EMP Training

  •  Inspection Repair and Cleaning Practices (IRCs) require the use of safe work practices when renovating or maintaining pre-1978 rental housing and child care facilities.  It also created a standard of care for inspecting, cleaning and maintaining these buildings.

    Anyone working on buildings built before 1978 is at an increased risk for exposure to lead paint. While the majority of lead poisoning cases are children, it is possible for anyone to contract lead poisoning if proper work-safe practices are not practiced.  The Vermont Department of Health enforces the Essential Maintenance Practices Law (18 V.S.A. §1759).  

    To perform  IRCs, you must be IRC trained.  Once you have taken the training and passed the exam, you will receive a certificate number from the Vermont Department of Health which will allow you to perform IRCs.

    The Burlington Community Economic Development Office and the Vermont Department of Health offer in person and online IRC trainings. Depending on the trainer, fees may apply.

    Information covered in the classes includes:

    • The requirements of Vermont's lead paint law and related federal regulations
    • The health effects of lead in children and adults
    • Lead-safe work practices and maintenance procedures
    • Specialized cleaning techniques and equipment for removing lead-contaminated dust
    • Paint inspection procedures

    Please note these changes to EMPs after October 1, 2022: 

    “Essential Maintenance Practices” will be called “Inspection, Repair and Cleaning (IRC) Practices.” IRC Practices will be the same as EMPs, except for these differences: 

    If you are EMP certified, you will no longer be able to perform paint repair of 1 square foot or more per interior room or exterior surface on pre-1978 rental housing and child care facilities. Repairs of areas larger than this will need to be performed by someone who is licensed under the Vermont Renovation, Repair, Painting and Maintenance (RRPM) regulations.

    You will still be able to use your EMP certificate to perform EMPs (except for repairs) for 5 years from the date you took the EMP training. After that, you will need to take the new IRCs training to receive an updated certificate number. 

    Click here for IRC trainings.

    The Burlington Lead Program and Evergreen Environmental Health & Safety are happy to provide the following in-person IRC classes.  The classes will be held at Burlington City Hall in the Sharon Bushor Conference room.  For now we will be offering 2 classes per day.  The first class of the day will run from 1-4 and the second will be 5-8.  People who are interested in attending the class can register by emailing blp@burlingtonvt.gov or calling 802-865-5323(LEAD)

    Thursday November 16 @ 1-4 and 5-8

    Wednesday Dec 6 @ 1-4 and 5-8

     If you have questions about performing IRCs or the IRC trainings, Contact the Vermont Department of Health Asbestos and Lead Regulatory Program:empcompliance@vermont.gov