Lead Abatement Certification in Maine? (Portland, Washington: insurance, unemployed, contractors) - (ME) - City-Data Forum

tcrackly · 03-28-2010, 04:49 PM

What can you small contractors, independent carpenters, and tradesmen tell me about this new certification requirement? My husband has been out of work for months and now that his old sub-contract clients are looking for work to be done he n might have something to do for a few months. Unfortunately now I understand we have this new requirement to comply with to add to all the other expense we already have.
Does anyone know if there are free clinics or seminars out there to fulfill the certification guidelines?

retiredtinbender · 03-29-2010, 04:31 AM

There's a seminar in Portland in April, T. I'll look it up at once I get to work and let you know. It's an EPA standard that is kicking in.

retiredtinbender · 03-29-2010, 05:08 AM

Here's the link to the EPA seminar: Region 1: New England | US EPA

03/23/2010: Contractors and Consumers: New Protections from Lead-based Paint Take Effect April 22; Public Info Session held in Portland, Maine on Friday, March 26

Unfortunately it was March 26th. But this was just the first one and they will be having more later on. I'll keep my eyes peeled for you.

tcrackly · 03-29-2010, 06:04 AM

Thanks, R. I found some government websites that downloaded some manuals and info, a few dates for southern Maine. I still can't find anything definitive about fees. I'd like to hear that there is some low cost or assisted fees. My honey is just an independent contractor. It costs us enough that he has to pay for all his travel, tools and insurance out of pocket. Any info is welcome.

Maineah · 03-29-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcrackly

Thanks, R. I found some government websites that downloaded some manuals and info, a few dates for southern Maine. I still can't find anything definitive about fees. I'd like to hear that there is some low cost or assisted fees. My honey is just an independent contractor. It costs us enough that he has to pay for all his travel, tools and insurance out of pocket. Any info is welcome.

Surely he does the long form for income tax and deducts all of these expenses from his taxable income every year??

tcrackly · 03-29-2010, 10:37 AM

Yes, we have a local tax professional do our taxes. If we didn't we'd be screwed.
He will be working for clients in Washington Co. The 250 mile trip is a big deduction.

portlandcontractor · 04-16-2010, 05:21 PM

just because you don't have to pay taxes on something doesn't mean it's not still an expense. These laws are created by people who sit around with nothing else to do and have little to no positive effect whilst constraining the ability of people to do work and make a living.

Maineah · 04-16-2010, 08:26 PM

There is a lot of lead paint around on old buildings and it has to be removed and handled safely. Someone has to make sure the people working around this stuff have at least some idea what they're doing. Otherwise little Seth is going to get brain cancer from eating lead chips. Take the class. It won't kill you. If you worked anywhere else you'd need a real license!!

tcrackly · 04-17-2010, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maineah

There is a lot of lead paint around on old buildings and it has to be removed and handled safely. Someone has to make sure the people working around this stuff have at least some idea what they're doing. Otherwise little Seth is going to get brain cancer from eating lead chips. Take the class. It won't kill you. If you worked anywhere else you'd need a real license!!

This isn't about avoiding the class. It's about accessibility and affordability. We have both been unemployed ALL fall and winter. We have to prioritize our funds (now with the prospect of funds coming in) along with all the other debts that have been set aside. In addition my husband has a learning disability which precludes him from using a computer and excelling in a modern class environment. He has been in contracting and woodworking for over 30 years, has lots of family with young children, so he understands the danger of lead paint. This is about how we attain compliance with government regulation and not be subject to fines (which we can't afford either).

Maineah · 04-17-2010, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcrackly

This isn't about avoiding the class. It's about accessibility and affordability. We have both been unemployed ALL fall and winter. We have to prioritize our funds (now with the prospect of funds coming in) along with all the other debts that have been set aside. In addition my husband has a learning disability which precludes him from using a computer and excelling in a modern class environment. He has been in contracting and woodworking for over 30 years, has lots of family with young children, so he understands the danger of lead paint. This is about how we attain compliance with government regulation and not be subject to fines (which we can't afford either).

I 'll agree with you that a knowlegable person working in the trades as long as your husband has been should have some consideration. It's all a liability issue. The problem is now you have to take the class or you won't get any work. I have two friends taking the class now. They have been in the business at least as long as your husband but they still have to take the class. The premise for the law is wrong to begin with. The admission by the State that there exists a problem with lead paint is going to cause more of a problem than handling any liability cases on a case by case basis.