The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a new regulation entitled the “Renovation and Repainting Rule”. The new RRP Rule was written to deal with hazards created by renovation, repair and painting that disrupts lead-based paint in “targetted housing” and “child occupied facilties”. New requirements are written into the rule for training renovators, certifying how the lead-paint was disturbed, and dust minimization and work practices. The rule applies to renovators, electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers, painters, electricians, drywall intallers, insulation isntallers, siding contractors and many other trademen who disrupt more than six square feet of lead paint. The rule also appplies to landlords, builders, and education service providers. Target housing  are pre-1978 homes, unless a child under six is present in the home and thus would be included in the definition. Child occupied facilities are pre-1978 buildings visited regulalrly by the same child under six, or at least two days per week, with each visit lasting at least three hours. Child occupied facilities include day care centers, preschools and kindergarten. Specific information regarding the renovation must be distributed before work is started by signs being posted and pamphlets mailed. The rule does not cover “rapairs and maintenance activities” which cover less than six square feet of interior space or twenty feet of exterior space. Window replacement, however, is not exempt regardless of the square footage involved. Failure to follow the rule could impose a fine of $37,500.00 per violation, civil liability, and potential litigation.