Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 79 results

• Accidental releases from non-covered processes

  Should the owner or operator include accidental releases from processes containing listed substances below the threshold quantity in the five-year accident history required under the hazard assessment provisions of 40 CFR Part 68, Subpart B, and in the incident investigation requirements under 40 CFR Part 68, Subparts C and D…

  • Last published: May 22, 2024

• Do I have to report accidents that resulted in medical treatment?

  I had a release where several people were treated at the hospital and released; they attributed their symptoms to exposure. We do not believe that their symptoms were in fact the result of exposure to the released substance. Do we have to report these as offsite impacts? Yes, you should…

  • Last published: May 29, 2024

• Will an Ozone Generator protect me and my family from COVID-19?

  No, do not use ozone generators in occupied spaces. When used at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone applied to indoor air does not effectively remove viruses, bacteria, mold, or other biological pollutants. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website for best practices to protect…

  • Last published: August 27, 2024

• Where can I get more information or copies of the lead-based paint abatement application forms and instructions?

  Answer: Information regarding certification under EPA’s lead-based paint abatement program is available at https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-based-paint-abatement-and-evaluation-program-overview . Question Number: 23002-32438 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

  • Last published: October 31, 2024

• When must I take refresher training?

  You must take refresher training before you apply for recertification to EPA. You should begin looking for available courses well before your current certification expires, because refresher courses may not be available in your area on a frequent basis. However, EPA recommends that you take your refresher training no earlier…

  • Last published: October 31, 2024

• When do persons applying for certification as inspectors, risk assessors, or supervisors apply to EPA, before or after taking the 3rd party exam?

  Answer: Persons applying for certification as inspectors, risk assessors, and/or supervisors must apply to EPA before taking the 3rd party certification exam. For more information about applying for certification as a lead-based paint abatement professional please refer to EPA’s Lead-based Paint Professionals page . Question Number: 23002-33448 Find a printable…

  • Last published: November 5, 2024

• When individuals apply for certification in the Federal program under 40 C.F.R. 745.226(a)(1)(i), how long will the certification last?

  Answer : For individuals who have taken courses which included a course test and a hands-on skills assessment, the full certification period for individuals applying under 745.226(a)(1)(i) will run for three years from the date of issuance of certification by EPA. For individuals who have taken courses which included a…

  • Last published: November 5, 2024

• The definition of “soil sample” at 40 CFR §745.63 relies on certain American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards. Did EPA intend to prevent the use of EPA and HUD standards for soil samples?

  Answer: No. In establishing work practice standards for lead-based paint activities, EPA did not intend to prevent the use of EPA/HUD standards. As a general matter, the requirements are not prescriptive but instead state that certain activities be conducted using appropriate documented methodologies. For example, §745.227(c)(3) requires that dust samples…

  • Last published: November 5, 2024

• Can air cleaning devices that use bipolar ionization, including portable air cleaners and in-duct air cleaners used in HVAC systems, protect me from COVID-19?

  Bipolar ionization (also called needlepoint bipolar ionization) is a technology that can be used in HVAC systems or portable air cleaners to generate positively and negatively charged particles. Provided manufacturers have data to demonstrate efficacy, manufacturers of these types of devices may market this technology to help remove viruses, including…

  • Last published: May 6, 2024

• Will running an evaporative cooler (sometimes known as a "swamp cooler") or whole-house fan help protect me and my family from COVID-19?

  Both evaporative coolers (or "swamp coolers") and whole-house fans can help protect people indoors from airborne transmission of COVID-19 because they increase ventilation with outside air to cool indoor spaces. Evaporative coolers are used in dry climates. They use water to provide cooling and increase relative humidity indoors. When operating…

  • Last published: May 6, 2024

• Where can professionals who manage school, office, and commercial buildings get information on ventilation and filtration to respond to COVID-19?

  Professionals who operate school, office, and commercial buildings should consult the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidance for information on ventilation and filtration to help reduce risks from the virus that causes COVID-19. In general, increasing ventilation and filtration is usually appropriate; however, due to the…

  • Last published: May 6, 2024

• What is the definition of "offsite property damage?"

  I am working on the five-year accident history portion of the hazard assessment under the RMP. Section 68.42(a) tells me to include "all accidental releases from covered processes that resulted in deaths, injuries, or significant property damage on site, or known offsite deaths, injuries, evacuations, sheltering in place, property damage…

  • Last published: May 22, 2024

• When does the accident history's five-year period begin?

  The hazard assessment requirements under 40 CFR Part 68, Subpart B include provision of a five-year accident history, as specified at §68.42. When does the five-year period to be reported in the accident history begin? The five-year accident history must include information on all accidental releases from covered processes meeting…

  • Last published: May 28, 2024

• What is the definition of injury?

  Under the hazard assessment requirements of 40 CFR Part 68, Subpart B, an owner or operator must document a five-year accident history including all accidental releases from covered processes that resulted in deaths, injuries, or significant property damage on site, or known offsite deaths, injuries, evacuations, sheltering in place, property…

  • Last published: May 29, 2024

• Do Program Level 1 processes need to do five-year accident histories?

  What is the relationship between the accident history criteria for Program 1 and the five-year accident history? If my process is eligible for Program 1, do I still need to do a five-year accident history? The five-year accident history is an information collection requirement that is designed to provide data…

  • Last published: May 29, 2024