Sampling Technician

About

Sampling technicians conduct \"visual risk assessments\" to determine the presence of deteriorated paint or other potential sources of lead-based paint hazards in a residential dwelling or child-occupied facility. They may also conduct clearance testing after interim controls, paint stabilization, or standards treatments pursuant to HUD regulations. Technicians provide a written report explaining the results of the assessment to the person requesting the assessment.

Code Citation Code of Iowa, Chapter 135.105A

Who Applies Any individual who conducts visual risk assessment in target housing or child-occupied facilities. Any individual who conducts clearance testing after interim controls, paint stabilization, or standards treatments pursuant to HUD regulations.

When To Apply Before visual assessment or clearance testing begins.

Initial Requirements Applicants must meet one of the following criteria 1) Associate\'s degree 2) High school diploma and one year of related experience (e.g., lead, environmental health, public health, housing inspection, building trades). 3) Certification as an industrial hygienist, professional engineer, registered architect, registered sanitarian, registered environmental health specialist, or registered nurse. Specific Required Training Program: Applicants must complete an Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) approved training program. To be approved for the training of visual risk assessors, a course must be at least 20 instructional training hours with a minimum of four hours devoted to hands-on activities and shall cover at least the following subjects (requirements ending in an asterisk (*) indicate areas that require hands-on activities as an integral component of the course): a. Role and responsibilities of a visual risk assessor. b. Background information on lead and its adverse health effects, how children and adults are exposed to lead, and how to prevent lead exposure in them. c. Background information on federal, state, and local regulations and guidance that pertains to lead-based paint and lead-based activities. d. Methods of conducting visual risk assessments.* e. Paint, dust, and soil sampling methodologies.* f. Clearance standards and testing, including random sampling.* g. Interpretation of lead-based paint and other lead sampling results, including all applicable federal, state, and local guidance or regulations pertaining to lead-based paint hazards.* h. Development of hazard control options, the role of interim controls, and operations and maintenance activities to reduce lead-based paint hazards.* i. Preparation of the final inspection report. j. Record keeping. k. The course shall conclude with a course test and, if applicable, a hands-on skills assessment. The student must achieve a score of at least 80 percent on the examination and successfully complete the hands-on skills assessment to successfully complete the course. l. The instructor shall provide each student with instructions and forms needed to apply to the department for certification and information provided by the department regarding the state certification examination.

Duration 3-years.

Processing Time Two weeks.

Fee Structure Application: $180 Renewal: $180 Exam: None

Renewal Requirements Applicants must complete an IDPH approved 8-hour refresher course every three years. The refresher course shall cover at least the following subjects: a. A review of the curriculum topics of the initial certification course for the appropriate discipline as listed in subrules 70.4(3) to 70.4(8). b. An overview of current safety practices relating to lead-based paint activities in general, as well as specific information pertaining to the appropriate discipline. c. Current laws and regulations relating to lead-based paint activities in general, as well as specific information pertaining to the appropriate discipline. d. Current technologies relating to lead-based paint activities in general, as well as specific information pertaining to the appropriate discipline. e. The course shall conclude with a course test and, if applicable, a hands-on skill assessment. The student must achieve a score of at least 80 percent on the examination and successfully complete the application for renewal.

Exam No examination is required at this time.

Additional Information Any individual who conducts visual risk assessment in target housing or child-occupied facilities. Any individual who conducts clearance testing after interim controls, paint stabilization, or standards treatments pursuant to HUD regulations.