NICC Calmar to offer a series of lead safe removal classes

NICC Calmar is offering additional Lead Safe Renovator trainings this month and next to meet the state requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

The 8-hour Lead Safe Renovator classes run from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m in Room 105A of the Industrial Technologies building on the Calmar campus and will be offered  Friday, March 11th; Saturday, March 26th; and Thursday, April 14th.

NICC will also offer a Lead Safe Renovator Refresher class on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. in Room 105A of the Industrial Technologies building on the Calmar campus.  If a renovator has previously had the 8-hour class and has a training certificate to verify it, the Refresher class will cover the requirements. It reviews specific work practices that are lead-safe, and describes prohibited work practices when performing renovations.  A Refresher class is required every three years to maintain certification.
 
The 8-hour Lead Safe Renovator class is for persons who have not previously been trained in Lead Safe Work Practices. The course concentrates on specific work practices that are lead-safe, and describes prohibited work practices when performing renovations. The course demonstrates lead safe work practices including set up, clean up using hands-on activities, and it illustrates proper on-the-job training for non-certified workers.  

Contractors who work in pre-1978 housing and who might disturb painted surfaces (greater than 1.0 square foot) while doing plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, tile, window replacement, landscaping, repairs, construction, renovation, remodeling, HVAC, demolition and many other jobs are required to be certified. The law is effective as of April 20th of 2010. The RRP rule also applies to people who work for rental property owners, schools, and day care providers, as well as non-profits and government agencies.

At the end of each course there is an exam that requires a score of 80 percent or better, and once completed, participants will be eligible to apply or reapply for certification with the Iowa Department of Public Health.  NICC has trained about 375 contractors since April 6th to meet these requirements. For PMSB Board licensed plumbers, these classes will also meet OSHA requirements for the PMSB license.

To register and pay online for the Lead Safe Renovator 8-Hour or the Lead Safe Refresher 4-Hour classes, or for more information, go to www.nicc.edu/continuinged or call (800)728-2256, extension 399. Because a strict class size is maintained and preregistration is required, NICC encourages community members to register early.