Proposed California Bill Would Impact Companies that Perform Lead-Related Construction Work

Earlier this year, California Assembly Member Nancy Skinner introduced a new proposed bill to the state legislature.  The bill, CA A 1803, would establish a registration program that, with certain exceptions, would require employers and contractors who perform lead-related construction work, as defined, to register with the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) before commencing work.

DOSH, also known as Cal/OSHA, works to protect employees from health and safety hazards on the job.   California does have regulations in place to provide lead safety in construction that also makes employers responsible for complying with all existing regulations.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Old lead-based paint is the most significant source of lead exposure in the U.S. today. Most homes built before 1960 contain heavily leaded paint. Some homes built as recently as 1978 may also contain lead paint. This paint could be on window frames, walls, the outside of homes, or other surfaces.”  In 1987, lead was added to California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, better known as Proposition 65.

“Regulations concerning lead and construction activities are designed to protect workers and the public from exposure to this heavy metal,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility.  “When testing is required, it is important that a laboratory accredited by the U.S. EPA’s National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program, also known as NLLAP, is selected.  At LA Testing, our laboratories are NLLAP accredited for lead analysis of paint chips, soil and dust wipes.  We offer rapid turnaround times and competitive pricing so that construction projects are not slowed down due to lead testing requirements.”

To learn more about lead testing services or other environmental and indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

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Joe Frasca

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LA Testing

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