Do you own rental homes built before 1978? Do you manage or work on homes (or child-occupied facilities) built 
before 1978? If so, there’s an EPA rule regarding lead-safe practices that you should know about. The EPA issued the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program Rule a couple of years ago requiring workers to use lead-safe work practices and for renovation firms to be to be EPA-certified. The requirements of the rule become fully effective on April 22, 2010.
Lead was widely used in paint before 1978 which is why federal law requires that anyone selling or leasing a home built before 1978 disclose known information about lead-based paint and the hazards associated with it. Even if the seller/landlord doesn’t know if the property contains lead-based paint, they still must disclose the possibility.
In general, the EPA rule will require anyone that is paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing built before 1978 to be trained and certified. If you’re the property owner of the rental property and are the one doing the work, you must also be trained and certified! If you’re the homeowner working on your own home, the EPA rule does not apply to you however. There are also other exclusions that may apply.
For specific details: