Certified contractors
Not sure which certification you need? See RRP vs. lead abatement below.
| Name | Type of certification | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Berry Insulation | RRP | 216-621-6289 |
| De'Angelo Gainer | Lead abatement contractor + RRP | 216-255-1422 |
Always ask to see a contractor's certification before you hire. Being on this list is not an endorsement or a guarantee of their work.
Know somebody who should be on this list?
If you're a certified contractor, or you've worked with one you'd recommend, let us know. We'll check their certification and reach out.
RRP vs. lead abatement contractor
Lead work in Ohio is done by two kinds of certified contractors. Which one you need depends on the fix you choose for each hazard in your report. (See long-term vs. short-term fixes.)
| RRP contractor | Lead abatement contractor | |
|---|---|---|
| Certified by | U.S. EPA (Renovation, Repair & Painting) | Ohio Department of Health |
| Can do | Short-term fixes: paint film stabilization, treating friction and impact surfaces, lead-safe cleaning | Long-term fixes (permanent abatement), plus short-term fixes |
| Good fit when | You want the lower-cost repair that gets you certified | You want the lead gone or sealed off for 20+ years |
Not sure which applies? Ask your assessor before you hire anyone. Getting it wrong can mean the work doesn't count.
Checking a certification
- RRP: look up the firm on the EPA certified firm search, or call 1-800-424-5323.
- Lead abatement: contact the Ohio Department of Health lead licensing program at 614-466-1450.
Questions to ask before you hire
- "Have you done Lead Safe Certificate work in Cleveland before?" Someone who has will know what passes a clearance exam.
- "Will you clean up to pass clearance?" Most failed clearance exams come from dust left behind. Ask whether a re-clean is included if the property fails.
- "Here's my hazard list and photos. Can you quote these items?" Give every contractor the same list so the quotes are comparable.
Warning signs
Lead-safe work means plastic sheeting, keeping people out of the work area, and careful cleanup. Stop the job and call your assessor if you see:
- Dry sanding, or power sanding and grinding without a special vacuum attached
- Burning or heat-gunning paint at high heat
- No plastic on the floor or over doorways
- Paint chips and dust left around the property, or cleanup with a regular shop vac or broom
Doing the work yourself
If you rent the property out, federal rules generally require you to take the 8-hour EPA RRP course before doing short-term fixes yourself, even on your own building. The course is often offered free in Cleveland. Ask the Lead Safe Resource Center at 833-601-5323 about upcoming classes. Long-term abatement work generally has to be done by a licensed abatement contractor.
After the work is done
Book a clearance exam with a licensed lead risk assessor. See reading your clearance report for what to expect.