Environmental education associates provides all course materials, including course manuals, handouts, specimens and electronic media, where applicable.

You may want to bring a pen and note paper. We will supply pens and highlighters for those attending an initial training course. Those attending courses that are “hands-on” should be prepared for manual labor and should be outfitted appropriately with long pants and work boots. Environmental Education Associates will provide any additional safety equipment, including safety glasses and hard hats as determined by the circumstances.

Environmental Education Associates reserves the right to cancel classes due to low enrollment in advance of the course start date. To avoid any inconvenience, pre-registration with full payment is the only way to be notified if a class is cancelled.

In the event that class is cancelled, refunds will be issued. Additionally, refunds will be issued if a student cancels five business days prior to class start date. If the student cancels in less than 5 business days, credit will be issued for the next available class. If a student does not cancel their registration, or begins a class and is unable to complete the entire class, the student is ineligible for a refund and is responsible for the full tuition.

Please see our full cancellation policy for more details.

If you are being trained for the first time, you will need to bring your New York State Drivers License. If you are being trained by Environmental Education Associates and you are not a resident of New York State, you will need to contact the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a New York ID number.

If you have already received training, you’ll need to bring a copy of your 2832 (DOSH Form) along with a current government issued picture identification card.

Workers involved in asbestos abatement must first receive appropriate training from a New York State Department of Health accredited asbestos safety training provider prior to being certified through the New York State Department of Labor Asbestos Licensing and Certification Unit.

The Department of Health has regulatory oversight of New York State accredited asbestos safety training providers. Part of the Bureau of Occupational Health, the Asbestos Safety Training Program regulates specific training courses in nine disciplines that involve the handling, evaluation, sampling and removal of asbestos containing materials.

In New York State, certification is a two-step process. To work with asbestos you must:

1. Attend training in one of nine disciplines at a New York State Department of Health accredited asbestos safety training provider and then;
2. Apply for a certificate through the New York State Department of Labor Asbestos Licensing and Certification Unit.

Also, when engaged in asbestos work activities you must be working for a New York State Department of Labor licensed asbestos contractor.

You need to read and complete the Asbestos Safety Training Equivalency/Reciprocity Application (DOH-4353). This application is for out of state trainees who seek a determination that their training is substantially equivalent to that required by 10 NYCRR, Part 73. If approved, out-of-state applicants will need to complete a New York State refresher course.

Asbestos workers must keep their training current by completing annual refresher training. Training is specific to each discipline and valid for one calendar year regardless of the expiration date on your New York State Department of Labor certificate or “hard card”. Once your training expires, you are in a grace period and cannot be actively engaged in asbestos work. You have a one-year grace period after your training expires in which to complete refresher training. Once your grace period expires (exactly two calendar years from the date of your last training course completion date), you are no longer eligible to complete refresher training and must repeat an initial course of training.

Yes, asbestos companies and contractors must be licensed through the New York State Department of Labor Asbestos Licensing and Certification Unit.

You must complete annual refresher training at a New York State Department of Health accredited asbestos safety training provider. After completing training, you must renew your certification with the Department of Labor Asbestos Licensing and Certification Unit.

I am an asbestos investigator in New York City and I am licensed through the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Do I need a certificate from New York State?

Yes, you need to be certified with the New York State Department of Labor, Asbestos Control Bureau, Asbestos Licensing and Certification Unit, if you are working anywhere in New York State (memorandum for New York City Asbestos Work).

In addition, New York City Department of Environmental Protection certified asbestos investigators, like all disciplines, must complete annual refresher training, regardless of the expiration date of their New York City Department of Environmental Protection or New York State Department of Labor certifications. This policy is outlined in the Asbestos Safety Training Program Memorandum 2009-01.

There are nine separate and distinct disciplines in New York State. Each has a specific set of training requirements.

1. Allied Trades – Any person performing any limited or special tasks in preparation for, or ancillary to, an asbestos project, such as a carpenter, electrician, plumber or similar occupation, or any other person who may potentially disturb friable or non-friable asbestos during the course of any employment.
2. Operations and Maintenance – Any person who performs operations, maintenance and repair activities which may disturb minor quantities of ACM, PACM or asbestos material. Operation and maintenance certification permits the holder to perform OSHA Class III asbestos work only on minor asbestos projects. These minor asbestos projects must be associated with repairs required in the performance of emergency or routine maintenance activity, and is not intended solely as asbestos abatement. Such work may not exceed minor quantities of ACM to be disturbed within a single glovebag or a single negative pressure tent enclosure.
3. Asbestos Handler (Worker) – Any person who removes, encapsulates, encloses, repairs or disturbs friable or non-friable asbestos, or who handles asbestos material in any manner which may result in the release of asbestos fiber.
4. Contractor/Supervisor – Any person who performs supervision of persons (other than authorized visitors) permitted to enter the restricted area and regulated abatement work area. The supervisor is also responsible for performing the duties of the OSHA competent person for the asbestos project, consistent with current OSHA regulations.
5. Inspector – Any person who performs the limited tasks involved in the asbestos survey, identification and assessment of the condition of asbestos and asbestos material and the recording and reporting thereof, or who is involved in the collection of bulk samples of asbestos material or suspected asbestos material for laboratory analysis.
6. Management Planner – Any person who assesses the hazard posed by the presence of asbestos or asbestos containing material and/or who recommends appropriate response actions and a schedule for such response actions.
7. Asbestos Project Air Sampling Technician – Any person who performs project air sampling.
8. Project Monitor – Any person other than the asbestos abatement contractor’s supervisor, who oversees the scope, timing, phasing and/or remediation methods to be utilized on and the completeness of any asbestos project.
9. Project Designer – Any person who plans the scope, timing, phasing and remediation methods to be utilized on any asbestos project.

AHERA, a provision of the Toxic Substances Control Act, became law in 1986. AHERA requires local education agencies to inspect their schools for asbestos-containing building material and prepare management plans to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards. Public school districts and non-profit private schools (collectively called local education agencies) are subject to AHERA’s requirements. This includes charter schools and schools affiliated with religious institutions.

The New York State Department of Health Asbestos Safety Training Program performs AHERA compliance audits and assistance at schools in New York State on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The new EPA rules state that any contractor participating on renovation projects on buildings or spaces that were built before 1978 must get certified under the guidelines of the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule or they will face fines of $37,500 per day that they are working in a qualified space.

Yes. As a certified abatement supervisor, you will be required to take a half day (4-hour) “refresher” course. This is also true for those who have completed the lead abatement worker, or any recognized “Lead Safe Work Practices” courses, including the lead based paint maintenance training program “Work Smart, Work Wet and Work Clean to Work Lead Safe,” prepared by NATA for EPA and HUD; “The Remodelers and Renovators Lead Based Paint Training Program,” prepared by HUD and NARI; or other courses previously approved by HUD for this purpose after consultation with EPA.

A person can become a certified renovator by either:

• Successfully completing an accredited renovator training course, or
• Successfully completing an accredited refresher renovator training course if the individual previously completed an accredited abatement worker or supervisor course, or has completed an EPA, HUD, or EPA/HUD model renovation training course (commonly known as Lead Safe Work Practices). Proof of prior training must be submitted and verified by the training provider.

Where can I find this training?

Environmental Education Associates has been accredited by the USEPA to offer training throughout the nation at our fixed locations as well as off-site locations. You can sign up for one of our scheduled courses on-line or call our training department.

In addition to training, your firm must become an accredited Renovation Firm by applying to USEPA.

What are the fees associated with accreditation?

There are 2 certification options from the USEPA. Renovation Firm Certification is $300 and a combined Lead-based Paint Activities and Renovation Firm Certification is $550. There is no fee for individual certification; individuals are certified by the trainer, not the USEPA. Please note that EPA Certification fees do not include any training fees.  You must have both the training certificate and the firm certificate present on all qualifying job sites.

EXCEPTIONS: EPA has the authority to authorize states, tribes and territories to administer their own RRP program that would operate in lieu of the EPA regulations. Currently the following states have been authorized by EPA and may have different compliance requirements from the federal program: Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Contractors who attend training and perform work in the following states are required to register with the state in lieu of the EPA: Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

In addition to obtaining a Renovation Firm License, firms performing renovations must ensure that:

• All persons performing renovation activities are certified renovators or have received on-the-job training by a certified renovator;
• A certified renovator is assigned to each renovation performed by the firm; and
• All renovations are performed in accordance with applicable work practice standards.

How long is the accreditation good for?

Firms will have to re-apply for re-certification every 5 years. To maintain individual certification, a person must go through an accredited refresher course every 5 years.

As of April 2010, all renovations must be performed by certified firms in accordance with the work practice standards and associated record keeping requirements. We suggest that you submit your Renovation Firm application to EPA or EPA-Authorized State at least 8 weeks in advance of the date you would need the certification.

If you work on HUD or other government projects, you MAY need to have all workers certified. If this applies to you, please contact your Client or local jurisdiction to see what their requirements are. If your project is not HUD or government, there is only one certified Renovator required at your company but you must give on the job training to other persons performing renovation activities. In addition, you are required to maintain records of this training. Remember: a certified Renovator must be assigned to each renovation project, so you will likely need more than one certified Renovator if you have multiple jobs going on simultaneously.

Yes, after the renovation is complete, the firm must clean the work area. The certified Renovator must verify the cleanliness of the work area using a procedure involving disposable cleaning cloths. However, you may request that a clearance be performed by a certified professional.  See the Lead Sampling FAQ below.

US EPA is the enforcing agency. In addition, EPA has the authority to authorize states, tribes and territories to administer their own RRP program that would operate in lieu of the EPA regulations. Currently the following states have been authorized by EPA and may have different compliance requirements from the federal program: Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

This FAQ guide was prepared pursuant to section 212 of SBREFA. EPA has tried to help explain in this guide what you must do to comply with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and EPA’2s lead regulations. However, this guide has no legal effect and does not create any legal rights. Compliance with the procedures described in this guide does not establish compliance with the rule or establish a presumption or inference of compliance. The legal requirements that apply to renovation work are governed by EPA’s 2008 Lead Rule, which governs if there is any inconsistency between the rule and the information in this guide.

No. If the surface to be painted is not disturbed by sanding, scraping, window replacement, or other activities that may cause dust, the work is not considered renovation and the EPA’s or Authorized State’s lead program requirements do not apply. However, painting projects that involve surface preparation that disturbs paint, such as sanding and scraping, would be covered.

The RRP lead program rules apply only to renovations performed for compensation; therefore, if you work on your own home, the rules do not apply. EPA encourages homeowners to use lead-safe work practices, nonetheless, in order to protect themselves, their families, and the value of their homes.

Yes. The receipt of rent payments or salaries derived from rent payments is considered compensation under EPA’s lead program. Therefore, renovation activities performed by landlords or employees of landlords are covered.

The 7-day advance delivery requirement applies only when you deliver the lead pamphlet by mail; otherwise, you may deliver the pamphlet anytime before the renovation begins as long as the renovation begins within 60 days of the date that the pamphlet is delivered. For example, if your renovation is to begin May 30, you may deliver the pamphlet in person anytime between April 1 and start of the project on May 30, or you may deliver the pamphlet by mail anytime between April 1 and May 23.

The important difference is examined when the results are in. Dust wipe testing culminates in reporting the results to the owners and occupants, regardless of the values relative to the EPA hazard standards. Clearance, on the other hand, requires that the Renovator “pass” the EPA hazards standards of 40, 250 & 400 ug/f2 for the floors, sill and wells respectively.

The EPA explains that information on results of dust sampling testing is likely to improve landlords and occupants awareness of dust-lead hazards. Per EPA, “It will also greatly improve their ability to make further risk management decisions”. As such, the owner can’t hold the Renovator to the hazard standards unless they’ve specified such in their contract agreement.

DWT and clearance must be performed by someone who has passed the EPA Dust Sampling Technician certification.

13 samples plus 1 blank for a renovation clearance Floor, Windowsill, Window Trough from each room (12, if each room has these) and outside work area sample (1) and a blank (1). 13 samples + 1 Blank

Yes, a Renovator can conduct post renovation evaluation on his/her own projects but there needs to be sufficient training before the clearance can be done. The dust wipe testing needs to be performed by a person who has successfully completed the EPA Dust Sampling Technician certification, a one day course presented by an EPA accredited trainer. EPA certified Inspectors and Risk Assessors can also serve as this role.

The kit gives homeowners and contractors the ability to conduct wipe samplings after lead safe work practices that meet HUD & EPA requirements and regulations. The cost is $195 and everything that is needed for the sampling is included. These items include wipes, tubes, gloves, chain of custody, and other sampling forms; everything you need to perform your sampling quickly and efficiently. EEA also includes a UPS shipping box for easy, convenient, and reliable service. Once the sampling is received at the lab, the results will be analyzed and processed within 72 hours. Once your samples arrive a new kit will be mailed so you never miss an opportunity to perform a clearance. This kit and service is USEPA, NLLAP, and AIHA approved.

The UNYSE Labs “do it yourself” lead dust sampling kit is a must need item for all contractors and home renovators. This convenient kit makes sampling easy along with the knowledge that you can rest easy with the UNYSE Lab processing your results. The leader in environmental testing analysis throughout New York State.

Mold licenses are valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance.

No, mold licensees who do not renew their license prior to its expiration date cannot perform work on a mold project until their license is renewed. A mold licensee whose license has expired, but continues to hold himself or herself out as a mold assessor, remediation contractor, or abatement worker is in violation of Article 32, Section 931 of the New York State Labor Law.

• The mold license is no longer valid and the individual or company cannot perform work on a mold project until the license is renewed.
• If the license has lapsed for less than or exactly one year from the expiration date, the license can be reinstated by completing a mold refresher course and submitting the application package and non-refundable fee. Note that the new expiration date will be advanced two years from the original expiration date (not from the date of receipt of the renewal application). For example, if a license expires on January 31, 2018 and the applicant submits the renewal application late on August 31, 2018, the new expiration date will be January 31, 2020 (not August 31, 2020). Submitting a renewal application late results in a reduced licensure term for the applicant.
• If the license has lapsed for more than one year from the expiration date, the applicant will be required to repeat the initial mold training course before reapplying for licensure, unless the applicant can show proof of completing a mold refresher course in the appropriate timeframe.

To renew a mold license, applicants must:

• Satisfactorily complete a four-hour mold refresher course from a Department-approved training provider. Please check Approved Mold Training Course Providers for a list of Department-approved training providers.
• Submit the appropriate mold application form(s) and pay the statutorily required application fee(s). The application forms are located on the Department’s Documents and Publications webpage.
• Submit proof of Workers’ Compensation coverage, and Disability and Liability insurance coverage if required (refer to application form instructions).

All mold licensees must complete a four-hour, Department-approved refresher course in order to renew their license. The refresher course curriculum and required number of hours is the same for all mold license types (Assessor, Remediation Contractor, Abatement Worker Supervisor, and Abatement Worker).

The mold refresher course can be taken up to one year in advance of the applicant’s mold license expiration date. Refresher courses taken more than one year before the applicant’s license expiration date are invalid.

No, only a DOL-approved mold refresher course can be used to renew a mold license and advance the license expiration date forth two years. A license application submitted with an initial mold course completion certificate is always treated as a new license, not a renewal of an existing license. Applicants who submit an initial mold course completion certificate for license renewal purposes will cause their current license issuance date to be reset, with the expiration date carrying forward two years from the new issued date, potentially reducing the original licensure term.

An applicant seeking to renew a mold license shall submit a renewal application no sooner than one year before the license expires.

A separate renewal application and non-refundable fee must be submitted for each mold license type held by the licensee. Renewal applications should be submitted no sooner than one year before each license expires.  Depending on when the applicant completes the mold refresher course, it is possible that the same mold refresher course could be used to renew multiple license types. The mold refresher course can be taken up to one year in advance of the applicant’s mold license expiration date, therefore it can be used to renew all license types that expire within that one-year time period. A copy of the refresher course completion certificate must accompany each license type renewal application.

The Department recommends that applicants apply for a mold license within two years of completing the initial mold training course.

Applicants who apply for a mold license more than two years after completing the initial mold training course must also show proof of completing a mold refresher course within three years of the initial course and every other year thereafter in order to be eligible for licensure. If a mold refresher course was not completed within the appropriate timeframe(s), the applicant will be required to repeat the initial mold training course in order to apply for licensure.

Students who completed initial mold training but never obtained a license can take the mold refresher.  However, depending on the amount of time that has passed since completion of their initial mold training course, the student’s mold refresher may not be valid toward the mold licensing requirements.

Training providers should advise students to apply for a mold license within two years of completing the initial mold training course. Students who apply for a mold license more than two years after completing the initial mold training course must also show proof of completing a mold refresher course within three years of the initial course and every other year thereafter in order to be eligible for licensure. If a mold refresher course was not completed within the appropriate timeframe(s), the student will be required to repeat the initial mold training course in order to apply for licensure.

Training providers have discretion over who is allowed to attend their mold training courses; however, they must inform the individuals of the requirements for mold licensure and provide them with the Department’s contact information prior to registration.

If a mold license is lost or stolen prior to its expiration, the licensee may request a replacement. The licensee should submit a letter to the Department which includes the licensee’s name, DMV ID number, address, and an explanation of the loss. The letter should be sent to the address below. No fee is required for replacement licenses.

NYS Department of Labor
License and Certificate Unit
Building 12 – Room 161A
State Office Campus, Albany, New York 12240

Any change to the information contained in the license application should be reported to the Department in writing within 30 calendar days of the effective date of the change. Such changes include (but are not limited to) changes in address, company ownership, insurance coverage, etc. The updated license information should be submitted to the License and Certificate Unit at the address below.

NYS Department of Labor
License and Certificate Unit
Building 12 – Room 161A
State Office Campus, Albany, New York 12240

No. Labor Law Article 32 Section 946 (1) provides that a licensed mold remediator cannot perform work on a project without an assessment performed by a licensed assessor. Before beginning site preparation work, the law requires that a licensed remediator:

• obtain a copy of the licensed mold assessor’s mold remediation plan from the client;
• prepare a mold remediation work plan (“work plan”) that fulfills all of the requirements of the licensed assessor’s mold remediation plan; and
• provide a copy of the newly prepared “work plan” to the client.

No. Labor Law Section 936 (2), states that no licensee shall perform both mold assessment and mold remediation on the same project. If the licensed mold remediator on a project engages in assessment conduct that would otherwise be performed by a licensed mold assessor on that project, the licensed mold remediator has violated Section 936 of the Labor Law. This includes the practice of providing the client with a “fill-in-the-blank” assessment form.

No. The Labor Law does not allow a licensed mold remediator to perform work on a project without an assessment from a licensed mold assessor. In addition, Labor Law Section 936 prohibits a licensee from performing both the mold assessment and the mold remediation on the same project.

No, cost estimates for mold remediation projects should not be provided in the absence of a mold assessment. Providing a cost estimate to the client prior to a mold assessment eliminates the consumer protection aspect of having an independent mold assessor and mold remediation contractor on the project. In accordance with Article 32 of the New York State Labor Law (Article 32), one of the objectives of the mold assessment is to provide the client with information they can use to determine the scope of the remediation.

The licensed mold assessor prepares a mold remediation plan which includes a cost estimate for the completion of the mold abatement. A copy of this plan should be given by the client to the mold remediation contractor to develop a work plan and quote for the project.

In accordance with Article 32 Section 946, the mold remediation contractor shall prepare a work plan which fulfills all the requirements of the mold assessor’s remediation plan. This work plan shall be given to the client before mold abatement work begins. This process is further explained in the department’s fact sheet, What to Expect When You Hire a Mold Assessor or Mold Remediation Contractor