WASHINGTON - The NPCA recently launched a program of lead-safety training sessions for remodeling, repair and painting activities with a seminar in Boston. Plans for programs in Albany, NY, and Baltimore were to be announced in the near future.

The NPCA said coatings manufacturers are encouraged to inform their contractor customers and other interested parties about the training sessions, which will be offered at different locations nationwide over the next four years. The sessions are part of the Lead Warnings and Education and Training Programs Agreement of the NPCA and a group of state attorneys general involving potential hazards from old lead-based paint.

The free training sessions are being conducted by the NPCA's training contractor, MasiMax Environmental Health & Safety Services, which is working to schedule sessions in several states.

To register for the sessions call MasiMax at 866/232.5419, or visit the website located at http://leadsafetraining.org. Information also is available from the NPCA's Steve Sides, phone 202/462.6272, e-mail ssides@paint.org.