Lead Safety Laws in Ohio: What Property Owners and Tenants Need to Know

Lead has been a common component in many products found in and around our homes, particularly in homes built before 1978, which often contain lead-based paint. The harmful effects of lead exposure, especially to young children, have prompted significant legislation and regulations aimed at reducing and mitigating lead hazards. In Ohio, both state and federal laws govern lead safety in residential properties to protect tenants, homeowners, and families.

Ohio’s Lead-Safe Residential Rental Unit Registry

In Ohio, property owners and agents can register their rental units on the Lead-Safe Residential Rental Unit Registry to certify that they have met lead safety standards. To gain this certification, owners must document that the units are lead-safe, in compliance with the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC), specifically OAC OAC3701-81. This registry serves as an important tool for identifying properties that have been inspected and verified to be free of lead hazards, providing tenants with peace of mind.

Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Regulations

1. OAC 3701-30: Lead Screening and Assessment This regulation focuses on lead screening and risk assessments in residential properties. It mandates that property owners, particularly in rental units, perform lead screenings and assessments if their building was built before 1978.

   
   

2. OAC 3701-32: Lead Hazard Abatement This code outlines the process and guidelines for removing lead hazards from residential properties. Lead hazard abatement must be conducted by certified professionals, ensuring that the property is safe for habitation.

   
   

3. OAC 3701-81: Lead-Safe Residential Rental Unit Registry This regulation establishes the requirements for owners to register rental units as lead-safe. The registry is a crucial part of Ohio's effort to ensure that rental homes are safe for tenants, particularly young children who are at high risk for lead poisoning.

   
   

4. OAC 3701-82: Lead Training Programs; Environmental Lead Analytical Laboratories Ohio law requires that individuals working with lead, such as contractors and inspectors, be properly trained and certified. This regulation also governs the operation of laboratories that test for lead contamination in residential properties.

   
   

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Regulations

• ORC 3742: Lead Abatement

  This law focuses on lead abatement within Ohio, detailing the process for the removal and remediation of lead hazards. It mandates that all lead abatement projects must be completed by certified lead professionals and must adhere to state standards.

  
  

Federal Lead Regulations

In addition to Ohio state laws, several federal agencies enforce lead safety laws that affect Ohio residents:

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA enforces lead regulations through its Lead Abatement, Inspection, and Risk Assessment Program, which sets the standards for lead removal and testing in residential properties. The EPA also oversees the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (RRP), which impacts contractors performing work in homes built before 1978.

  
  

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA enforces Standard 1926.62, which governs lead safety regulations for construction workers. This includes guidelines for handling lead during demolition, renovation, and construction to prevent worker exposure.

  
  

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD enforces lead regulations, particularly in properties with federal funding. HUD’s guidelines are critical for property owners who receive financial assistance for housing and need to ensure their units meet lead safety standards.

  
  

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act regulates the use of lead in products, including those found in residential environments. This law has helped limit lead exposure through consumer goods, protecting children from lead hazards in toys, furniture, and other household items.

  
  

Conclusion

Lead safety is a critical concern for Ohio property owners, tenants, and communities. Understanding and complying with both Ohio state regulations and federal laws is key to ensuring that homes remain lead-free and safe for families, especially for young children who are most vulnerable to lead exposure.

If you are a property owner, it is essential to familiarize yourself with these regulations, perform the necessary lead abatement procedures, and take advantage of programs such as the Lead-Safe Residential Rental Unit Registry to protect your tenants and meet legal requirements.

For more information on Ohio’s lead regulations or to schedule an inspection, contact the Ohio Department of Health or consult with a certified lead professional.