Paul Davis Restoration has been accredited by the Environmental Protection Agency in its Renovation, Repair and Painting program (RRP) to train structural renovators and restoration technicians in the EPA’s Renovator Initial Course for renovations, repairs and painting specific to lead-based paint.
Ray Berger, the restoration and reconstruction company’s senior field representative and OSHA outreach trainer, will act as training manager and principal instructor for the program. Paul Davis is the only restoration company with a certified trainer who has been accredited by the EPA to provide training for renovators and technicians under the program.
Specifically, Berger will provide training for the company’s office owners and staff restoration professionals at the Paul Davis Restoration National Training Center in Jacksonville, Florida, along with field training at franchise office locations and for any groups nationwide.
Students who successfully complete the course will be certified renovators, able to work on projects using lead-safe practices in accordance with the RRP.
According to Berger, on April 22, 2008, the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule and beginning in April 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.
"The EPA now recommends that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes and child care facilities and schools must follow lead-safe work practices," said Berger. "We will instruct all of our Paul Davis Restoration office contractors on procedures including how to contain the work area, minimize dust and how to clean up thoroughly, among others."
To date, Berger has instructed 22 students from Paul Davis offices who are now certified renovators.
Additionally, Paul Davis Restoration is offering "Certified Renovator" training courses nationwide. The one-day course costs $225 per person.
"We chose to become an accredited trainer to comply with the EPA program and to help Paul Davis offices achieve and maintain the industry’s highest standards in restoration services," Berger said. "The accreditation further promotes the company’s use of the latest technologies available in our field."
