Understanding the New Lead-Based Paint Regulation.

During the past year, we've heard a lot about the new lead-based paint regulation, "Requirements for Notification, Evaluation and Reduction of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Federally Owned Residential Property and Housing Receiving Federal Assistance," which was published in the Sept. 15, 1999, Federal Register. Based on scientific research which found that the most common way young children are lead poisoned is by exposure to lead in dust--the requirements will affect approximately 2.8 million homing units during their first five years, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates.

But now that Sections 1012 and 1013 of the Residential Lead-Based Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 took effect on Sept. 15, 2000, do we fully understand what it takes to be compliant?

This regulation mandates, among other things, that owners of federally assisted homing provide training approved by HUD for anyone who performs repairs. The National Apartment Association took initiative and, in partnership with HUD, formed Train-the-Trainer: Lead-Safe Work Practices with Patrick Connor, president of CONNOR Environmental Services & Engineering Assessments, who developed and presents the course. Although the program is designed to provide training for trainers, it is a great resource for anyone in the multifamily housing industry. It has already been presented in a number of cities, including Chicago; Raleigh, N.C.; East Brunswick, N.J.; Philadelphia; and Phoenix, and it has been receiving rave reviews from attendees.

Because this issue is vital to the multifamily housing industry, we've dedicated the cover of the October issue of Units to the new lead regulation what it requires, who's affected and how the NAA course can help you attain compliance. In "Lead-Safe Work Practices" beginning on page 22, we've outlined the 10 major points that Sections 1012 and 1013 cover, detailed the course's objectives and talked with past attendees. I urge you to read the article and see what your colleagues have to say about this complex issue.

Other articles you'll find useful in this issue include, "Monitoring Electronic Communication in the Workplace", "Live or Taped?" and "Maintaining Fair Housing in an e-World".

Since such technology as the Internet, e-mail and voicemail is becoming commonplace in offices across the industry, you'll want to read "Monitoring Electronic Communication in the Workplace" by D. Albert Brannen, Esq. He discusses technology in workplace--how it's used, how it can be abused and what employers need to know in monitoring its use by employees.

Technology may not only impact your employees' productivity, according to Doug Chasick it can also affect your fair housing policies and procedures. Chasick talks about the areas of fair housing that can be affected by technology and offers suggestions that can help you ensure fair housing practices in "Maintaining Fair Housing in an e-World."

If the media has ever interviewed you or one of your property managers you know how essential it is to ensure that your message isn't misconstrued by reporters or the editing process. Although you can't control what the media will broadcast or publish, Al Rothstein of Media Services, Inc., gives you some advice about whether to give live interviews or taped ones that could help you ensure your message's integrity in "Taped or Live?"

This is just some of the valuable information you'll find in this issue of Units and I encourage you to read it. I think you'll find the articles to be interesting and the information within them to be useful.

Units welcomes your comments on this article. Please email [e-mail]; fax to 703/518-619; or write Units, 201 N. Union St., #200, Alexandria, VA 22314.