Lead Hazard Reduction Program
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Lead Hazard Reduction Program
Lead is a toxic metal used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Although lead-based paint was banned for use in residential structures in 1978, deterioration of old buildings, remodeling and renovation of older houses, and lead in dust and soil result in a continuing health threat — especially for young children.
On September 26, 2000, the State of Tennessee Lead-Based Paint Abatement Rule became effective for activities conducted in “target housing” and “child occupied facilities”. The Toxic Substances Program certifies lead professionals, provides accreditation for the proper training programs, and provides work practice standards for conducting lead-based paint abatement activities.
Rule Chapter 0400-13-01-Lead-Based Paint Abatement became effective June 5, 2024. It replaces and amends Chapter 1200-01-18, which was effective September 26, 2000. Rule Chapter 0400-13-01-Lead-Based Paint Abatement implements Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) Section 68-131-401 et seq., Part 4-Tennessee Lead-Based Paint Abatement Certification Act of 1997. The State of Tennessee Lead Hazard Program became an EPA-authorized program on January 17, 2001.
The LBP Rule requires that LBP activities conducted in "target housing" and "child-occupied facilities" in the State of Tennessee must be conducted by firms and individuals certified by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).
- To become an LBP certified firm, download Application to Conduct Lead-based Paint Activities, Form CN-1298
- To become an LBP-certified individual:
Newly Revised Notification Form for Lead-based Paint Activities in the State of Tennessee
On July 1, 2024, the State of Tennessee Lead Hazard Program implemented the use of a new Lead-Based Paint Activity Notification form (CN-1329) for lead-based paint activities conducted in Tennessee.
The new form is an electronic, fillable form. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader version 8.0 or higher installed on your computer to use the fillable form. This is a free software. Alternatively, you may print and manually complete the form for each project notification.
Beginning July 1, 2024, all lead-based paint abatement projects must pay a project notification fee based on the following criteria. If the cost of the abatement project increases due to changed orders, the firm must submit an additional fee at the fee rate times the increase abatement project amount.
There are no Lead-Based Paint notification fees for inspections, lead hazard screens, risk assessments, and clearance testing.
| Lead-Based Paint Activities – Project Review Notification Fee | ||
|---|---|---|
| Abatement Project Type | Project Contract Cost | Project Review Notification Fee |
All types of abatement in single-family, multi-family, and child-occupied facilities |
All abatement project costs |
0.02 times project contract cost |
Amended/revised project notification for all types of abatement in single family, multi- family and child-occupied facilities |
All abatement project costs |
$50 |
All Lead-Based Paint inspections, risk assessments, occupant protection, plans, clearance sampling, and project specifications |
Not applicable |
No Fee |
To submit a Notification to the Lead Hazard Program using the new fillable form, follow these steps:
- Download new Notification form to your computer: Lead-Based Paint Activity Notification, Form CN-1329;
- Save the downloaded form as a “NOTIFICATION TEMPLATE” to use for all of your future abatement projects;
- Open the “NOTIFICATION TEMPLATE” you previously saved to your computer;
- Rename the file by clicking File > Save As > and create the new filename using the project address that applies to the Notification you are preparing to submit (for example, your project located 1234 Main St. should be named (1234MainStNotify.pdf);
- Before you begin entering your project information onto the form, click the “Reset All” button located in the top right corner of the notification form. You should hit the reset all button each time you begin a new project to clear any information you may have accidentally saved from a previous Notification;
- Enter in your project information;
- Attach a brief description of the lead-based paint abatement project activities including approximate square footage and/or number of rooms;
- After entering all required information, save the Notification form again to your computer (File > Save); and,
- Print a copy of the completed form, and sign and date section 6 (Certification and Signature).
You are now ready to submit the completed Notification form to the Lead-Based Paint Program by one of the following methods:
Lead-Based Paint Abatement Project Notifications and Fees -Mail to:
Division of Land ProtectionWaste Management Branch, Toxic Substances Program
Davy Crockett Tower, 7th Floor
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Lead-Based Paint Project Notifications for inspections, lead hazard screens, risk assessments, and clearance testing.
Fax to 615-532-0886
Mail to:
Division of Land ProtectionWaste Management Branch, Toxic Substances Program
Davy Crockett Tower, 7th Floor
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Information You Should Know
Please discard any previous versions of the Lead-Based Paint Notification form and ensure you use the Lead-based Paint Activity Notification, Form CN-1329 (Rev. 10 -18). Previous versions of the Lead-Based Paint Notification form are no longer valid. Any notifications received on older forms will be deemed as ‘non-submittal’ and not in compliance with the LEAD-BASED PAINT ABATEMENT Rule:
0400-13-01-.01(6)(k) Work Practice Standards for Conducting Lead-Based Paint Activities: Target Housing and Child-Occupied Facilities: [40 CFR 745.227].
“(k) Notification. (k) Notification. LEAD-BASED PAINT ABATEMENT CHAPTER
A certified firm must notify the Commissioner of lead-based paint activities as follows:
1. Except as provided in part 2. of this subparagraph, the Commissioner must be notified prior to conducting lead-based paint activities. The original notification must be received by the Commissioner at least five business days before the start date of any lead-based paint activities.
2. Notification for lead-based paint activities required in response to an elevated blood lead level (EBLL) determination, or federal, State, or local emergency abatement order, should be received by the Commissioner as early as possible before, but must be received no later than, the start date of the lead-based paint activities. Should the start date or location provided to the Commissioner change, an updated notification must be received by the Commissioner on or before the start date provided to the Commissioner. Documentation showing evidence of an EBLL determination or a copy of the federal, state, Tribal, or local emergency abatement order must be included in the written notification to take advantage of this abbreviated notification period.
3. Except as provided in part 2. of this subparagraph, updated notification must be provided to the Commissioner for lead-based paint activities that will begin on a date other than the start date specified in the original notification as follows:
(i) For lead-based paint activities beginning prior to the start date provided to the Commissioner, an updated notification must be received by the Commissioner at least five business days before the new start date included in the notification.
(ii) For lead-based paint activities beginning after the start date provided to the Commissioner, an updated notification must be received by the Commissioner on or before the start date provided to the Commissioner.
4. Except as provided in part 2. of this subparagraph, updated notification must be provided to the Commissioner for any change in location of lead-based paint activities at least five business days prior to the start date provided to the Commissioner.
5. Updated notification must be provided to the Commissioner when lead-based paint activities are canceled or when there are other significant changes including, but not limited to, when the square footage or acreage to be abated changes by more than 20%. This updated notification must be received by the Commissioner on or before the start date provided to the Commissioner, or if work has already begun, within 24 hours of the change."
Additional links to assist in the LBP Program:
Professionals working with lead-based paint in "target housing" and "child-occupied facilities" must be trained and certified to ensure that they follow lead-safe work practices to protect citizens and the environment.
TDEC’s Commissioner requires all individuals applying for LBP certification to take the third-party national examination upon completion of an accredited training course in the corresponding discipline. These certification exams are now available to be administered online. To receive approval to take an exam, please click on the link below to complete an exam authorization form.
• Exam Authorization Form - Available upon request
• Certification Examination Training and Study Guide
• Exam Reference Material – Materials will be e-mail to students upon the completion of the exam authorization form submitted with payment
The exam authorization form and fees must be submitted first to the LBP Program at:
Division of Land ProtectionWaste Management Branch, Toxic Substances Program
Attn: Robbyn Smith
Davy Crockett Tower, 7th Floor
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Applicants applying for initial LBP certification with the State of Tennessee LBP Program may apply to take the Commissioner’s third-party exam within six months from the course completion date, for the following disciplines: inspector, risk assessor, or supervisor. Students must pass the third-party certification exam in the appropriate discipline with a score of 70% or better.
After completing and passing the certification exam, applicants must complete the certification application process. To obtain individual LBP certification, please download the Application to Conduct Lead-based Paint Activities – Individual (Form CN-1297) and follow the instructions.
To obtain firm LBP certification, please download the Application to Conduct Lead-based Paint Activities – Firm (Form CN-1298).
1. Apply for certification through the electronic portal:
2. Download an electronic identification card for our lead certification:
MyTN is the official mobile application for State of Tennessee electronic permits and ID cards.
Individuals that have an active lead-based paint certification and/or asbestos accreditation, can download an electronic identification card onto their mobile telephone. The electronic ID Card will show an individual's active certified/accredited disciplines.
To obtain the electronic ID Card, individuals must first download the MyTN application from the Apple Store or Google Play.
The following PowerPoint presentation details the procedures to download the MyTN application and to obtain an electronic ID Card for lead-based paint certifications and/or asbestos accreditations.
Click on the link to view the PowerPoint presentation:
3. Continue reading below for details about how to apply for certification and register to take the certification examination.
Effective June 5, 2024, individuals engaged in lead-based paint (LBP) activities in "target housing" and "child-occupied facilities" in the State of Tennessee must be certified by the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The Lead-Based Paint Abatement Program is a part of the Division of Land Protection - Waste Management Branch.
Individuals seeking certification to conduct lead abatement activities in the State of Tennessee must first meet the qualifications required for each individual discipline (worker, supervisor, inspector, risk assessor, and project designer) as described in the State of Tennessee Lead-Based Paint Abatement Rule 0400-13-01.
If qualified for the discipline of interest, the individual is required to obtain the appropriate LBP training course certificate from an Accredited Asbestos and Certified Lead-Based Paint Professional in TN.
To obtain State of Tennessee lead-based paint certification in an applied discipline(s), individuals must pass the State of Tennessee Commissioner's (third-party) certification examination. This exam is administered by the LBP Program and must be passed within six (6) months following the completion of the appropriate LBP training course previously discussed.
The LBP exam is administered online; once your application is approved, you will receive an access link from the examiner with instructions. An individual may request to take an on-site exam at our Nashville Central Office location at 500 James Robertson Parkway, 7th Floor. For assistance, contact Robbyn.Smith@tn.gov to schedule your date and time. In preparation for the exam, you may refer to the Certification Examination Training and Study Guide.
Schedule to take the Third-Party Lead Examination
To take the Lead-Based Paint third-party exam, please use the Lead-Based Paint Online Electronic Submission System to submit an individual application and payment. If you have questions, contact the LBP Program by phone at (888) 771-5323 or Robbyn Smith at (615) 532-6877.
After obtaining the LBP course certificate and upon completing and passing the 3rd party exam, you must apply for the State of Tennessee LBP certification.
To obtain individual LBP certification, please download the Application to Conduct Lead-based Paint Activities - Individual, Form CN-1297.
To obtain firm LBP certification, please download the Application to Conduct Lead-based Paint Activities - Firm, Form CN-1298.
The third-party examination for lead-based paint (LBP) certification is brought to you through a partnership between the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Region 4, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Board of Regents, and Motlow State Community College. The third-party certification national exams for LBP supervisor, inspector, and risk assessor were last updated by USEPA in May 2014. These exams were again updated in March 2021 to reflect the new federal Dust Lead Hazards Standards (effective 1/6/2020) and federal Clearance Levels (effective 3/8/2021).
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the USEPA under a grant agreement (# BG-01D09302-0) with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
Toxic Substances Program is offering the Lead-Based Paint Third-Party Certification Examination online through Motlow Community College
The Toxic Substances Program monitors the compliance of contractors and workers conducting lead abatement projects in target residential dwellings and child occupied facilities built prior to 1978. A Lead-Based Paint Compliance Notebook is provided to assist lead-based paint certified supervisors, project designers and firms who conduct lead abatement activities in target housing and child-occupied facilities within the state.
The Compliance Guide is intended to assist lead-based paint certified firms and individuals to conduct lead hazard reduction activities in Tennessee in compliance with the State of Tennessee Rule 0400-13-01-.01 and Federal Regulations.
The Compliance Guide is intended to assist lead-based paint certified firms and individuals to conduct lead hazard reduction activities in Tennessee in compliance with the State of Tennessee Rule 0400-13-01-.01 and Federal Regulations.
Common renovation activities can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint. The U.S. EPA requires contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Let us help you learn more about this federal program.
Lead-based Paint Abatement/Lead-Hazard Control and Renovation, Repair and Painting Activities
The following matrix shows the demarcation of lead-based paint (LBP) abatement activities and Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) activities that can be performed by entities in Tennessee.
State of Tennessee Program
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can authorize states, territories, and tribes (hereinafter referred to as “state”) to administer and enforce the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) and Lead-Based Paint Activities (Abatement) regulations. While Tennessee does administer and enforce the Lead-based Paint Activities rule, it is not currently authorized to administer and enforce RRP. EPA administers and enforces RRP in unauthorized states.
Tennessee has a Pre-renovation Education Program, which is under TSCA 406(b) and is independent of RRP firm and renovator certification requirements and defined work-practice standards also outlined in TSCA 406(b). Our amended rule, which is pending an effective date, adopts other requirements. Once effective, Tennessee will submit an application to the EPA for authorization of its Pre-Renovation education Program.
Pre-renovation Education regulatory requirements apply to pre-1978 and child-occupied pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities where more than 6-square feet of lead-based paint on the interior or more than 20-square feet on the exterior are disturbed. Firms will be required to be certified by the EPA as an RRP firm, and each must have a state-certified ‘Renovator’ who has completed an 8-hour state-accredited lead-safe work practices course. After completing regulated RRP activities, units must be properly cleaned to remove lead hazards and pass clearance testing and/or screening.
EPA Lead Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) and State of Tennessee Pre-Renovation requirements applicable during Asbestos work in Target Housing and Child-Occupied Facilities
The federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule (40 CFR 745, Subpart E) was initially effective June 23, 2008 and modified April 22, 2010. The RRP regulation establishes requirements for firms and individuals performing renovations, repair and painting activities for compensation in target housing and child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978. These requirements affect contractors, property managers, and others who disturb six or more square feet/room on interior surfaces and 20 or more square feet on exterior painted surfaces. Regulated renovation, repair and painting activities are defined and include any weatherization, electrical, and plumbing activities that punch holes into painted surfaces to access areas where the work is performed. Child-occupied facilities are also specifically defined in the RRP regulation and may be located in public or commercial buildings or in target housing and apartments. Under the regulation, a child-occupied facility is a building, or a portion of a building, constructed prior to 1978, visited regularly by the same child under six years of age, such as schools and childcare centers.
The State of Tennessee pending amended Rule 0400-13-01 Lead-Based Paint Activities requires pre-renovation education of owners and adult occupants in target housing, and of owners, adult representatives, and parents & guardians of children in child-occupied facilities.
Additional regulatory requirements that are applicable to asbestos abatement projects that may disturb painted surfaces and which occur in facilities meeting the definitions of target housing and/or child-occupied facilities, including but not limited to apartment buildings, public/commercial buildings, single-family homes, day cares, preschools, and kindergarten classrooms.
If you are a firm that conducts defined RRP activities, then we recommend you read through all of the subjects below to learn how to fulfill your legal requirements to protect yourself, your employees, and your clients from the dangers of lead exposure. Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Contractors | US EPA.
Under EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule (40 CFR 745, Subpart E) beginning April 22, 2010, firms performing renovation, repair and painting projects, and interim controls that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and kindergartens built before 1978 must be EPA- or state-certified and must use certified renovators who follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
RRP requirements do not apply to an activity performed as part of a lead-based paint abatement as defined by this part (40 CFR 745.223).
The full requirements and text of the regulation may be found on EPA’s website, along with information on obtaining training and Lead RRP Certification.
Paragraphs (3) and (4) of Rule 0400-13-01-.03 Residential Property Renovation outlines the requirements for pre-renovation education in applicable facilities. The full requirements and text of the regulation may be found on the Lead Hazard Program page.
Note the definitions of “Target Housing” and “Child-Occupied Facility” in particular:
- “Target housing” means any housing constructed prior to 1978, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities or any zero-bedroom dwelling (unless any child who is less than six years of age resides or is expected to reside in such housing)
- “Child-occupied facility” means a building, or portion of a building, constructed prior to 1978, visited regularly by the same child, under six years of age, on at least two different days within any week (Sunday through Saturday period), provided that each day’s visit lasts at least three hours and the combined weekly visits last at least six hours, and the combined annual visits last at least 60 hours. Child-occupied facilities may include, but are not limited to, day-care centers, preschools, and kindergarten classrooms.
If you are a firm that conducts defined RRP activities, then we recommend you read through all of the subjects below to learn how to fulfill your legal requirements to protect yourself, your employees, and your clients from the dangers of lead exposure. Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Contractors | US EPA.
Asbestos Abatement Activities that intersect with RRP & Pre-Renovation Requirements
The above regulatory requirements pertaining to lead hazards may impact asbestos abatement activities in target housing and child-occupied facilities if painted surfaces are disturbed by abatement and renovation activities of an area of 6-sq. ft or greater on the interior or 20-sq. ft or greater on the exterior building.
See the table below for some common examples of work where Lead RRP/Pre-renovation and NESHAP/MAP may overlap:
| Facility Type | Lead RRP/Pre-Renovation Education | Asbestos Model Accreditation Program (MAP) | NESHAP (if ACM removal amount over threshold or demolition occurs)* | AHERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public, Private Non-Profit, or Charter Elementary school with Kindergarten students | Yes, in all classrooms and common areas where children under age 6 are present (Child-Occupied Facility) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Preschool/Pre-K/Headstart program | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Day Care | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Middle/High Schools | No (unless a Child-Occupied Facility, such as an employee daycare) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Detached, single-family home (incl. duplex/triplex/quad) | Yes | No, unless part of a larger project* | No, unless part of a larger project* | No |
| Apartment building over 4 units but less than 10 units | Yes | No, unless part of a larger project*+ | Yes | No |
| Apartment building with moreYes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| University facilities | No (unless a Child-Occupied Facility, such as an employee daycare) | Yes | Yes | No (unless a K-12 school is present) |
| Rehabilitation and long-term healthcare facilities which serve children under age 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No, unless the facility meets the federal definition of a school (refer to 40 CFR 763 for definition) |
| Commercial/retail properties | No (unless a Child-Occupied Facility) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Industrial facility | No (unless a Child-Occupied Facility, such as an employee daycare) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Church/Temple/Mosque or similar | No (unless a Child-Occupied Facility, such as a daycare or preschool) | Yes | Yes | No (unless a K-12 school program is present) |
Paragraphs (3) and (4) of the State of Tennessee Rule 0400-13-01-.03 Residential Property Renovation:
(3) Information Distribution Requirements.
(a) Renovation of Dwelling Units.
No more than 60 days before beginning renovation activities in any residential dwelling unit of target housing, the renovator must:
1. Provide the owner of the unit with the pamphlet, and comply with one of the following:
(i) Obtain, from the owner, a written acknowledgment that the owner has received the pamphlet; or
(ii) Obtain a certificate of mailing at least seven days prior to the renovation.
2. In addition to the requirements in part 1. of this subparagraph, if the owner does not occupy the dwelling unit, provide an adult occupant of the unit with the pamphlet, and comply with one of the following:
(i) Obtain, from the adult occupant, a written acknowledgment that the occupant has received the pamphlet; or certify in writing that a pamphlet has been delivered to the dwelling and that the renovator has been unsuccessful in obtaining a written acknowledgment from an adult occupant. Such certification must include the address of the unit undergoing renovation, the date and method of delivery of the
pamphlet, names of the persons delivering the pamphlet, reason for lack of acknowledgment (e.g., occupant refuses to sign, no adult occupant available), the signature of the renovator, and the date of signature; or
(ii) Obtain a certificate of mailing at least seven days prior to the renovation.
(b) Renovations in Common Areas.
No more than 60 days before beginning renovation activities in common areas of multi-family housing, the renovator must:
1. Provide the owner with the pamphlet, and comply with one of the following:
(i) Obtain, from the owner, a written acknowledgment that the owner has received the pamphlet; or
(ii) Obtain a certificate of mailing at least seven days prior to the renovation.
2. Notify in writing, or ensure written notification of, each unit of multi-family housing and make the pamphlet available upon request prior to the start of renovation. Such notification shall be accomplished by distributing written notice to each affected unit. The notice shall describe the general nature and locations of the planned renovation activities; the expected starting and ending dates; and a statement of how the occupant can obtain the pamphlet and a copy of the records required by part (4)(b)1 of this rule, at no charge, from the renovator.
3. Prepare, sign, and date a statement describing the steps performed to notify all occupants of the intended renovation activities and to provide the pamphlet.
4. If the scope, location, or expected starting and ending dates of the planned renovation activities change after the initial notification, the renovator must provide further written notification to the owners and occupants providing revised information on the ongoing or planned activities. This subsequent notification must be provided before the renovator initiates work beyond that described in the original notice.
(c) Renovations in child-occupied facilities.
No more than 60 days before beginning renovation activities in any child-occupied facility, the renovator must:
1. (i) Provide the owner of the building with the pamphlet, and comply with one of the following:
(I) Obtain, from the owner, a written acknowledgment that the owner has received the pamphlet; or
(II) Obtain a certificate of mailing at least seven days prior to the renovation.
(ii) If the child-occupied facility is not the owner of the building, provide an adult representative of the child-occupied facility with the pamphlet, and comply with one of the following:
(I) Obtain, from the adult representative, a written acknowledgment that the adult has received the pamphlet; or certify in writing that a pamphlet has been delivered to the facility and that the renovator has been unsuccessful in obtaining a written acknowledgment from an adult representative. Such certification must include the address of the child-occupied facility undergoing renovation, the date and method of delivery of the pamphlet, names of the persons delivering the pamphlet, reason for lack of acknowledgment (e.g., representative refuses to sign), the signature of a representative of the renovator, and the date of signature; or
(II) Obtain a certificate of mailing at least seven days prior to the renovation.
2. Provide the parents and guardians of children using the child-occupied facility with the pamphlet, information describing the general nature and locations of the renovation and the anticipated completion date, and information on how interested parents or guardians of the children frequenting the child-occupied facility can review a copy of the records required by part (4)(b)1 of this rule or obtain a copy from the renovator at no cost to the occupants.
3. Prepare, sign, and date a statement describing the steps performed to notify all parents and guardians of the intended renovation activities and to provide the pamphlet.
(d) Written Acknowledgment.
Sample language for acknowledgment is provided in paragraph (6) of this rule. The written acknowledgments required in subparts (a)1.(i), (a)2.(i), (b)1.(i), (c)1.(i)(I), and (c)1.(ii)(I) of this paragraph shall:
1. Include a statement recording the owner or occupant’s name and acknowledging receipt of the pamphlet prior to the start of renovation, the address of the unit undergoing renovation, the signature of the owner or occupant as applicable, and the date of signature;
2. Be either a separate sheet or part of any written contract or service agreement for the renovation; and
3. Be written in the same language as the text of the contract or agreement for the renovation or, in the case of non-owner-occupied target housing, in the same language as the lease or rental agreement or the pamphlet.
(4) Recordkeeping Requirements.
(a) Renovators shall retain and, if requested, make available to the Commissioner all records necessary to demonstrate compliance with this rule for a period of three years following completion of the renovation activities in target housing.
(b) Records that must be retained pursuant to subparagraph (a) of this paragraph include (where applicable):
1. Reports certifying that a determination had been made by an inspector, certified pursuant to paragraph (5) of Rule 0400-13-01-.01, that lead-based paint is not present in the area affected by the renovation, as described in paragraph (1) of this rule;
2. Signed and dated acknowledgments of receipt as described in subparts (3)(a)1.(i), (3)(a)2.(i), (3)(b)1.(i), (3)(c)1.(i)(I), and (3)(c)1.(ii)(I) of this rule;
3. Certifications of attempted delivery, as described in subparts (3)(a)2.(i) and (3)(c)1(ii)(I) of this rule;
4. Certificates of mailing as described in subparts (3)(a)1.(ii), (3)(a)2.(ii), (3)(b)1.(ii), (3)(c)1(i)(II), and (3)(c)1(ii)(II) of this rule; and
5. Records of notification activities performed regarding common area renovations, as described in parts (3)(b)3., (3)(b)4., and (3)(c)3. of this rule
Federal Program
Renovation activities can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. Beginning in April 2010, the U.S. EPA has required contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
- Learn more about the RRP requirements that are now in effect
- EPA-Accredited RRP Training Providers
Tennessee is an EPA-administered RRP state.
Refer to the full Tennessee NESHAP requirements.
- NESHAP requirements for supervisor training still apply.
The Toxic Substances Program collaborates with the Department of Health to identify the source of lead exposure for children with elevated blood-lead levels. As part of the Elevated Blood-Lead Levels (EBLL) Investigations risk assessment report, actions families can take to reduce the child’s risk of lead exposure are outlined. Learn more about Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention.
Individuals Applying for Certification, Submitting Certification Application Fees, and Project Notifications
The Tennessee Lead-based Paint (LBP) Abatement and Certification Program was authorized in 2001 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and allows the state to implement the program in lieu of EPA. As an authorized program, Tennessee’s acceptance of electronic reports, permit/licensure applications and fee payments must comply with the federal requirements outlined in 40 CFR Part 3 Cross-Media Electronic Reporting (CROMERR).
Firms and individuals can electronically submit applications for lead-based paint (LBP) certification and project notifications of LBP activity. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) Toxic Substances Program activated its new MyTDEC Forms online internet portal on Monday, June 12, 2023. The MyTDEC Forms is a web-based electronic portal system that allows individuals and firms to apply for certification, submit project notifications and documentation, submit fee payments, and obtain notices to proceed with projects.
Individuals applying for certification in an LBP discipline are required to access the LBP web-based portal system and first sign up to comply with CROMERR requirements before they are authorized to use the electronic portal. CROMERR compliance entails each individual establishing a Personal Identification Number (PIN), a password, and an electronic signature. When a form requires an electronic signature, the user signing and submitting the application must pass identity verification, as described below.
CROMERR provides the legal framework for electronic reporting for all EPA environmental regulations and EPA-authorized state programs. It also applies to all documents submitted to the state electronically pursuant to the EPA-authorized state program. To meet CROMERR standards, systems that accept electronic signatures (e-signatures) must be able to provide proof that the e-signature is valid. Since a password can easily be compromised (or freely handed out), the use of a ‘second factor,’ such as challenge questions, in combination with the password has shown to be an effective approach.
Every individual requesting Electronic Signatory rights will be asked to answer five (5) challenge questions upon creating an account in the MyTDEC Forms online portal. The user must answer one randomly selected challenge question each time they enter their password to execute an e-signature. Only a correct answer to the challenge question will allow the user’s password to be applied to the electronic document. Not only does this help us meet CROMERR performance standards, but it also helps to safeguard you and prevent another person from unlawfully representing you.
To access the MyTDEC Forms electronic portal, use the button below for step-by-step instructions to register a new account. Once you see the screen below, click the “register” button from the list of options at the top of the page.
Lead-Based Paint Abatement Rule Change
*****Effective June 5, 2024*****
Chapter 0400-13-01 Lead-based Paint Abatement
repeals Chapter 1200-01-18 Lead-based Paint Abatement, updates the existing
language, and transfers it to 0400-13-01.
The major changes made by Rule Chapter 0400-13-01
Lead-based Paint Abatement rules are:
(a) Replaces the annual certification renewals for individuals and firms with a three-year certification period.
(b) Allows for training programs to offer online refresher training courses, if appropriately accredited.
(c) Lowers the level at which residential lead contaminated dust must be identified as a hazard, as required to comply with current federal requirements.
(d) Lowers the level of lead dust clearance levels to comply with current federal requirements.
(e) Contains a more thorough listing of reasons for non-compliance and disciplinary action.
(f) Sets out notification requirements for lead-based paint activities training courses.
(g) Creates a requirement that a training program notify the commissioner of changes, such as designating a new training manager.
(h) Sets the written requirements for the Occupant Protection Plan.
(i) Increases existing fees and implements new lead-hazard reduction project notification fees; and
(j) Cleans up existing language that defines pre-1978 structures
Archive
This section contains presentations, reports, and other documents related to this project that were created and posted prior to the April 24, 2026, start date for the Title II Section 508, requiring government agencies to have all web content ADA-compliant, and are, as such, identified as archived.
Tennessee's Lead-Based Paint Abatement Rule requires the distribution of Pre-Renovation Education prior to renovations in target housing and child-occupied facilities. The Renovate Right' brochure (Archived) is the current document used to fulfill Pre-Renovation Education requirements (Spanish version also available- Archived).
| Contacts |
|---|
| Lead-Based Paint Hotline (615) 532-5323 |
| Robbyn Smith Robbyn.Smith@tn.gov 615-571-6364 LBP.Notify@tn.gov |
| Contacts |
|---|
| Lead-Based Paint Compliance Pamela Franklin 615-532-0849 Pamela.Franklin@tn.gov |
| Compliance Guidebook Inquiries Brianna Moyers 615-354-3823 Brianna.Moyers@tn.gov |
This Page Last Updated: July 24, 2026 at 9:42 AM