Lead poisoning remains a serious health risk in Washington state communities. Commerce’s Lead-Based Paint programs protect public health by providing training, certification and compliance enforcement for lead-safe practices.
This page is for contractors, businesses, homeowners and anyone seeking to reduce lead-based paint hazards in their work or home environments. Explore our programs to learn about certifications, lead-safe work practices and resources that help safeguard your home, workplace, and community.
Programs
Lead-Based Paint Activities (LBPA)
- Lead inspections: Checking for the presence of lead-based paint
- Risk assessments: Identifying potential hazards
- Clearance inspections: Ensuring hazards have been addressed properly
- Lead abatement: Permanently reducing or eliminating lead-based paint hazards (lasting more than 20 years)
Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP)
- Renovation and repair projects typically aimed at property improvement where lead-based paint may be disturbed.
- Temporary lead-based paint hazard reduction
Note: RRP activities are not intended to permanently remove lead hazards (permanent means lasting 20+ years).
Certification
You or your company need certification or re-certification if you:
- Offer, bid, or contract work on pre-1978 properties, including:
- Residential homes
- Multi-family homes
- Single-family homes
- Child-occupied facilities (e.g. daycares, preschools, elementary schools)
- Are required by a contract or bid
Certification is required if your goal includes:
- Inspections
- Risk assessments
- Abatement
- Clearance inspections
Certificates are valid for 3 years.
You or your company need this certification if you:
- Offer, bid, or contract to work on pre-1978 properties, including:
- Residential homes
- Multi-family homes
- Single-family homes
- Child-occupied facilities, such as daycares, preschools, or elementary schools.
- Are required to hold certification under the terms of a contract
You need this certification if your work involves:
- Home renovations
- Remodels
- Painting
- Restoration
- Any work that disturbs paint in a pre-1978 property
Certificates are valid up to 5 years.