Finding Dangerous Housing

Suites 4 & 5

The task of a risk assessor is to find lead hazards in the home.  Often, the source is easy – deteriorated paint on a window or a sandbox near an exterior wall with lead-based paint chips.  Fortunately, we have new tools such as sophisticated x-ray fluorescent devices that make the task easier.  However, the risk assessor often must be a sleuth in the assessors search for dangerous housing. 

The risk assessor is not alone.  The inspector can identify lead-based paint where a risk assessment is not done.  And the newest person on the job, the sampling technician, can take dust wipe samples to get a sense of the immediate threats to children’s health.  The licensing requirements for these individuals are complex and Indiana varies from the federal requirements.  In the case of the sampling technician, licensing is often not required. Legislation will be considered by the Indiana General Assembly in its 2002 session to modify these requirements and to require licensing for the sampling technician.

This session will help participants learn how best to identify dangerous housing from those who have done it.  Participants will gain insight on the latest protocols to determine whether a home has dangerous conditions consistent with EPA’s January 5, 2001 rule.  They will also hear the latest word on IDEM’s licensing requirements, common errors in license applications, and legislation to change the requirements. 

Moderator:      Bob Hallmen – Greentree Environmental:  Mr. Hallmen is an experienced risk assessor who tests hundreds of homes each year working out of his Valparaiso office.

Speakers:         Joan Ketterman – Environmental Management Institute:  Ms. Ketterman is the lead (Pb) trainer for the Indiana’s largest lead training firm. She will focus on the latest EPA and HUD requirements and the key provisions of Indiana’s licensing requirements.  She will also review the licensing provisions of the proposed Indiana legislation.

                        David White – Indiana Department of Environmental Management:  Mr. White is a senior environmental manager in the asbestos/lead section at IDEM.  He will focus on the state’s licensing requirements and common problems encountered by applicants.  He will also explain IDEM’s approach to licensing enforcement.