Free Lead-Safe Training July 18 For Qualifying Kane County Contractors
The Kane County Healthy Places Coalition is offering free lead-safe training on July 18 in an effort to help local businesses and improve public safety.
Lead poisoning is the most common environmental illness affecting children. Illinois has higher rates of childhood lead poisoning than any other state in the United States.
According to the 2010 Illinois Lead Program and Healthy Homes Annual Surveillance Report, Kane County has the fourth-highest county rate of childhood lead poisoning in the state. At the time of the report, nearly 1,500 children in Kane were known to have elevated blood lead levels.
Because of those hard facts, contractors and renovators that work on homes, schools or day-care centers built before 1978, are required to complete an EPA Accredited Lead-Safe Training to continue working legally. To make that process easy and affordable, the Health Places Coalition is offering free training to contractors, renovators, painters, window installers maintenance staff, electricians HVAC specialists, plumbers, floor finishers and other profesionals.
To quality for the free training, you must work or live near Kane County, be at least 18 years of age, and be available for one day. You must understand and read English, and be able to show a state photo ID for proof of residence for EPA.
Why Take The Training?
It’s to any business’ or worker’s advantage to take this training.
First and foremost, it will ensure children’s safety. It will also help your business prevent lawsuits or lose work. It will enhance your business’ reputation and protect yourself, your workers, your customers and your own children from serious health risks. Even minute amounts of dust from renovation, repairs and painting can cause irreversible brain damage to adults, children, and pets, but effects may not be noticed immediately.
It’s also important to know that the EPA may fine you up to $37,500 per day / per violation, or limit your legal right to advertise if you do not take this training.
By taking the training, you can attract new customers by posting your business’ name on the EPA website as a Lead-Safe Certified Renovation Firm.
About the Training
The program is free if you qualify, but there are a limited number of free spots, per the EPA grant.
You can call 312-491-0081 to register.
The training will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, in the auditorium of the Kane County Government Complex Building A, 719 S. Batavia Ave. Geneva.
All training is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 Office in Chicago. Public Health & Safety, Inc. is accredited to teach Lead Renovator Initial & Refresher Classes by USA EPA and Illinois DPH.
About the Healthy Places Coalition
Who we are:
The Kane County Health Places Coalition is formed by participants from diverse aspects of the community, including the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Kane County Health Department, municipal governments, hospitals, fire departments, community advocacy groups, non-profits, private corporations, and many others.
What we do:
The focus of Coalition efforts is based upon a combination of two factors.
- Health issues within the community for which available data demonstrates a need;
- Health issues which coalition members identify as a concern of interest.
Why?
The mission of the Kane County Healthy Places Coalition is to engage all interested community members in assessing interest and issues for improving overall community health.
