Certified lead Inspector/Risk Assessors (IRA) perform a surface-by-surface inspection of a building/structure to determine the presence of lead-based paint.   If lead-based paint is present, an on-site investigation will be conducted to determine the nature, severity and location of lead-based paint hazards. As a result of the inspection and risk assessment a report is provided which explains the results of the investigation and options for reducing lead-based paint hazards. These individuals must be employed by a NJ Department of Community Affairs certified lead Evaluation Contractor.

Legal Authority

N.J.S.A. 26:2Q and N.J.A.C. 8:62

Qualifications

Age:  18 years or older;

Education and Experience:  Applicants must attend a 40 hour training course approved by the Department of Health (DOH). Please refer to the list of "Certified Training Providers" for more information on where these courses are given.

Following are some additional education and experience requirements:

All applicants for an IRA permit must have one (1) year of experience in a related field (for example, asbestos, lead, environmental remediation work, or construction-related health and safety inspections), and one (1) of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree and one additional year of experience in a related field
   
• Certification as a sanitary inspector-grade 1, health officer, an industrial hygienist, an engineer, a registered architect, or an environmentally-related scientific experience in a related field
   
• A high school diploma (or equivalent), and at least two additional years of experience in a related field

Examination 

IRA applicants must pass a written third party examination administered under the approval of the DOH.

Application and Fees

Application:    A written application [pdf 45k] must be submitted to the DOH on a form approved by the DOH.  All applications must include documentation which provides proof of qualifications, proof of passing the third party examination, a passport-sized color photo meeting the requirements indicated on the application and certified check or money order in the amount of the application fee (below). 

Application Fee:  $150

Length of Permit

The permit is valid for two years. 

Renewing a Permit

An application for renewal of a permit shall be submitted during the 90 calendar day period prior to or after the permit’s expiration date. The DOH shall renew a permit if the renewal applicant has:

• Completed a written application [pdf 45k] to renew the permit within 90 days prior to or after the expiration of the previously issued PPD permit.
  
  
• Provided evidence of refresher training [pdf 14k]
   
• Paid all penalties lawfully imposed on the applicant
   
• Provided a certified check or money order in the amount of the application fee (see above) 

Note: The DOH will treat an application for renewal as a firsttime application if the applicant's previous IRA permit has been expired for more than 90 days

Reciprocity

Application for Reciprocal Lead Permit [pdf 45k]- Applicants who have been trained and permitted outside of New Jersey must provide proof of a currently valid certification with another state which has received US Environmental Protection Agency authorization to administer and enforce a state lead certification and training program under Title IV of the Toxic Substances Control Act.