The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has passed a law that requires all contractors, artisans, landlords or construction workers to attend a one-day educational program to certify anyone who does maintenance or repairs on any structure built prior to 1978.
The list includes but is not limited to general contractors, sub-contractors, self-employed workers such as painters, plumbers, electrical contractors, concrete and masonry workers, roofers, construction or repair, demolition, landlords, window specialists or anyone else who does maintenance or repairs on pre-1978 structures.
The law went into effect April 10, 2010, but EPA has extended the deadline to Oct. 1, before monetary fines will be imposed. The fine is $32,500 per day per incident and up to one year in jail.
As part of their community service, the Ava Lions Club will be hosting the classes, which will be taught by Glynite Construction of Kansas City. All attendees will be certified to work with the lead paint exposure and methods of handling each situation in accordance with the federal requirements.
The classes will be held Tuesday, Sept. 21 and Wednesday, Sept. 22 at the Ava Lions Club building, 309 north Jefferson, Ava.
The classes will begin at 8 a.m. and dismiss at 5:30 p.m. Tuition includes lunch, refreshments and breaks.
Certification is good for five years then a half-day refresher program will be required.
Cost of the class is $240 per attendee. Class size is limited so the Lions are asking individuals to sign up early in order to avoid driving to Columbia, Kansas City or St. Louis to attend the same class.
You are encouraged to pass this information on to anyone you know who may be required to attend this class.
Contact Larry Morrison, Lions president, for additional information. He may be reached at 417-683-0188 or 417-849-1875. Information can be picked up from any Lions member, Ava Building Supply, Cooper Lumber Co., or any contractor’s offices.
Attendees should return the enrollment form and check made payable to Ava Lions Club. Mail enrollment form to Ava Lions Club, ATTN: Larry Morrison, PO Box 397, Ava, MO 65608.
