Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Health

Information For Lead Professionals

All Lead Work in Rhode Island is Regulated and governed by the Lead Safe Work Practices Rules and Regulations.  Click here for additional Guidance on Lead Safe Work Practices

There are three main types of lead-related work regulated in Rhode Island. It’s important to know and understand the differences:

1. Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Work

  • This applies to general construction work that disturbs lead-based paint in homes and child care facilities built before 1978. Examples: window replacement, interior demolition, sanding, or repainting.
  • Can only be performed by a Licensed Lead Renovation Firm

When the RRP Rule Applies

The Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule applies to:

  • Window replacement
  • Interior mechanical paint removal
  • Interior demolition
  • Any renovation disturbing:
    • 6 or more square feet per interior room, or
    • 20 or more square feet exterior paint

And is in effect for residences and child care facilities (e.g., daycares, preschools, and elementary schools) built before 1978.

Lead Renovation Firms must be hired to perform this work, and a certified Lead Renovator working for the firm must remain on site at all times while work is being performed.

2. Lead Hazard Control (LHC) Work

  • Means any work—like replacing windows, repairing surfaces, or cleaning up lead dust—that is done to fix lead problems found in a lead inspection report or to make a property safer by reducing lead hazards. This can include removing or sealing lead paint, cleaning up lead dust, treating contaminated soil, or addressing lead in water, using approved safety methods.
  • Can only be performed by a Licensed Lead Renovation Firm unless spot removal

3. Lead Hazard Reduction (LHR) Work

  • This is specialized work done to eliminate known or assumed lead hazards. It requires stricter protocols, including dust clearance testing, and leads to the issuance of a lead compliance certificate.
  • Can only be performed by a Licensed Lead Contractor

Requirements for Lead Firms & Renovators

Must follow Rhode Island’s RRP Rule, including:

  • Licensing and certification
  • Training and supervision
  • Safe work practices
  • Recordkeeping for 3 years

Requirements are detailed in Lead Training, Certification and Licensing (216-RICR-50-15-11) - Rhode Island Department of State and Lead Safe Work Practices (216-RICR-50-15-12) - Rhode Island Department of State of the RI state lead regulations. 

 

End-of-Job Requirements

Type of Work Required Action
General renovation EPA Cleaning Verification Procedure
Lead hazard control Clearance inspection by licensed Lead Inspector to obtain a lead certificate

 

Recordkeeping Requirements

  • Proof of Renovate Right pamphlet distribution
  • Test Kit Documentation Forms
  • Paint Chip Collection Forms
  • Renovation Recordkeeping Checklists

These records must be kept for 3 years and provided to the RI Department of Health if requested.