil and exterior dust abatement methods or lead-based paint hazard reduction.*

(e) Requirements for the accreditation of refresher training programs. A training program may seek accreditation to offer refresher training courses in any of the following disciplines: inspector, risk assessor, supervisor, project designer, and abatement worker. To obtain EPA accreditation to offer refresher training, a training program must meet the following minimum requirements:

(1) Each refresher course shall review the curriculum topics of the full-length courses listed under paragraph (d) of this section, as appropriate. In addition, to become accredited to offer refresher training courses, training programs shall ensure that their courses of study include, at a minimum, the following:

(i) An overview of current safety practices relating to lead-based paint activities in general, as well as specific information pertaining to the appropriate discipline.

(ii) Current laws and regulations relating to lead-based paint activities in general, as well as specific information pertaining to the appropriate discipline.

(iii) Current technologies relating to lead-based paint activities in general, as well as specific information pertaining to the appropriate discipline.

(2) Each refresher course, except for the project designer course, shall last a minimum of 8 training hours. The project designer refresher course shall last a minimum of 4 training hours.

(3) For each course offered, the training program shall conduct a hands-on assessment (if applicable), and at the completion of the course, a course test.

(4) A training program may apply for accreditation of a refresher course concurrently with its application for accreditation of the corresponding training course as described in paragraph (b) of this section. If so, EPA shall use the approval procedure described in paragraph (b) of this section. In addition, the minimum requirements contained in paragraphs (c) (except for the requirements in paragraph (c)(6)), and (e)(1), (e)(2) and (e)(3) of this section shall also apply.

(5) A training program seeking accreditation to offer refresher training courses only shall submit a written application to EPA containing the following information:

(i) The refresher training program's name, address, and telephone number.

(ii) A list of courses for which it is applying for accreditation.

(iii) A statement signed by the training program manager certifying that the refresher training program meets the minimum requirements established in paragraph (c) of this section, except for the requirements in paragraph (c)(6) of this section. If a training program uses EPA-developed model training materials, or training materials approved by a State or Indian Tribe that has been authorized by EPA under §745.324 to develop its refresher training course materials, the training manager shall include a statement certifying that, as well.

(iv) If the refresher training course materials are not based on EPA-developed model training materials or training materials approved by an authorized State or Indian Tribe, the training program's application for accreditation shall include:

(A) A copy of the student and instructor manuals to be used for each course.

(B) A copy of the course agenda for each course.

(v) All refresher training programs shall include in their application for accreditation the following:

(A) A description of the facilities and equipment to be used for lecture and hands-on training.

(B) A copy of the course test blueprint for each course.

(C) A description of the activities and procedures that will be used for conducting the assessment of hands-on skills for each course (if applicable).

(D) A copy of the quality control plan as described in paragraph (c)(9) of this section.

(vi) The requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5), and (c)(7) through (c)(14) of this section apply to refresher training providers.

(vii) If a refresher training program meets the requirements listed in this paragraph, then EPA shall approve the application for accreditation no more than 180 days after receiving a complete application from the refresher training program. In the case of approval, a certificate of accreditation shall be sent to the applicant. In the case of disapproval, a letter describing the reasons for disapproval shall be sent to the applicant. Prior to disapproval, EPA may, at its discretion, work with the applicant to address inadequacies in the application for accreditation. EPA may also request additional materials retained by the refresher training program under paragraph (i) of this section. If a refresher training program's application is disapproved, the program may reapply for accreditation at any time.

(f) Re-accreditation of training programs. (1) Unless re-accredited, a training program's accreditation (including refresher training accreditation) shall expire 4 years after the date of issuance. If a training program meets the requirements of this section, the training program shall be re-accredited.

(2) A training program seeking re-accreditation shall submit an application to EPA no later than 180 days before its accreditation expires. If a training program does not submit its application for re-accreditation by that date, EPA cannot guarantee that the program will be re-accredited before the end of the accreditation period.

(3) The training program's application for re-accreditation shall contain:

(i) The training program's name, address, and telephone number.

(ii) A list of courses for which it is applying for re-accreditation.

(iii) A description of any changes to the training facility, equipment or course materials since its last application was approved that adversely affects the students ability to learn.

(iv) A statement signed by the program manager stating:

(A) That the training program complies at all times with all requirements in paragraphs (c) and (e) of this section, as applicable; and

(B) The recordkeeping and reporting requirements of paragraph (i) of this section shall be followed.

(v) A payment of appropriate fees in accordance with § 745.238.

(4) Upon request, the training program shall allow EPA to audit the training program to verify the contents of the application for re-accreditation as described in paragraph (f)(3) of this section.

(g) Suspension, revocation, and modification of accredited training programs. (1) EPA may, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, suspend, revoke, or modify training program accreditation (including refresher training accreditation) if a training program, training manager, or other person with supervisory authority over the training program has:

(i) Misrepresented the contents of a training course to EPA and/or the student population.

(ii) Failed to submit required information or notifications in a timely manner.

(iii) Failed to maintain required records.

(iv) Falsified accreditation records, instructor qualifications, or other accreditation-related information or documentation.

(v) Failed to comply with the training standards and requirements in this section.

(vi) Failed to comply with Federal, State, or local lead-based paint statutes or regulations.

(vii) Made false or misleading statements to EPA in its application for accreditation or re-accreditation which EPA relied upon in approving the application.

(2) In addition to an administrative or judicial finding of violation, execution of a consent agreement in settlement of an enforcement action constitutes, for purposes of this section, evidence of a failure to comply with relevant statutes or regulations.

(h) Procedures for suspension, revocation or modification of training program accreditation. (1) Prior to taking action to suspend, revoke, or modify the accreditation of a training program, EPA shall notify the affected entity in writing of the following:

(i) The legal and factual basis for the suspension, revocation, or modification.

(ii) The anticipated commencement date and duration of the suspension, revocation, or modification.

(iii) Actions, if any, which the affected entity may take to avoid suspension, revocation, or modification, or to receive accreditation in the future.

(iv) The opportunity and method for requesting a hearing prior to final EPA action to suspend, revoke or modify accreditation.

(v) Any additional information, as appropriate, which EPA may provide.

(2) If a hearing is requested by the accredited training program, EPA shall:

(i) Provide the affected entity an opportunity to offer written statements in response to EPA's assertions of the legal and factual basis for its proposed action, and any other explanations, comments, and arguments it deems relevant to the proposed action.

(ii) Provide the affected entity such other procedural opportunities as EPA may deem appropriate to ensure a fair and impartial hearing.

(iii) Appoint an official of EPA as Presiding Officer to conduct the hearing. No person shall serve as Presiding Officer if he or she has had any prior connection with the specific matter.

(3) The Presiding Officer appointed pursuant to paragraph (h)(2) of this section shall:

(i) Conduct a fair, orderly, and impartial hearing within 90 days of the request for a hearing.

(ii) Consider all relevant evidence, explanation, comment, and argument submitted.

(iii) Notify the affected entity in writing within 90 days of completion of the hearing of his or her decision and order. Such an order is a final agency action which may be subject to judicial review.

(4) If EPA determines that the public health, interest, or welfare warrants immediate action to suspend the accreditation of any training program prior to the opportunity for a hearing, it shall:

(i) Notify the affected entity of its intent to immediately suspend training program accreditation for the reasons listed in paragraph (g)(1) of this section. If a suspension, revocation, or modification notice has not previously been issued pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section, it shall be issued at the same time the emergency suspension notice is issued.

(ii) Notify the affected entity in writing of the grounds for the immediate suspension and why it is necessary to suspend the entity's accreditation before an opportunity for a suspension, revocation or modification hearing.

(iii) Notify the affected entity of the anticipated commencement date and duration of the immediate suspension.

(iv) Notify the affected entity of its right to request a hearing on the immediate suspension within 15 days of the suspension taking place and the procedures for the conduct of such a hearing.

(5) Any notice, decision, or order issued by EPA under this section, any transcripts or other verbatim record of oral testimony, and any documents filed by an accredited training program in a hearing under this section shall be available to the public, except as otherwise provided by section 14 of TSCA or by part 2 of this title. Any such hearing at which oral testimony is presented shall be open to the public, except that the Presiding Officer may exclude the public to the extent necessary to allow presentation of information which may be entitled to confidential treatment under section 14 of TSCA or part 2 of this title.

(6) The public shall be notified of the suspension, revocation, modification or reinstatement of a training program's accreditation through appropriate mechanisms.

(7) EPA shall maintain a list of parties whose accreditation has been suspended, revoked, modified or reinstated.

(i) Training program recordkeeping requirements. (1) Accredited training programs shall maintain, and make available to EPA, upon request, the following records:

(i) All documents specified in paragraph (c)(4) of this section that demonstrate the qualifications listed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section of the training manager and principal instructors.

(ii) Current curriculum/course materials and documents reflecting any changes made to these materials.

(iii) The course test blueprint.

(iv) Information regarding how the hands-on assessment is conducted including, but not limited to:

(A) Who conducts the assessment.

(B) How the skills are graded.

(C) What facilities are used.

(D) The pass/fail rate.

(v) The quality control plan as described in paragraph (c)(9) of this section.

(vi) Results of the students' hands-on skills assessments and course tests, and a record of each student's course completion certificate.

(vii) Any other material not listed above in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (i)(1)(vi) of this section that was submitted to EPA as part of the program's application for accreditation.

(2) The training program shall retain these records at the address specified on the training program accreditation application (or as modified in accordance with paragraph (i)(3) of this section for a minimum of 3 years and 6 months.

(3) The training program shall notify EPA in writing within 30 days of changing the address specified on its training program accreditation application or transferring the records from that address.

[61 FR 45813, Aug. 29, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 31098, June 9, 1999; 69 FR 18495, Apr. 8, 2004]

§ 745.226 Certification of individuals and firms engaged in lead-based paint activities: target housing and child-occupied facilities.
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(a) Certification of individuals. (1) Individuals seeking certification by EPA to engage in lead-based paint activities must either:

(i) Submit to EPA an application demonstrating that they meet the requirements established in paragraphs (b) or (c) of this section for the particular discipline for which certification is sought; or

(ii) Submit to EPA an application with a copy of a valid lead-based paint activities certification (or equivalent) from a State or Tribal program that has been authorized by EPA pursuant to subpart Q of this part.

(2) Individuals may first apply to EPA for certification to engage in lead-based paint activities pursuant to this section on or after March 1, 1999.

(3) Following the submission of an application demonstrating that all the requirements of this section have been meet, EPA shall certify an applicant as an inspector, risk assessor, supervisor, project designer, or abatement worker, as appropriate.

(4) Upon receiving EPA certification, individuals conducting lead-based paint activities shall comply with the work practice standards for performing the appropriate lead-based paint activities as established in §745.227.

(5) It shall be a violation of TSCA for an individual to conduct any of the lead-based paint activities described in §745.227 after March 1, 2000, if that individual has not been certified by EPA pursuant to this section to do so.

(6) Individuals applying for certification must submit the appropriate fees in accordance with §745.238.

(b) Inspector, risk assessor or supervisor. (1) To become certified by EPA as an inspector, risk assessor, or supervisor, pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, an individual must:

(i) Successfully complete an accredited course in the appropriate discipline and receive a course completion certificate from an accredited training program.

(ii) Pass the certification exam in the appropriate discipline offered by EPA; and,

(iii) Meet or exceed the following experience and/or education requirements:

(A) Inspectors. (1) No additional experience and/or education requirements.

(2) [Reserved]

(B) Risk assessors. (1) Successful completion of an accredited training course for inspectors; and

(2) Bachelor's degree and 1 year of experience in a related field (e.g., lead, asbestos, environmental remediation work, or construction), or an Associates degree and 2 years experience in a related field (e.g., lead, asbestos, environmental remediation work, or construction); or

(3) Certification as an industrial hygienist, professional engineer, registered architect and/or certification in a related engineering/health/environmental field (e.g., safety professional, environmental scientist); or

(4) A high school diploma (or equivalent), and at least 3 years of experience in a related field (e.g., lead, asbestos, environmental remediation work or construction).

(C) Supervisor: (1) One year of experience as a certified lead-based paint abatement worker; or

(2) At least 2 years of experience in a related field (e.g., lead, asbestos, or environmental remediation work) or in the building trades.

(2) The following documents shall be recognized by EPA as evidence of meeting the requirements listed in (b)(2)(iii) of this paragraph:

(i) Official academic transcripts or diploma, as evidence of meeting the education requirements.

(ii) Resumes, letters of reference, or documentation of work experience, as evidence of meeting the work experience requirements.

(iii) Course completion certificates from lead-specific or other related training courses, issued by accredited training programs, as evidence of meeting the training requirements.

(3) In order to take the certification examination for a particular discipline an individual must:

(i) Successfully complete an accredited course in the appropriate discipline and receive a course completion certificate from an accredited training program.

(ii) Meet or exceed the education and/or experience requirements in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section.

(4) The course completion certificate shall serve as interim certification for an individual until the next available opportunity to take the certification exam. Such interim certification shall expire 6 months after issuance.

(5) After passing the appropriate certification exam and submitting an application demonstrating that he/she meets the appropriate training, education, and/or experience prerequisites described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, an individual shall be issued a certificate by EPA. To maintain certification, an individual must be re-certified as described in paragraph (e) of this section.

(6) An individual may take the certification exam no more than three times within 6 months of receiving a course completion certificate.

(7) If an individual does not pass the certification exam and receive a certificate within 6 months of receiving his/her course completion certificate, the individual must retake the appropriate course from an accredited training program before reapplying for certification from EPA. (continued)