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Photo courtesy John Winters Thanks to The Boren Foundation, and Jack and Karen Kay Leonard for making this website possible. |
Recommendations to Governor Frank O'Bannon by IKE's Lead Poisoning Prevention Task Force
Finalized on April 26, 2000
Recommendation #10
License a sufficient number abatement contractors and risk assessors to meet the need.
Action: Develop training programs to ensure that there are a sufficient number of abatement contractors and risk assessors to quickly and effectively provide services.
In 1998 and 1999, IDEM and ISDH arranged for more than 100 individuals to be trained and licensed as lead based paint risk assessors and inspectors. Many of these individuals were from local health departments or state agencies. In exchange for the free training, each individual was required to perform 20 free risk assessments for families at risk for lead poisoning or child care facilities. Unfortunately, some of these individuals have not completed their promised risk assessments and others have completed their risk assessments but have not gotten licensed or taken refresher training. These risk assessors are critical to the state’s ability to identify lead-based paint problems and provide effective advice. Enough risk assessors are needed to provide services in a timely and efficient manner across the State.
The situation is more difficult for abatement contractors. Currently, only one contractor is licensed to provide lead based paint abatement services. Unless more are trained and licensed, the State will not be able to respond to the demand created by the HUD rule and the implementation of these recommendations.
The IKE Task Force believes that the State needs to:
- Ensure that all individuals taking risk assessment fulfill their commitment, especially if they are State employees, or have their organization reimburse the State for the cost of the training.
- Provide refresher training and licensing on an ongoing basis for risk assessors who work for State and local units of government at no cost.
- Encourage contractors throughout the State to become trained and licensed to perform lead-based paint abatement.