Litigation-I Win, You Lose vs. Mediation-Win/Win

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  Litigation is a zero-sum game.  It destroys relationships and fosters enmity between the parties.  Parties rarely walk away happy.  Even if they win, the expense of litigation is enormous, and collecting on judgments is difficult. Disputes ultimately resolve, but the focus on winning at any cost can lead to prolonged legal battles.  Living with a lawsuit causes ongoing stress, which can distract you from your business and even have an effect on your health. In a courtroom, the final decision lies with a judge or jury who may not fully grasp the complexities of the case. Parties relinquish control over the outcome, potentially leaving them dissatisfied with the final judgment. Mediation has the opposite effect.   Rather than polarizing people, it enables the parties to attack the issues and not each other.     The process promotes open communication, collaboration and problem-solving, which enables parties to actively participate in crafting ...

Key Differences Between the RRP Rule and the New Massachusetts Lead Law


454 CMR 22.00: Deleading and Lead-Safe Renovation Regulations 

The good news for MA contractors is that the new lead law is well-written, and very similar to the RRP Rule.  The law bridges the gap between renovation work, deleading and OSHA regulations. Since most of my readers do renovation work or new construction, I am going to set aside the rules regarding deleading.  So, what do MA contractors need to know to stay in compliance with the state law?  

First of all, if you have trained as a Certified Renovator through a training accredited by the EPA, you are automatically a Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor in MA.  The two certifications are equivalent.

If you have already applied and received certification as a Certified Firm with the EPA, then you need to apply for a waiver to be listed as a certified firm in MA.  You can access the waiver form, 

Lead-Safe Renovation Contractor Licensing Waiver here.


If you have not already applied to become certified with the EPA, you will need to apply to be certified with the state.  The fee is $375.00.  The form is available here:  

Lead-Safe Renovator Contractor 


Here are the requirements for the Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor:

(4) Responsibilities of Certified Lead-Safe Renovator-Supervisors or Licensed Deleader-Supervisors at Renovation Worksites. The Supervisor assigned to the Renovation Project in accordance with 454 CMR 22.03(4) and 454 CMR 22.11(3)(f) shall:

(a) Carry out, or sufficiently oversee workers in the performance of, the work practices specified by 454 CMR 22.11(9) to ensure compliance with the same.

(b) Provide on-the-job training to workers in the work practices they will be using in performing their assigned tasks.

(c) Be physically present at the work site and in control of the work at all times when Renovation Work is in progress.

(d) In the absence of testing carried out by a Licensed Inspector or Risk Assessor, use a Recognized Test Kit to determine the presence of lead on components that would be affected or disturbed during Renovation Work or assume that all components that would be disturbed by the Renovation Work contain or are covered by paint or other materials containing Dangerous Levels of Lead.

(e) Perform the visual clearance and cleaning verification required by 454 CMR 22.11(9)(h).

So, the first key difference to note is that the Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor must be on site at all times that the Renovation Work is in progress.  This means that until the cleaning verification process is complete, each project must have a Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor at the premises.

More to follow...





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