Lead paint was banned in the United States in 1978 but may still exist in homes built before then. To address this concern, in 2010 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began requiring contractors to take certain steps to contain and clean up any dust and debris caused by their work in older homes.
The Home Depot is committed to lead safety and safe work practices for our associates, partners, and customers. That’s why the company expects all installers to not only do a great job, but also safely complete their work while following the required protocols and legal requirements, including lead safety.
We take a three-pronged approach to lead safe compliance, which includes:
Requirements for Installers: For homes built before 1978, before doing work that may disturb paint, we require our service providers to test for lead. If lead paint is found, then contractors must contain the work area with plastic and clean up with a HEPA vacuum and wet wipes when they’re done. Service providers must also comply with the EPA’s paperwork and record keeping requirements.
Proprietary Monitoring Technology: To better support our installation partners, we've developed an online portal called the Environmental Work Rules system. It uses public records to help determine which jobs could require EPA documentation and provides that information to our service providers. The system helps ensure that all required paperwork is turned in, and it allows us to withhold payment or assess fines when anything is missing or late. The Home Depot also regularly audits its installers to make sure they are following our strict compliance standards.
Customer Education: Ninety percent of Americans live within 10 miles of a Home Depot. In the coming months, we’ll be using our large retail footprint to inform consumers about the dangers of lead paint. Lead safety information will be included in our free workshops and on signage at the PRO and paint service desks.
For more information on lead-safe work practices, please visit The Home Depot’s Lead Safe Work Practices information center or the EPA’s website.
