Andersen Windows recently kicked off a nationwide program to make training for the EPA Lead, Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule easier to come by, and more affordable.
“We had been following this rule for a while and when EPA said they were going to step it up, we knew we had to make it easy for our customers and for consumers in general,” says Stacy Einck, Andersen brand communications manager. “We’re a big company and we have a big reach around the U.S., so we feel it’s absolutely appropriate for us to pave the way.”
Einck and her colleague Susan Roeder, manager of corporate affairs, say Andersen supports the RRP rule due to its focus on health and safety. “We hope that everyone sees the benefits of this rule, as it has long-term health implications, and we hope everyone takes advantage of the training,” Roeder says. “For a lot of jobs where windows are involved, it’s very likely that the contractor will be disturbing lead paint if it has been used in those structures. Our motivation for these classes is to make it as simple as possible for contractors and remodelers to access the classes.”
A link on Andersen’s website takes interested remodelers to the class registration page, where they can search the schedule by ZIP code for training in their area. Einck says as of mid-May nearly 300 classes were already on the calendar. Accommodating 30 to 100 contractors per class, more than 4,600 contractors were already registered. The classes include a standard RRP curriculum taught by EPA-approved trainers from the Connor Institute. The Andersen classes cost just $175. Attendees will receive their certificate of completion at the end of the class, as well as a $100 rebate toward Andersen products.
Einck and Roeder say Andersen is continually adding new classes to its calendar, and that the training program does not currently have an end-date stet. “We’re pushing the classes now, and really want to get the word out about their availability,” Einck says. “So far it’s very successful, and we’ll continue to evaluate the program going forward.”
