Contractors will get more time to train for lead paint handling

Housing contractors in Minnesota and other states will have more time to meet new training requirements governing lead paint handling.

The provision requires contractors working on homes built before 1978 to have special training and take certain precautions to prevent the spread of lead dust.

The Environmental Protection Agency says workers must still follow lead-safe practices but the delay gives builders more time to get certified.

Shawn Nelson, owner of Burnsville-based remodeling company New Spaces, says the regulations have already increased the cost of his jobs.

"We have to make sure that all of our trade partners are aware of these rules, understand what they are going to find when they get on site and how to comply with the rules," he said. "So the training gets pretty broad once you start to figure out all of the people impacted by it."

Nelson says the law also protects the health of workers and homeowners.

"You have to put up plastic barriers containing the area that you are working in. You also need to bag all of the debris that leaves that site so when you are doing the demolition you would bag up all of the waste inside that contained area before you brought it out of there," he said.

The delay allows contractors to sign up for training by Sept. 30. Training must be completed by Dec. 31.