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U.S. EPA fines Las Vegas training center for violations of federal law

Release Date: 1/12/2005
Contact Information: Laura Gentile, 415/947-4227 ([email protected])

SAN FRANCISCO -- Last month the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined the United Carpenters and Joiners of America $4,200 for falsely claiming that its Las Vegas, Nev. training center had been certified by the EPA to teach carpenters how to safely remove lead-based paint.

The training center has already corrected the violations and is required to pay the fine by the end of January.

The EPA cited the center, 6801 Placid St., for claiming that its lead training program had been accredited by the EPA. The center trained 15 students, and issued certificates to three students, in how to handle lead-based paint materials. Facilities are required to obtain accreditation from the EPA before training workers how to handle lead-based paint materials.

"Exposure to lead-based paint is the most common source of lead poisoning in children," says Enrique Manzanilla, director of the cross media division for the EPA's Pacific Southwest office. "The EPA certifies training facilities to teach workers how to safely handle lead-based paint materials in a way that minimizes any risks to human health."

In 2001, the United Carpenters established the Las Vegas training center, which offers hands-on instruction for carpenter apprentices and training instructors. The center trains more than 500 students each month in carpentry and general construction activities.

Lead poisoning can retard mental and physical development in young children.

The civil complaint is based on an inspection conducted by the EPA's Pacific Southwest Office. For a listing of all of the EPA-accredited lead-based paint removal companies in Las Vegas, go to https://www.epa.gov/region09/toxic/lead/leadfirms112904.pdf