For those who expressed interest on our first RRP Training Partner Conference Call, or for anyone interested in learning how to have a manageable Instructor Kit for the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, the following list will detail what is needed for RRP Compliance while saving much needed space and especially weight. If you or your instructors are traveling to their RRP classes, you know how quickly baggage fees that most airlines charge now can add up.
We have broken this RRP Kit Content list into two main categories: Permanent Supplies (aka supplies that you will always have in the kit), and Consumable Supplies (aka supplies that you will need to replenish after each class or a number of classes). I will break down each item and explain how you can save money and pass an EPA audit at the same time, so here we go:
Permanent Supplies:
EPA-Compliant HEPA Vacuum: I do not have to tell you how difficult it is to transport a 5-6 gallon HEPA vacuum, whether you are driving to the venue or flying, let alone the cost it takes to ship this item and the chance you take in guaranteeing it will arrive in one piece if that is the route you take. So the 1-gallon Green Supreme is truly the way to go. It is light (only 12 lbs!), compact, and perfect for smaller RRP projects, and most certainly efficient enough to use during the hands-on activities found in Module # 6 of the RRP course.
Orange Cones: To save space and to have one of the heavier objects in the kit be able to fit into a personal bag pretty easily, an RRP instructor should go with collapsible cones. And how professional they look!
Respirators: For Module # 5 and the personal protective equipment talk, RRP instructors only need two different types to be in compliance. The disposable N-100 rated respirator, and a reusable P-100 w/ HEPA filters will give renovators a fair sense of what is out there. I also have a PowerPoint slide that shows a picture of a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) to show them the top of the line equipment to keep them safe.
Safety Glasses: Since you will pulling only one student up to the front of the room during Module # 5's personal protective equipment activity, grab two pairs of plastic safety glasses and call it a day - one pair for the demo, the other pair for backup.
Work Gloves: Same situation as the glasses - I keep an extra pair or two in my kit in case my demo pair actually rips, but they are pretty durable, so the backups have never been used. They do not weigh that much, so keeping a couple extra pairs won't hurt you staying under 50 lbs.
Laminated Caution/Warning Signs: I absolutely suggest to laminate three (3) caution/warning signs so your RRP instructors aren't burning through a bunch of copies that will rip each time they get used in class anyway.
Lead Dust Wipes: For demo purposes, I carry around an empty can of Lead Dust Wipes and use very cheap packs of baby wipes for Module # 6's Cleaning Verification Procedure hands-on activity. The EPD auditor I came across in Georgia complimented me on our company's ingenuity with saving money and still being in compliance.
Swiffer Mop: Impossible to travel with a traditional mop and bucket, a Swiffer Mop that can use both dry and wet disposable clothes is definitely the way to go. Very light and easily stored in the kit.
Measuring Tape: Go with two or three plastic measuring tapes each and every time to save yourself some much needed weight when traveling.
Extension Cord: Most non-permanent venues such as hotels or VFWs will have an extension cord and a power strip for your electronics, but there isn't a worse feeling in the world when they don't have one and you don't either, so always carry an extra extension cord just in case. You'll feel better!
Spray Bottle: A typical spray bottle is ultra-light and absolutely necessary during an RRP class to abide by the EPA's motto of "working wet," so don't hang yourself out to dry by forgetting one.
Utility Knives: The only way you can attempt to save weight with the 5-6 utility knives you need to carry in your kit for the first hands-on demonstration (testing for lead paint) is to go with the plastic ones, but these are kind of cheap and break easily in transit. I use 5-6 heavy duty (metal) utility knives and I still get my kit under 50 lbs, so I leave the choice to you!
Blocks of Wood: For the lead-testing hands-on activity in Module # 1, where you need to have students prepare a testing surface, go to your local hardware store and ask them for some scrap wood that you can cut into 10-12 equal pieces. Grab a small can of paint. When you teach enough classes and the blocks are looking pretty worn, you have the small can of paint to put on a fresh coat. In over two years and 150 RRP classes, I had to change the blocks of wood only one time!
Plastic Tubes w/ Caps: For one of the changes in the RRP Rule back in October 2011, EPA Certified Lead Renovators are now allowed to take paint-chip samples in some states. For this demonstration, you will need a couple paint scrapers and 2-3 plastic tubes w/caps, and these are very light in the grand scheme of things.
Consumable Supplies:
4 mil Poly: A fresh box of poly (plastic) will be the heaviest thing in your kit, so the easiest way to combat this is to bring just the right amount of plastic you will need for the containment hands-on activities in Module # 4, which I have measured out to be about 25% of a fresh box. These hands-on activities are required for compliance with the RRP training - showing how to set up containment and how to properly take it down - so DO NOT get caught without this essential consumable material.
Duct Tape and Painter's Tape: The next part of your consumable materials that you will go through relatively fast is the duct and painter's tape. Remember: Always have students put down a layer of blue painter's tape first, then have them duct tape the plastic (poly) to the blue painter's tape when necessary, to avoid any unnecessary damage and unhappy hotel staff! You want to be invited back to your non-permanent venues!
Caution Tape: Send a message to your students with how serious this lead business is by using bright yellow caution tape in your class, as it is essential to creating your perimeter!
Baby Wipes: See the above entry about Lead Dust Wipes.
Ultimately, if an RRP Training Provider uses enough discretion, ingenuity, and patience, an RRP kit can most definitely get below the 50 lbs. mark and be ready for the road. Of course, the above list only covers that which is needed for the actual hands-on kit - instructors will still need the Paperwork (sign-in sheet, exams, a sample Renovate Right pamphlet, etc) and have a shipment of consumable materials such as RRP manuals, LeadCheck testing kits, painter's suits, etc. delivered to each class, but this blog should get you started with putting together an RRP kit that is under 50 lbs. Happy teaching!
If you have any questions about the above information, or would like some advice on how to capitalize on the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and the mandated Lead Renovators course, give me a call at 1-800-355-1751 and I will be glad to assist you!
Gregory Jaskowiak is the Programs Manager at Green Education Services and has taught over 150 RRP classes and has certified over 1,300 students in the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule.