Maryland's Training and Accreditation Requirements
Lead paint abatement work includes any activity which eliminates or reduces lead paint hazards, including paint removal, replacement of components, encapsulation, or repainting. Examples of people who provide lead paint services include inspectors, trainers, workers, and supervisors.
Training: Anyone who engages in a lead paint abatement service must successfully complete a training course which has been accredited by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
Accreditation: Anyone, or any business, that serves as a lead paint contractor, supervisor, inspector, risk assessor, or training provider must be accredited by the State of Maryland. An individual must pass an examination and also need relevant experience. Applications and fees for accreditation are to be submitted to the MDE, P.O. Box 1417, Baltimore, MD 21203.
Contractors
There are three general categories of lead paint contractors: (1) those who work on residential, public, and commercial buildings, (2) those who work on steel structures and superstructures, and (3) those who perform inspections.
A lead paint contractor may apply for accreditation by submitting an application, with the required fee, to the MDE Environmental Lead Division. A contractor must employ only qualified individuals to provide lead paint services.
Workers
Lead Paint Abatement Workers - include painters, carpenters, and other trades, who have successfully completed 2 days of training and are qualified to work on residential, public, and commercial lead paint jobs.
Structural Steel Workers - have completed at least one day of training and are qualified to remove lead paint from steel structures and superstructures such as bridges and water storage tanks.
Supervisors
Lead Paint Maintenance and Repainting Supervisors - provide oversight for activities involving the in-place management of lead paint in residential, commercial, and public buildings. The two-day training course also includes instruction in the replacement of windows which have lead paint.
Lead Paint Removal and Demolition Supervisors - may provide oversight for any lead paint-related work, including major renovation or lead paint abatement projects, as well as more limited maintenance and repainting projects, on residential, commercial, and public buildings. Four days of training are required.
Structural Steel Supervisors - provide oversight for lead paint activities on steel bridges, water tanks, and industrial structures. Four days of training are required.
Inspectors
Lead Paint Inspector Technicians - are qualified to use lead paint detection equipment and to sample paint and dust for laboratory analysis. Three days of training are required.
Lead Paint Visual Inspectors - are qualified, under state law, to conduct inspections of rental housing to assure that risk reduction treatments conform to statutory standards. Two days of training are required.
Lead Paint Risk Assessors - are experienced inspectors who have completed an additional two-day training course. Risk assessors interpret information and provide advice regarding possible sources of lead exposure.
Training Providers
Training Courses - are accredited by the State of Maryland based on the submission of a satisfactory curriculum, the use of accredited instructors, and passing an on-site audit by MDE.
Instructors - must complete relevant training courses, have appropriate experience, and pass an examination to become accredited. Individuals who are recognized as experts in certain specialties may contribute to courses conducted by accredited instructors.
For more information, contact The Lead Poisoning Prevention Program of Maryland Department of the Environment at 410- 537-3825.
